SEATTLE — December 27, 2010 — Seattle Housing Authority received news last week that its application to Seattle’s Office of Housing for funding to make repairs at four senior housing sites has been approved.
The City will funnel $3 million into repairs at four Seattle Senior Housing Program buildings—Olmsted Manor near Green Lake, Bitter Lake Manor in North Seattle, Blakely Manor near the University of Washington and Nelson Manor in Ballard. The $3 million in capital funding will be matched from Seattle Housing Authority's reserves for the program.
"Our Senior Housing portfolio is in need of significant capital repairs," noted Executive Director Tom Tierney. "This funding will make it possible for us to bring these four buildings back up to the standard that our seniors deserve."
Substantial repairs in all four buildings are aimed at extending their useful life, correcting problems of aging and water intrusion and improving their energy efficiency. As part of the Seattle Senior Housing Program, these buildings were constructed in the mid-1980s as a result of a $50 million bond issue (Seattle’s first voter-supported housing levy) that created nearly a thousand units of housing for seniors in neighborhoods in 23 buildings across the city.
All four buildings will receive new exterior surface systems with rain screen technology in order to increase their ability to keep out Northwest moisture. Related sheet metal and flashing work will also be performed, and new windows will be installed. The exteriors of the buildings will be painted, and outdoor light fixtures will be replaced with energy efficient (LED) fixtures. The entry doors of the buildings will be replaced, and roofs will be patched as needed. Interior repairs will include drywall patching, painting, and the installation of new window sills and blinds. Elevators will be upgraded and new smoke detectors that also detect carbon monoxide will be installed.
In addition to the installation of new windows, energy upgrades may include insulation, new kitchen and bath lighting, and new bath fans.
The funding is made available through the 2009 Housing Levy capital funds. Along with the $3 million to Seattle Housing Authority, the Office of Housing is providing an additional $20 million to other housing developers to support the preservation or development of affordable multifamily rental housing.
Willis House and Reunion House, also part of the Seattle Senior Housing Program, received money from the City’s Office of Housing in 2010. Repairs on those buildings were completed recently.
The project will likely go out to bid early in 2011, with the start of construction to follow later in the year.