About

Colas Construction (COLAS) is a family-owned and operated General Contractor based in Portland, Oregon. Founder, Hermann Colas, Jr., came to the U.S. with his American dream from Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, served six years in the U.S. military, and excelled as a distinguished scholar double majoring in math and engineering before graduating with honors from Portland State University. The opportunity to contribute one s precision and merit established the foundation of COLAS over twenty-five years ago when he began rebuilding communities in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on supporting trade partners and diversification for the construction sector. In the early days, Hermann self-financed project developments with significant risk to ensure equitable access to inviting living spaces; soon, he was constructing residential homes and large-scale affordable housing complexes. Today, COLAS specializes in commercial real estate and public-serving developments of scopes ranging from Affordable and Market-rate Housing, Civic, Education, and Healthcare, whether new construction, Tenant Improvements, or Renovations. The success of COLAS is the direct result of perseverance in facing adversity as a 100% Black-owned firm. By upholding their founder s ideals, the 2nd generation continues to provide exemplary construction, unparalleled business acumen, and grit backing their mission to build legacies and strengthen communities.