Private homebuilders purchase lots at Rainier Vista and begin building homes for sale 

SEATTLE—July 18, 2005—Four private homebuilders have purchased lots at Rainier Vista to offer homes for sale to the public according to strict design guidelines established by SHA. The new homes will fit into the existing neighborhood, while offering more variety in both design and price structure.

According to Stephen Antupit, who manages the homes-for-sale program for SHA, local builders have been very enthusiastic about purchasing lots.

Martha Rose Construction is the first private homebuilder to break ground at Rainier Vista. Martha Rose’s Built Green collection consists of 13 three- and four-bedroom town homes. Martha Rose has earned a reputation as a leader in the Green Building movement and her town homes at Rainier Vista will take “green” living to a new level as each home will be certified at the four-star level and will earn the prestigious EnergySTAR designation.

Martha Rose Construction has already begun building at Rainier Vista.

Bennett-Sherman, who is already building homes at Othello Station, has now created plans for four-plus bedroom homes at Rainier Vista. Like their homes at Othello Station, these homes are spacious, with two-car garages, extra storage underneath and two levels of living spaces. They are also planning two and three-plus bedroom row homes at Rainier Vista. Each home is designed with an emphasis on architecture and the quality, energy efficiency and clean air of Built Green standards.
 

Urban Innovations, LLC, an affiliate of The Dwelling Company, is building eight single-family, two- and three-bedroom bungalows designed specifically for city life. From the street they will have the exterior of older Seattle homes, but the interiors will be more modern and have very flexible floor plans.

The fourth private homebuilder, Travelers Development, has purchased lots to build a collection of three-bedroom town homes.

Homes for sale are already being built at Rainier Vista.

They are also planning 33 three-bedroom row homes with modern interiors.

By selling lots to private home developers, SHA expects to experience higher returns on the sale of the land. Proceeds from the land sales will help to fund other aspects of the Rainier Vista development program, including the construction of low-income housing, new infrastructure, parks and other community facilities and public services.

Strict design guidelines, adopted by SHA in consultation with close neighbors, will control how the houses look when completed. Agreements between SHA and the builders will also control the mix of affordable homes and homes targeted at higher price points. The goal is to provide a mix of both designs and prices.

For additional background on the homes-for-sale program, click here.