Our History
When founding brothers, Doug and Tony Chrisman, first acquired a HUD Section 8 property in their rural hometown, they did not yet realize that preservation and production of affordable multifamily rental housing would become the cornerstone of their budding development and management company. In an industry largely focused on urban housing needs, the Chrismans concentrated their work in rural areas such as Northeast Oregon, where the company was founded and is headquartered today. Despite the challenges that accompany development and construction in remote settings, they knew that a lack of affordable housing results in profound and long-term damage to the vitality of rural communities, its families, and culture.
As their experience and portfolio grew, the partners determined that a dedicated management company was needed to oversee the operations of the properties, and Viridian Management, Inc. was formed. Today, Viridian Management has grown exponentially, managing thousands of affordable housing units across the Pacific Northwest. With Viridian at the helm of property operations, the development team expanded, building a diverse team to support growth and movement into new areas of Western United States. Though Tony Chrisman retired in 2018, the principles established by the co-founders remain rooted in the company's values today.
What We Do
Our primary focus is preserving and renewing the affordability of federally subsidized affordable housing projects in need of renovation and that are at risk of conversion to market-rate rents. Today, we are proud to be recognized as a leader in the preservation of Oregon USDA Rural Development properties and to do our part to help fill the critical gap in housing this nation faces.
We recognize our responsibilities as a housing provider and design each project with the long-term health of the property, its residents, and the community in mind. Our team sees each project through the entire development process, from concept to completion, and engages the management company to ensure that our commitment to promote equity in these communities is fulfilled through the provision of resident services, outreach to historically underserved populations, and prioritized engagement of certified Minority-owned, Woman-owned, or Emerging Small Businesses (MWESB). We are also conscientious in project design, and seek to reduce the environmental impacts and residential cost-burden by employing energy-efficiency measures and on-site renewable energy where possible, while ensuring that the buildings are durable and safe for decades to come.
Whether developing a new construction project or rehabilitating an existing property, we have built our reputation on efficient and cost-conscious development practices. As the housing crisis continues to jeopardize the livability of communities throughout the United States, we remain dedicated to increasing the production and preservation of equitable, affordable housing to help meet demand and protect the livelihood and culture of our rural communities.
Who We Are - Our Culture and Values
Our headquarters are located in a remote corner of Northeast Oregon, treasured for its beautiful, diverse landscapes, outdoor recreation, and a culture centered in community, family, and healthy work-life balance. These are the reasons that we’ve chosen to live here, and these ideals are reflected in our operations.
CDI’s values are central to our culture; they guide our decisions and the way we conduct business. We act with integrity, honesty, and respect. We are accountable for our actions and assume responsibility for our performance. We are committed to the development of opportunities for our residents, communities, and employees.
At the core of CDI’s success is a team of individuals with different backgrounds and unique skills but a shared focus and mission that thrive in our work culture of integrity, mentorship, and growth opportunity. We strive to provide an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected, and we understand that diversity creates effective and high-performing teams.
We recognize that social and economic justice issues have historically affected, and continue to affect, the prospects of health and economic well-being for many groups and individuals. We believe that every community, and our organization, will thrive when built on a foundation of equity, inclusiveness, and diversity. We strive to promote equity in housing opportunities, within our organization, and in our operational practices and partnerships.
Partners
We’re proud of our achievements, but we couldn’t do it alone. Every successful project requires hard work and the full commitment of a myriad of teams in the affordable housing arena. Over the years, we’ve developed a network of trusted partners that we rely on to help us meet our housing goals.
With decades of construction experience and many years spent constructing and renovating affordable multifamily housing as CDI’s Construction Manager, Brad Chase began AB Chase Construction LLC to help meet the demand for general contractors in the Western United States that understand the specific requirements and processes of affordable housing development.
The team at Fleet Development uses their extensive experience in the multifamily housing arena to develop no-cost entry rooftop and community solar projects for affordable housing properties and has partnered with CDI to work towards a shared goal to convert our portfolio to renewable energy.
Inner Pacific Advantage is an asset management company specializing in the acquisition, management, and disposition of affordable multifamily housing properties which represent future preservation and investment opportunities.
A full-service property management company specializing in affordable multifamily rental housing, Viridian Management leverages its expertise in the complex regulatory environment of the affordable multifamily housing industry, and progressive vision, conservative fiscal practices, and smart use of technology to operate properties to our high standard.