The six-story 95-unit apartment complex is intended to house Native Americans and is on track to being complete by 2027 after the city sold the site for $1.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — As Vancouver sees steady population growth year over year, work has officially begun on the first affordable housing project designed to bridge the gap between the brand-new Waterfront and Esther Short Park, deemed the “Waterfront Gateway.”
When construction is complete, the building will be six stories tall and hold 95 units, ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms — all to be permanent affordable housing.
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in downtown Vancouver Wednesday.
“People will see that we have a variety of housing — not just single-family, not just high-rise apartments — but we have the opportunity for affordability,” Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said.
McEnerny-Ogle added that the city owned the site across from city hall and sold it for $1.
“That was a huge donation to the cause, but we desperately needed the affordable housing piece,” McEnerny-Ogle said. “There’s a lot that comes with that. A lot of guarantees. Permanent supportive affordable housing? Wow.”
While the city invested more than $1 million from its Affordable Housing Fund, most of the funding came from state and federal grants and philanthropic donations, including from the Cowlitz tribe.
The building is designated for individuals earning between 50% to 60% of the area’s median income — or about $43,000-$52,000 — with the intention of housing Native Americans.
“Housing is a huge need for our community,” Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) CEO Oscar Arana said. “Being able to create projects like this creates a sense of community, a sense of belonging, creates safety and so many other opportunities for the families and residents that are going to be living here.”
NAYA, in partnership with Colas Development Group and Scott Edwards Architecture, worked to weave Native American ancestry into the building’s architecture.
“The intention on every single element of the way people are going to live, work and play in this building,” President and CEO of Colas Development Group Andrews Colas said. “It’s truly a partnership that is about bringing forward community while delivering quality, exceptional housing.”
The total project cost is $45 million, and Colas said they are on track to have the building complete around the beginning of 2027.
