Battle Ground’s Wolf Industries Expands with Affordable Cottage Communities in Vancouver

Photo byCade Barker

Wolf Industries, a tiny-home manufacturer based in Battle Ground, Washington, is expanding its business model by offering rental opportunities through its newly developed cottage communities in Clark County. The company’s innovative approach is providing much-needed affordable housing options as the region continues to grow.

A Step Towards Affordable Housing Solutions

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) highlighted the significance of this initiative during its annual manufacturing tour on October 2. AWB President and CEO Kris Johnson emphasized the importance of tiny homes as part of the solution to Clark County’s projected growth, which expects to add 75,000 new residents by 2030. "We’re going to need a whole bunch of new housing," Johnson said, acknowledging Wolf Industries' role in addressing the demand for diverse and affordable housing options.

A Unique Cottage Community in Vancouver

Derek Huegel, who co-owns Wolf Industries with his brother Travis, has launched a cottage living project in Vancouver's Ogden neighborhood. The community features 16 one- and two-bedroom units on a 1.5-acre site, making it the first of its kind in the city. Huegel noted that the development aims to attract a range of residents, including senior couples looking to downsize and young professionals in need of affordable housing.

The rental prices for the units start at $1,550 per month, providing a reasonably priced alternative to traditional apartments or homes. The Huegel brothers were able to bring their vision to life by utilizing Vancouver’s cottage housing code, which was updated in 2021. Their factory-based production line in Battle Ground allowed them to build efficiently and quickly, adapting the manufacturing process to support their new rental community concept.

Innovative Manufacturing Meets Community Needs

Derek Huegel explained their shift from manufacturing to rentals: “We have a production line up in Battle Ground, and we build homes going down a factory line. My brother and I said, ‘Hey, why don’t we apply this for a rental opportunity?’” This forward-thinking approach, combined with favorable local zoning codes, enabled the launch of Vancouver’s first cottage community within the city limits.

Wolf Industries' development is a promising example of how tiny homes can be scaled to provide affordable living solutions as the demand for diverse housing options rises in Clark County.