Brownfields: Success Stories
Brownfields sites are properties that were once used for industrial purposes, but need to be cleaned up before they can once again support businesses and create jobs. Reclaiming lost properties and reutilizing them for the benefit of the community and the economy results in some truly amazing success stories. It’s a solid investment. For every $1 the state has spent to clean up Brownfields sites, it has generated $12 in local and state tax revenues, $14 in payroll value, and $64 in business revenue.
The following are just a few of the many projects that the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund has been involved with in recent years.
Success Stories with Local Impact
Rainier Court III
Historically, the “Rainier Court III” site in South Seattle has been used for industrial use, paint storage, vehicle maintenance and salvage and illegal garbage dumping. Using over $472,102 in Brownfields Revolving Loan Funds (BRLF), South East Effective Development (SEED) cleaned up the hazardous materials on the project site. The third phase of the reclamation project, Columbia Gardens at Rainier Court, added 70 new units for low-income seniors. The project employed 150 people and cost $13 million.
For more information, read the Brownfields Rainier Court III Report (PDF).
Village Cove
From 1931 to 1977 the site of the Village Cove project was a laundry and dry cleaning business that had underground tanks for its fuel oil and cleaning solvents. The Village Cove project includes community space on the first floor and 28 housing units on the upper floors for seniors. The facility cost nearly $15.1 million and generated 106 construction jobs.
For more information, read the Brownfields Village Cove Report (PDF).
The Claremont
The Claremont is a mixed-use development with retail, office, and rental apartments. It meets green building and energy standards. It has a roof garden. The Claremont offers 58 mixed-income rental units with 10 townhouses. The first floor provides approximately 6,000 square feet of retail and commercial space. The site served as a former gas station and auto garage for nearly 40 years and then became a Chubby & Tubby.
For more information, read the Brownfields Claremont Report (PDF).
Palouse Producers
The City of Palouse is using $276,520 from the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Program to clean up contaminants and physical hazards, and prepare this site for redevelopment. The site will become attractive for a range of potential commercial uses and/or for senior housing. Not only is the site on the banks of the Palouse River, but it is next to the newly renovated Palouse Health Clinic.
For more information, read the Brownfields Palouse Producers Fact Sheet (PDF).
More Success Stories
Brownfields Links
Contact
Bridget Paris, Program Manager
Email: bridget.paris@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-870-9288