SEATTLE—October 11, 2008—New townhomes in the southern portion of High Point have been coming on line steadily since June. A total of 72 new rental units are now available, and an additional 66 will be completed in November.
On August 1, Cynthia Clouser moved into her new three-bedroom townhome near Holly Street and 31st Ave SW. The townhome, one of three in a row, is painted tan with white trim, and it sits on a little hill. Beautiful mature trees add to the nearby landscape, including a very old mulberry tree and a spectacular sycamore just a few yards away.
Clouser and her family—a son, a daughter and a granddaughter—lived in High Point for three years before its recent redevelopment. Seattle Housing Authority relocated them to Yesler Terrace about five years ago, and they lived in three different apartments at Yesler before coming back to High Point.
Although ill health has kept her from working for some time, Clouser has abundant energy and a clear sense of community. "I want to get involved with the High Point Neighborhood Association," she said. "And I can't wait to volunteer for activities at the new Neighborhood House that's going up nearby."
Asked what she liked best about her new High Point home, Clouser thought for a moment and said, "It's much cleaner...and there are a lot fewer sirens and police activity." She is clearly excited about being back at High Point. "As for my family, we feel blessed and fortunate to be able to live here at High Point. It's beautiful. It is diverse, and that's important to us. And we feel safe."
Phase II at High Point also includes the Sylvan-Morgan arterial. The recently reopened street features traffic calming elements, new sidewalks, trees, landscaping and street lighting.
The rental housing in High Point's second phase is being constructed by Absher Construction Company. Construction is progressing from the south to the north, with all 256 rental units expected to be competed by April 2009.
Cynthia Shick, development project coordinator, is optimistic about meeting this target. "We have been looking for every possible way to keep the project moving forward and to turn out the new rental units on time, while assuring that our quality standards are maintained."