The Santiago Columbia Village at 845 E. Diagonal Road in Hermiston hopes to offer nearly 200 affordable homes.

HERMISTON — Affordable housing is taking root at the Santiago Columbia Village in Hermiston.

Some 20 homes have been built, two of which are in escrow. However, the plan is for nearly 200 in the community at 845 Diagonal Road.

Tandra Grace, vice president of sales for Santiago Communities, attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 3, where he addressed plans for additional homes.

“Going forward,” he said, “if we’re able to sell the remaining 18 houses, we’ll put up the next 17 houses, then sell those and do another 17 houses, something to that effect.”

Grace estimated the houses would sell for around $190,000, With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including appliances and plans for community amenities, the hope for the development is to create a family oriented space.

One of the ways Santiago Columbia Village will satisfy the family centric environment is with the additions of a swimming pool, large clubhouse for children and a community room for events.

“As long as we can keep selling, we’ll keep developing the community,” Grace said. “It’s going to be very nice when it’s all finished.”

With access to these amenities, as well as cheaper prices and smaller yard sizes, Grace said the homes at Santiago are great for first-time homebuyers.

Clayton Homebuilding Group sales manager Jim Johanson, who worked with Marlette Homes of Hermiston on construction, said the new housing community could serve as a city asset while providing business to his company.

“It’s great for our business; we love local. It’s always great to be able to sell your product locally,” he said. “A lot of our team members have access to homes at this price point. The community just really needs more affordable housing than what’s currently in Hermiston; it’s been tough everywhere.”

Grace said as with 20 homes sold, investment opportunities could be explored to build more homes and get closer to the 200-house goal.

According to Johanson, the plan is to have the second phase of homes ready for showing as the ones built during the first phase begin to sell out.

The development’s price range and amenities give local first-time homebuyers opportunities to become homeowners for a lower price and help encourage further construction of similarly-priced homes.

“We’re just very grateful to be in this community and for everything to come together,” Grace said, “and be able to offer affordable housing to the Hermiston residents.”