Cottage Village Co-op
About the Project
Cottage Village is a collaborative effort between SquareOne Villages and the Cottage Village Coalition (CVC), a coalition of community members and housing advocates in Cottage Grove, to create this permanent, affordable tiny house community. The project focuses on developing 1.2 acres of land at 1430 E. Madison Ave., which previously included a 4-bedroom house and a 1,400 sq. ft. shop building.
Zoned for medium density residential use, the site accommodated up to 13 additional dwelling units, bringing vital housing solutions to very low-income residents. As a co-operative housing model, residents will actively participate in governance and operations, enhancing community engagement and stability. Each household will own a financial share in the co-op through funds set aside from their monthly rental payments.
Each resident/co-op member has a vote in the co-op’s governance through a Village Council and pays a monthly carrying charge (rent) to cover maintenance costs and reserve funds. Housing co-ops have a proven track record for providing low-risk housing that is affordable to low- and moderate-income households.
Cottage Village will serve residents with very low incomes (under 50% area median income) that are currently unable to access affordable housing. This includes a number of different types of people in the local community, such as veterans, seniors, single parents, and more. These people may be currently couch surfing, living out of a vehicle or tent, or at a high risk of being evicted from their current housing. CVC conducted an application and interview process that ensured all residents meet our Membership Selection Criteria and accept the Community Agreements.
The first permanently affordable tiny home co-op in a rural community, organized by grassroots coalition members in Cottage Grove dedicated to sustainable housing solutions.
Project Data
Location: 1428 E. Madison Ave, Cottage Grove, OR
Type: Leasehold Co-op
Number of Units: 13
Lot Size: 1.1 acres
Density: 11.1 units/acre
Unit Mix: (13) Studios
Status: Open since 2020
Permanently Affordable for: 50% area median income or under
Village Design & Sustainability
Cottage Village consists of 13 permanent tiny homes. Each 192-288 square-foot house includes sleeping and living areas, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom. Multiple units are designed for ADA and to accommodate small families with a large sleeping loft or a separated space for a small bedroom. The individual homes are supported by a community gathering area, kitchen, and laundry. Homes are arranged along walking pathways adjacent to swatches of communial green space. Each unit features a front porch for personalization.
The tiny home designs allow for simpler modular construction techniques without compromising quality or durability, and thereby enable construction using cost-effective sweat equity from prospective residents and community volunteers.
