Farmdale

Farmdale is an innovative farmworker housing development in Woodburn, Oregon. A replacement for a 1970s Rural Development complex, Farmdale seamlessly blends into the surrounding residential fabric by breaking up the massing to resemble a series of gabled homes. To break down the scale even further and embrace the context of the neighborhood, vibrant colors of the exterior mirror the warmth of a family neighborhood. Farmdale fosters a sense of community and connection, offering expansive outdoor spaces that include playing fields, gardens, and playgrounds.

Interior spaces are organized to stimulate spontaneous meetings between neighbors, whether it is by encouraging the use of the open stair or by treating the mailroom or laundry facilities as true communal functions. The two-story community room functions as the heart of the project, providing multi-use purpose for many occasions.

At MG2, designing for community means creating spaces that respond to the needs and voices of the people who will use them. It requires deep engagement focused on actively listening to resident priorities coupled with a commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and long-term functionality. The community engagement session with Farmdale residents was held in both Spanish and English and focused on capturing community priorities and encouraged residents to vote on various programmatic elements.