Groundbreaking for 64 new PSH units!

Martin Way Phase 2 begins construction in Olympia

Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby

On October 10th, LIHI, along with elected officials, funders, and supporters of affordable housing, gathered in Olympia at the future site of Martin Way Phase 2, a 64-unit (40 studio, 24 one-bedroom) supportive housing apartment building, to celebrate the start of construction.

This Phase 2 building will be located at 111 Pattison St. NE, Olympia, on the corner of Martin Way E and Pattison St. NE and will create a protected courtyard between it and the Phase 1 building, named Unity Commons, that was completed in January 2022. Covered parking will be provided under the Phase 2 building, hidden from view behind a vibrant pedestrian streetscape with lush landscaping and commissioned artwork at ground level.

Speakers at the event included Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby, Thurston County Commissioner Carolina Mejia, Phase 1 resident Danny, Rep Jessica Bateman, Rep Beth Doglio, Housing Authority of Thurston County ED Craig Chance, Olympia City Manager Jay Burney, Alexandra Moravec of JPMorgan, and LIHI ED Sharon Lee.

“We are very excited to see this second phase of Unity Commons adding desperately needed permanent supportive housing for seniors. These types of projects are exactly what we had hoped for when our community passed the Home Fund Levy. Local dollars helping to leverage larger state and federal funding is how we get these critical low-income housing projects built,” said Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby.

“Supportive housing for homeless seniors is a huge need in our community. The City is pleased to partner with LIHI on this important second phase of Unity Commons. These additional 64 units are part of the 700 affordable housing units we expect to see across our region over the next four years. We’re really excited to see the momentum grow on affordable housing,” said Olympia City Manager Jay Burney.

“Thank you to Olympia Mayor Cheryl Shelby and the City Council for selling city-owned property at a deep discount to LIHI, allowing us to expand the Martin Way site for more critically needed low-income housing for homeless individuals and couples,” said Sharon Lee, LIHI Executive Director. “The 2023 Point in Time Count documents 792 individuals experiencing homelessness in Thurston County. People should not have to live in cars, tents or be left to survive on the street. With winter approaching it is truly heartbreaking to see so many people living unsheltered. With completion of construction, many more people will have a warm, safe place to live and thrive.”

“We’re pleased to continue supporting LIHI and the City of Olympia with the development of Martin Way 2,” said Bob Powers, Managing Director, Chase Community Development Banking. “Along with Martin Way Phase I, now Unity Commons, these high-quality homes will be an indispensable asset for the community, increasing the local stock of affordable housing and transforming the lives of seniors and other residents with the addition of onsite supportive services.”

Architect is Encore Architects. Contractor is Deacon Construction. The building size is 48,513 sf and the lot size is 48,873 sf. Construction of Phase 2 is expected to be completed September 2024.

Financing for Phase 2 includes Raymond James, as tax credit investor, and JPMorgan Chase as investor and construction lender. Other funders include the State Housing Trust Fund, Thurston County, City of Olympia, Housing Authority of Thurston County, Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, The Home Depot Foundation, Banner Bank, and Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Thank you to JPMorgan Chase for sponsoring the groundbreaking event.