Submitted photo

Built as part of the Harney Homes Project to help address Harney County’s housing shortage, this speculative home can be toured during an open house on Aug. 5 and 6.

The first collaborative speculative home to be built in the Harney County community is almost complete.

The home is part of the Harney Homes Project, which was conceived during problem-solving conversations that occurred during Community Revitalization Team (CRT) meetings during the past three years. The CRT is the outreach and community input arm of Harney County Economic Development.

No single entity was able to build this first home alone. The concept that “everyone gives a little” was employed to make this project a success.

The project got off the ground when the city of Hines’ common council voted to donate a residential lot and extend water and sewer services.

Additionally, input was gathered from local real estate professionals and builders to develop a plan that would be suitable for the area and market.

The CRT Housing Committee met during the past year to pull all the partners and required processes together to build a middle-income, single-family home.

The Housing Committee expressed gratitude for all the partners who helped make this first home a reality. Among those involved include: CRT members, the city of Hines, the city of Burns, Harney County, Harney County Economic Development, Kaino Construction, Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative, Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation, Morrow Development Corporation Revolving Loan Fund, Blackburn Real Estate, Paramore Real Estate, and Rimrock Investments.

“We have a significant housing shortage in Harney County, and the Harney Homes Project is a unique way to begin tackling the issue,” Harney County Judge Pete Runnels said. “This innovative concept and project are the result of collaborative efforts, and all of the involved parties are to be congratulated!”

“Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this important project,” Harney County Economic Development Director Greg Smith said. “This project would not have happened without the conversations, ideas, and just plain hard work of all of these community members and organizations.”

Hines City Administrator Kirby Letham added that, “The city of Hines is proud to be a leader in this cooperative project, bringing more middle-income homes to Harney County.”

The public is welcome to attend the open house, which will be Friday, Aug. 5, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. The home is located at 244 S. Saginaw in Hines. If you would like to view the property, but are unable to attend the open house, contact your local real estate agent for a showing.

The house will be sold via online auction. Additional information will be available at the open house.

To learn more about the Harney Homes Project, contact Greg Smith at 541-573-1638 or harneycountyedc@gmail.com.