SEATTLE—December 21, 2009—Seattle Housing Authority will celebrate the completion of South Shore Court by hosting an open house on January 14 from 2 – 4 p.m. Formerly known as the Douglas Apartments, the complex is located in the Rainier Beach neighborhood of South Seattle, at 4811 South Henderson St.
The rehabilitation was made possible through partnerships with the City of Seattle, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Washington State Housing Trust Fund and Enterprise Community Investments. South Shore Court has been completely rehabilitated. The entire project cost including acquisition is approximately $11.1 million.
The Douglas Apartments was once a complex of four badly run-down buildings that had become a blight in the neighborhood. It has now come back to life as a showpiece for the benefits of redevelopment. The apartments have been transformed from a dilapidated, crime-ridden liability to a neighborhood asset that makes safe, sanitary, secure housing available to low-income and homeless individuals and families.
The complex was purchased by Seattle Housing Authority in February 2007. Relocation of the tenants living in the complex at the time of purchase was undertaken in spring 2007 and completed over the next year. Residents received relocation assistance, often with the opportunity to return when the renovation was complete. Construction began about a year ago.
Before purchasing the property in February 2007, there were more than 60 code violations reported to the City. Between January 2005 and March 2006, Seattle police were called to the property a total of 312 times for disturbances ranging from assaults and domestic violence to drug possession and auto theft.
South Shore Court has been rehabilitated top to bottom, both cosmetically and structurally. Every one of its 44 apartments—39 one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, and one three bedroom unit --was gutted and rebuilt. Two of the one-bedroom and one of the two-bedroom units are completely accessible.
The buildings have new roofs, new siding, new windows, and a new heating system. In an effort to enhance energy efficiency, a shared laundry room and two housing units make use of water preheated by a solar water heater. The re-hab also included new landscaping, a repaved parking lot and children’s play area. All cabinets and appliances are new, and every unit has a dishwasher.
The open house event is planned for January 14, 2010 from 2 – 4 pm at 4811 S. Henderson St., Seattle. Light refreshments will be served. Please contact Shurvon Wright at (206) 722-1214 for further information.