State awards $9.7 million for workforce housing in Seattle
Funds will support redevelopment of former Sand Point Naval Station barracks
OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced a $9.7 million award to Mercy Housing Northwest to convert a historic Seattle property into 128 units of affordable housing. Building 9, a remnant of the Sand Point Naval Station once located at Warren G. Magnuson Park, will be redeveloped into 128 units designed primarily for families, but will also target veterans and disabled individuals. In addition to housing, residents will receive services to help with education and employment.
Through a partnership with Sea Mar Community Health Clinic, the site will also include a full service health clinic that will serve the surrounding community.
“This is a unique opportunity to redevelop and preserve historic assets while meeting some of our affordable housing need,” said Brian Bonlender, Director, Department of Commerce. “We’re extremely pleased that this project was so well received by the local community. They are very excited to see it get underway.”
The announcement comes as Commerce concludes a competitive application and review process in which three proposals were submitted. Commerce worked extensively with residents of the Magnuson Park neighborhood and surrounding communities prior to soliciting proposals and making an award in order to ensure local priorities were considered.
“The location is ideal for families—good schools, near to many job opportunities and all of the amenities of Magnuson Park,” said Bill Rumpf, President of Mercy Housing Northwest. “We look forward to working with our design team, SeaMar, and community members to preserve and put that significant building back into active use.”
The funding from Commerce was provided by the 2013 state Legislature. The project will be financed by multiple partners and is expected to cost around $60 million when completed in 2018.