Mark Beirwagen, Michael’s brother, is the president of Shelter Solutions, Portland’s premier ADU builder based in Oregon City. Mark also owns Stone Creek Building, a Portland custom and luxury homebuilder company. “Shelter Solutions is Portland’s thought leader on ADUs. We have built over 250 since the company started 26 years ago,” recalled Mark. In the custom home market, Mark notes, “About three out of four of our projects have some form of multigenerational living.” Lisa Ward, a Portland-based client, contracted Shelter Solutions to build a detached ADU in her backyard for her aging parents, moving them out of a nearby retirement community. “It was a fun, easy process for us,” Lisa said. “Having my parents only steps away is perfect for everyone.” Multigenerational Living Options The National Association of REALTORS® recently released “The Trend of Multi- Generational Living.” According to the report, among buyers purchasing a home with a multigenerational component, 25% bought them to care for aging parents, while 21% were using them for children over 18 moving back home. This trend took root during The ADU was a definite plus for Calabrese’s COVID-19 but, due to rising housing costs, is $4 million listing, as there are few legal not winding down. ones in the area. The 700-square-foot About three out of “cottage” boasts a full bedroom, bath, four of our projects “The last 40 ADUs we built were for parents,” living room, and kitchenette. “Prospective Mark confirmed. “When building an ADU for buyers were interested in the ADU as have some form of Mom, the average price was about $275,000 possibilities were pretty endless, from a multigenerational living.” compared to an average of $200,000 often pool house—if you added the pool that Mark Beirwagen, for adult children,” he added. had been approved—to au pair quarters, President of in-law living, and long-term guest Shelter Solutions Luxury homes with existing ADUs have a accommodations.” The new owners chose competitive advantage among buyers in to use it as an office, Calabrese explained. Greenwich, Connecticut. Susan Calabrese, Above: a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices ADUs offer a variety of living options. The Timby ADU designed by New England Properties REALTOR® in “We are seeing people who very much Shelter Solutions. Old Greenwich, sells luxury properties want this possibility. Older blended throughout this high-priced ZIP code. “I families find that an ADU is an option for Top Right: sold a home where an ADU was built on housing siblings to provide privacy for The Montgomery ADU with 481 the property when the main house was all,” Calabrese added. Another reason livable square feet. constructed in 2006. The intended purpose younger high-earning families like ADUs is Bottom Right: was for the grown son to live in it while he was that they offer a competitive edge when The kitchen space of Shelter between college and work,” said Calabrese. hiring live-in nannies. Solutions’ Shambry ADU. 4