A year in review always depends on the lens through which we look back. Some people see the glass half empty, others half full. Both tellings matter—and, in truth, they inform one another. Too Pollyanna and we describe what we wish were true. Too negative and we risk becoming an Eeyore.
So consider this newsletter our bowl of porridge—not too hot, not too cold—just an honest reflection on the past year in housing, community, and the road ahead.
If we had to distill this year into three themes, they would be: going east, uncertainty, and gratitude.
Gratitude, First and Always
First—and most importantly—we are reminded every day how grateful we are for the people we work for.
Whenever anyone will listen, we say this: our contribution to the communities we build is only a fraction of what makes them great places to live. It’s the people who move into the homes. The neighbors who walk their dogs, check in on one another, and teach their kids to ride bikes in quiet alleys. You might say we can only set the table for a long and rich feast—and we are deeply appreciative of every person who has chosen to take a seat.
This year’s Tour Home in Fairview Addition was a highlight. A special thank you to Betty and Brandon, whose home was filled with creativity and joy—from locally sourced Zena hardwood floors to a compact ADU thoughtfully designed for visiting nurses.
We are also grateful to everyone who moved into one of our custom homes in 2025:
- • Claudia
- • Ingrid
- • Julie, John, Jacob & Naomi
- • Dedraann & Matthew
- • Tom & Lucy
- • Erik & Lori
- • Andrew & Alicia
- • Jennifer
- • Brette & David
- • Ray & Lela
To all those we have built for—and are building for—thank you.
Going East
This year marked meaningful progress on the eastern edges of our communities.
At Edwards Addition, Phase 10 is underway with 17 lots framed by wetlands, a linear park, and walking paths. Four homes are currently in design and construction—each entirely custom, each reflecting the personality of its owners. From family homes to multigenerational living to one that’s already earned the nickname the magic tower, these are true forever homes.
We’re also excited to share that Neighborhood Commercial is coming to Edwards Addition. Plans have been submitted to the City of Monmouth, including the future home of Prismatic Coffee as a neighborhood gathering place. (For now, they’re offering a preview with their weekend coffee cart—an award-winning taste of what’s to come.)
Back in Fairview Addition, Phase 5 includes 27 lots, with nearly half already spoken for. Our cottage cluster—the Bard Cottages—is nearing completion, with two of the four homes already claimed. This phase also sets the stage for the long-anticipated amphitheater: a covered multi-purpose structure, seating for small concerts, and green space designed simply to linger and belong.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the work we do beyond our neighborhoods. We know that community isn’t always found within our developments. Sometimes it’s next to an aging parent. Sometimes it’s on a quiet farm overlooking the Willamette Valley. Sometimes it’s right where you already live—among neighbors you know well—but in a home that simply needs to evolve.
This past year, we’ve had the privilege of doing all of those. And we look forward to continuing to help make that version of home—and community—a reality for the people we work with.
Uncertainty (the cooler porridge)
We would be remiss not to acknowledge the uncertainty many are feeling. Buyers tell us that interest rates, tariffs, and political polarization are making decisions more difficult. We hear that—and we understand it.
And yet, one thing does not seem uncertain: the value of community.
As a company, we are committed to navigating these challenges with care and clarity, while remaining deeply confident that where you live matters. We will continue doing the hard work required to make the dream of living in our communities (or elsewhere) possible.
So perhaps the porridge really is just about right after all.
With gratitude,
—The Olsen Communities Team
