Developed for Columbia Cascade Housing Corporation, in partnership with CASA of Oregon, this 24-unit farmworker housing community received LEED Platinum certification for its commitment to sustainability, resident well-being, and thoughtful design. Spread across 10 buildings, the development includes a mix of townhouse and flat-style residences with two-, three-, and four-bedroom floor plans. Community input played an important role in shaping the project. Public meetings with local residents and intended occupants helped identify practical needs, resulting in amenities such as a boot-washing station to remove dirt and potential agricultural chemicals before entering the homes. Each residence also includes exterior storage for boots, clothing, and tools. Additional amenities include a clubhouse with kitchen and computer room, community garden, and playground. Designed with flexibility, privacy, and accessibility in mind, all units feature open-concept living spaces and private outdoor areas. Ground-floor kitchens and bathrooms incorporate adaptable design features, while three units provide full accessibility. A variety of building configurations were developed by combining repeatable floor plans in different ways, creating visual variety while maintaining construction efficiency and cost effectiveness. Standardized kitchen layouts within each unit size further streamlined the design and construction process. As Lead Designer and Project Architect with Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate guided the project from Schematic Design through Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 24/56 Completion: 2017 Project Valuation: $4.2 Million Funding Source: USDA Rural Development
Certification: LEED Platinum

Set among towering fir trees, this rural housing development brings together renovated single-family homes and thoughtfully designed multi-family residences to create a cohesive residential community. The project involved the renovation of two existing three-bedroom homes and a six-unit, two-bedroom apartment complex, along with the design and construction of a new eight-unit apartment building. Together, the development provides 28 bedrooms across 16 rental units. The new building includes six one-bedroom and two two-bedroom apartments, along with a skylit common laundry facility featuring an outdoor terrace and a shared computer lab serving both apartment buildings. Two of the new apartments were designed for accessibility and include private outdoor spaces. These shared amenities and thoughtfully planned residences support both individual comfort and a sense of community. Funded through USDA Rural Development and the Washington State Department of Commerce, the project demonstrates a practical approach to expanding affordable rural housing while making effective use of existing buildings and site resources. As Project Architect for Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate was involved from initial Schematic Design through Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 16/28 Completion: 2010 Project Valuation: $1.2 Million Funding Source: USDA Rural Development

Nestled within an established single-family neighborhood, Cascade Meadows Senior Apartments provides 12 one-bedroom residences designed to support comfortable, accessible, and independent senior living. Surrounded by mature Douglas firs and framed by views of the Cascade Mountain Range, the development blends naturally into its residential setting while offering thoughtfully designed homes. Each apartment is designed for adaptability—one fully accessible unit—with roll-in showers, spacious kitchens, covered entries, and private patios. A townhouse-style two-bedroom manager’s residence includes an attached shared community room, kitchen, and laundry facility, providing opportunities for resident connection and everyday convenience. Designed to meet Earth Advantage program requirements, the project emphasizes energy efficiency, comfort, and long-term sustainability. Funding was provided through Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. As Project Architect with Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate contributed from initial Schematic Design and was solely responsible for the project from Design Development through Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 12/12 Completion: 2012 Project Valuation: $2 Million Funding Source: US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Set within a picturesque wooded landscape, Carson Springs Apartments is an eight-unit affordable housing development designed to reflect the character and heritage of its rural surroundings. The project includes six two-bedroom townhouses and two two-bedroom flats, one fully accessible. Each residence features generous interior and exterior storage, covered entries, and private patios, providing comfortable and functional living spaces. Heavy-timber covered porches and exterior stairs pay homage to Carson’s historic timber industry, while a common laundry facility, basketball court, and community garden foster convenience and community connection. Funded through USDA Rural Development, the project demonstrates a thoughtful approach to affordable housing that balances practical needs, accessibility, and a strong sense of place. As Project Architect with Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate contributed from initial Schematic Design through project completion and was solely responsible during Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 8/16 Completion: 2014 Project Valuation: $1.3 Million Funding Source: LIHTC

Located in beautiful St. George, Utah, Riverwalk Village overlooks the Virgin River and the expansive landscape of the Colorado Plateau. This 55-unit mixed-income development combines 42 affordable tax-credit residences with 13 market-rate units, offering a mix of one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom flats and townhomes. The project provides much-needed affordable family housing in southwest Utah while creating a residential community designed to support a diverse range of households. Residential units feature open-concept living spaces, in-unit laundry, and generous storage. A variety of outdoor amenities, including a playground, pet area, community garden, and convenient access to an extensive regional trail network, encourage recreation and connection to the surrounding landscape. The development also places a strong emphasis on resident services and community support. Interior amenities include a large community room, computer lab, activity lounges, management office, and dedicated on-site case management and support offices serving individuals transitioning out of homelessness, including veterans. Operated by the local nonprofit Switchpoint, an organization focused on ending homelessness in the region, Riverwalk Village combines quality residential design with supportive services to help residents build stability and independence. The project received Enterprise Green Communities Certification, recognizing its commitment to sustainable, healthy, and resource-efficient affordable housing. As Project Architect for Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate guided the project from initial Schematic Design and was solely responsible from Design Development through Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 55/122 Completion: 2020
Project Valuation: $8.5 Million Funding Source: LIHTC, various 
Certification: Enterprise Green Communities

Located in the thriving desert community of St. George, Utah, the Village at Heritage Court is a 56-unit residential development designed to address the growing need for quality senior housing in the region. Offering a thoughtfully planned mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, the community combines comfortable residential living with amenities that encourage social connection, wellness, and an active lifestyle. Residents enjoy an extensive range of shared amenities, including a community room with kitchen, movie theater, library, computer room, fitness center, community garden, and a walled courtyard featuring a water element. Additional outdoor amenities, such as covered parking, pickleball courts and a dedicated pet exercise area, further promote recreation, engagement, and a sense of community. Designed with an emphasis on livability, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, the Village at Heritage Court provides a welcoming residential environment tailored to the needs and interests of older adults. The project achieved Enterprise Green Communities certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable building practices and healthier living environments. Completed in 2013, the Village at Heritage Court represents a thoughtful approach to senior housing, balancing residential comfort, community-oriented amenities, and sustainable design. As Project Architect with Architect of Record, GEN Architects, CJ Shumate contributed from initial Schematic Design through project completion and was solely responsible during Construction Administration. Unit/Bed Count: 56/69 Completion: 2013 Project Valuation: $5.1 Million Funding Source: LIHTC, HUD HOME

Located along Vancouver Avenue in the rapidly growing neighborhood of North Portland, Coho Commons is a proposed six-story mixed-use residential development designed to contribute to the area's evolving urban fabric. The project will introduce 42 market-rate residences, offering a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments designed to balance functionality, comfort, and contemporary aesthetics. Two commercial tenant spaces at street level will establish an active frontage along Vancouver Avenue. Complemented by protective steel canopies and a generous sidewalk, these storefronts will enhance pedestrian comfort, encourage street-level activity, and strengthen the connection between the building and the surrounding neighborhood. The development incorporates a ground-floor parking garage with automated parking for 17 vehicles and one accessible stall, providing a total of 18 vehicle spaces. Secure, long-term bicycle parking for 71 bicycles, along with a dedicated repair station, further supports alternative transportation and active mobility. The architectural design features a carefully articulated façade composed of brick and recessed metal panels. Natural wood accents introduce warmth and visual contrast, creating unexpected moments of distinction while visually connecting the various façade elements. The interplay of materials, textures, and depth gives the building a distinctive architectural character and a cohesive street presence. Inside, the residences are thoughtfully designed with full kitchens, in-unit laundry, private balconies, and clever space-planning solutions that maximize everyday functionality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. The uppermost floor features two generously proportioned three-bedroom residences, each with expanded kitchen and living areas and spacious primary suites. Adding an exclusive outdoor dimension, each residence includes a private stairway leading to an individual rooftop deck, surrounded by eco-roofing that integrates planted roof areas into the building's design. Through its combination of thoughtfully designed housing, active ground-floor commercial spaces, distinctive material expression, Coho Commons seeks to contribute to the continued vitality of North Portland while establishing a contemporary architectural presence along North Vancouver Avenue. As Lead Architect for Architect of Record, BAMA Architecture and Design, CJ Shumate provided design leadership and project coordination throughout the development process, from initial Schematic Design to building permit submittal. Unit/Bed Count: 42/56 Completion: n/a
Project Valuation: withheld Funding Source: private investment