SEATTLE—September 23, 2008—With the help of a $10,486,839 HOPE VI grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Seattle Housing Authority will build 103 new housing units in the Lake City neighborhood, just north of NE 125th St, between 33rd and 35th Ave NE.

The draft development plan calls for building the new housing on the southern portion of this 1.9-acre site. Formerly the site was referred to as Lake City House and Village. The Village consisted of 16 townhouse units that became uninhabitable after persistent flooding from the nearby Little Brook Creek. These units were demolished in 2002, and the Housing Authority has been seeking funding to redevelop the site since that time.

In addition to Seattle Housing Authority, King County Housing Authority and Bremerton Housing Authority also received HOPE VI grants, bringing Washington State's total to $50.5 million, more than half of the HOPE VI grant funding awarded nationwide.

Making the announcement of the grant award, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said, "These grants mean that more Washington State residents will be able to move out of run-down public housing and move into safe, diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees HUD, I have been proud to work with them to continue to fund these critical grants."

The plan is noteworthy in that it will add 51 units of low-income housing - more than three times the number that were demolished. The project will also add 35 tax-credit rentals for residents with incomes at 60 percent of the area median income or below. Seattle Housing will also explore a partnership with a land trust organization to add five affordable homes for sale, as well as 12 market rate homes for sale.

A small community center will be constructed on the western edge of the site, with space planned for a medical-dental clinic and a computer lab. East-west pedestrian paths will be added between the existing Lake City House and the southern portion of the site.

Planning activities for the project will continue in the coming months, with construction expected to begin in 2010.