Colas Construction

Happy Birthday to our Founder, Hermann Colas Jr.!

Join us in wishing him a joyful birthday and another momentous year ahead.

At last week’s Top Out for West 6th Apartments, we climbed six stories up to take in the view. It was a fitting reflection of the way you lead, patient and steadfast, with perseverance and deep family values at the foundation.

From all of us, thank you for leading with expertise and passion. Your legacy continues to inspire our team as we strengthen the communities we serve.

He built with his words.

Perseverance shapes the future long before it arrives.

A Kids Book About Construction now sits inside the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, in Atlanta, where Dr. King was born and raised, a reminder that learning creates access, nurtures imagination, and opens doors that once felt out of reach.

Progress is sustained when we give, listen, and lift others as we move forward.

Honoring Dr. King means continuing the work through education, representation, and building pathways for the next generation.

Wow, this is special. Shared by our Founder, Hermann Colas Jr., whose hands are proudly holding Vol. 41, No. 37 of the Portland Business Journal. A meaningful moment that reflects the journey, the people, and the standards behind our work at COLAS.

From our project sites in OR and WA, this recognition reflects the standard we hold ourselves to every day. COLAS is honored to be recognized by local CEOs as one of the region’s Most Admired Companies.

Congratulations to each company recognized. It's an honor to be included among organizations making a lasting impact.

Happy Mother’s Day!

With appreciation for our Mamas, we honor you 💐

Milestone after milestone, we’re proud to steward each step forward, and celebrate the work and collaboration of this team effort!

H/t to our Amity Orchards team behind the largest project in the City of Beaverton with 164 homes in a brand new neighborhood next door to Mountainside High School.

Eric, our Project Manager shares: Excited to announce that the third and final building at Amity Orchards has been signed off by the City of Beaverton, marking a major milestone for this affordable housing development in the South Cooper Mountain area!

The project brings 164 new homes across three buildings, including 80 senior housing units and 84 family units offering spacious two- and three-bedroom layouts.

Designed to serve households earning less than 70% of the Area Median Income (AMI), Amity Orchards offers more than just housing — residents will enjoy a central community room, laundry facilities, a fitness center, public park access, and more.

This project aligns with and contributes to Beaverton’s South Cooper Mountain Community Plan, advancing goals in transportation, housing, infrastructure, Main Street development, parks, and bike/pedestrian connectivity.

Thanks to our incredible partners:
The Wishcamper Companies, Inc.
Otak

“The Williams & Russell Project will restore a legacy, driving economic growth and serving as a catalyst for lasting empowerment,” said Andrew Colas, President of Colas Construction. “COLAS is honored to steward this vision into reality—building a landmark that uplifts our community, honors our history, and paves the way for future generations.”

As we move from plans to progress, Colas Construction is proud to be part of this historic moment—where healing meets action in the form of , , and with affordable homes, apartments, and a world-class Black Business Hub.

The COLAS Team celebrates this achievement alongside our project partners, Adre, PCRI, Portland Housing Center, LEVER Architecture, and many more!

Learn more: https://www.williamsrussellcdc.org/

Our work in the education sector reflects our commitment to building resilient and inspiring spaces for learning. The Albina Head Start Owen Blank Center is back to serving families after a transformative renovation by the COLAS Team!

This project, a 13,000 SF, one-story facility originally built in 1961, included a seismic retrofit and a new roof beneath solar panels that provide over 70% of the building's annual energy. We made significant improvements to with a new deck and patio and the classrooms, improving both structural integrity and functionality. Upgrades to the HVAC and lighting systems further enhance energy efficiency and comfort, while interior renovations optimize space across the classrooms, offices, kitchen, and gymnasium.

We’re proud to support Albina Head Start’s mission by revitalizing this vital community resource for generations to come. In 2014, Albina Head Start recognized Portland attorney Owen D. Blank by naming the building in his honor for over 20 years of pro bono legal and business support, bolstering financial stability for AHS to continue serving thousands of children across Portland.

View more of this project at COLASCONSTRUCTION.COM

Yesterday, we enjoyed honoring Dr. King and his life’s work at the annual Keep Alive the Dream event by the World Art Foundation.

Congratulations to Hermann Colas, Jr., COLAS founder, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions. Hundreds of community members, from elders to youth, generations gathered to enjoy moving performances, inspirational speeches, and a lovely brunch in celebration of MLK Day.

We tip our hats and applaud each of the Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients, Johnell Bell, Sharon Gary-Smith, Bernie Foster, Tony Hopson, and John Washington. Our appreciation to each of the speakers, performers, and the team, staff, and volunteers working behind the scenes.