Seattle Mayor Harrell Announces $9 Million Award to LIHI for Senior Housing

Rendering by Runberg Architecture Group

On February 8th Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the City of Seattle Office of Housing investments in affordable housing for the 2023 Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), totaling $66.7 million for the construction of 443 affordable rental homes and 114 future affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the city. Included in the awards was $9 Million for LIHI's project at 12241-12245 Aurora Ave N., which will feature 90 apartments for seniors. The architect for the project is Runberg Architecture Group. As an interim use the site is currently occupied by LIHI's Friendship Heights Tiny House Village and was formerly the site of the Black Angus Restaurant and Motel.

LIHI ED Sharon Lee said, “Seattle desperately needs more senior housing. The timely awarding of funds from Mayor Harrell and the Office of Housing enabled LIHI to leverage state Housing Trust Fund, housing credits and HUD funds to construct 90 apartments for low-income and formerly homeless seniors in North Seattle. We hope to break ground this year. The Friendship Heights Tiny House Village that currently occupies the site at 125th and Aurora Ave. N. will be moved to another location.” 

Additional funding for the project includes $5 million from the state Housing Trust Fund and 9% tax credits from Washington State Housing Finance Commission. LIHI received a HUD 202 Senior Housing award that provides rental assistance for 90 units. This will ensure long term affordability as seniors will pay 30% of their income for rent. Senator Murray included $3 million in the HUD budget.

Construction will start before the end of the year. Senior housing is Phase 1. Phase 2 will be family housing located to the north. LIHI purchased land initially with an acquisition bridge loan from Seattle Office of Housing. 

Read the Office of Housing Announcement

LIHI Housing Deveopment Team: John Torrence, Victoria Chow and Johnny Wheeler

Volunteer Impacts

A Fast Pace at Jean Darsie Place!

An enormous thank you to the volunteers who rallied to transform Jean Darsie Place! Whether you lent a helping hand for a few hours or dedicated every day, your contributions surpassed all expectations, turning what seemed like an insurmountable task into a remarkable achievement. With just a few finishing touches left, Jean Darsie is poised to open its doors in less than a month, providing a sanctuary for those transitioning from homelessness.

A heartfelt shout-out to the incredible support from volunteers from Tzu Chi.  Tzu Chi Foundation is a global charity and humanitarian organization since 1966 whose mission is to serve one and all in the spirit of one global family. Combining humanitarian aid with a spiritual ministry, Tzu Chi spreads the universal value of compassion and fosters putting it into action through giving and social service.

LIHI also thanks volunteers from Microsoft and many of our regular, tireless volunteers who generously gave their time on multiple occasions. With 52 units facilitating the transition for individuals from state Right-of-Ways, Jean Darsie Place stands as a beacon of hope for housing justice, just as Jean Darsie did.

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