Colas Construction, Inc.

About Us

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.