The Rainier Vista redevelopment, in the heart of Rainier Valley, was originally built in the 1940s as war housing. Seattle Housing began to transform the worn out structures during 2002 into a neighborhood with a mix of low-income, moderate-income and market-rate housing to better meet residents' needs. As of June 2006, all of the rental housing in the first phase of the redevelopment is occupied and work has begun on redeveloping the second phase.

Rainier Vista in the 1940s

When both phases are complete, Rainier Vista will include approximately 850 units of on-site housing for these income levels:

• 250 public housing units for very low-income people,

• 59 units for very low-income people,

• 117 units for low-income renters,

• 22 units for very low-income people with disabilities,

• 78 units for very low-income elderly, and

• 250 to 350 new homes and condominiums for sale will serve the needs of first-time homebuyers and others seeking new in-city homes.

More than housing

The new Rainier Vista includes more than housing. The plan includes parks and community gardens, community space to house social services, and retail and community facilities close to a Sound Transit LINK Light Rail Station.

In addition, 71 units of very low-income off-site housing will be provided as part of the Rainier Vista redevelopment.

Public housing rentals in the first phase of Rainier Vista

Relocation

When the Rainier Vista HOPE VI application was submitted in May 1999, there were 471 households at Rainier Vista. These residents participated in relocation planning and counseling beginning in the summer of 2000. One-on-one counseling with residents was completed in April 2001 in order to help them obtain housing and inform them about their relocation rights. Relocation of the first phase of Rainier Vista was completed in May 2002 and the second phase in November 2005.
 

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