Location
Eugene, OR
Size
40,559 SF
Type
Multi-Family
Units
54
Team

Landscape Architecture & Land Use:
Schirmer Consulting

Civil Engineering:
KPFF

Structural Engineering:
Stability Engineering

Site Electrical:
Paradigm Engineering

Contractor:
Essex General Construction

River Road Housing

River Road Housing is an affordable housing community designed for Laurel Hill Center, providing safe, dignified homes for seniors in Eugene. Laurel Hill Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals living with serious mental illness increase their self-reliance and live fully in the community through comprehensive behavioral health, housing, and support services. The 40,559-square-foot development thoughtfully balances private living spaces with shared amenities that support wellness, independence, and social connection.
The project includes 54 one-bedroom apartments distributed across five buildings: four three-story residential buildings and a two-story commons building. Each home is designed to receive air and daylight from at least two directions and includes a private balcony overlooking a shared interior courtyard, reinforcing a strong connection between residents and the community landscape.
The commons building features a welcoming façade and houses offices, a warming kitchen, gathering spaces, storage, and laundry facilities. A private courtyard provides a protected outdoor environment for residents, and includes a pavilion, vegetable gardens, landscaped lawns, rain gardens, and a designated pet area. These amenities create opportunities for everyday interaction, quiet reflection, and engagement with nature, while easy access to transit, bike paths and amenities, a bicycle barn and parking ratio of less than one space per unit support alternative transportation and reduced site impact.

Trauma-informed design principles guided decisions throughout the project, prioritizing clear wayfinding, a sense of safety, access to nature, and spaces that foster autonomy and comfort. The buildings are designed to accommodate future rooftop solar panels, supporting long-term sustainability and operational resilience.

River Road Housing reflects Aligned Architecture’s commitment to creating equitable, compassionate housing solutions. Places where thoughtful design supports health, community, and long-term stability for vulnerable populations.