LIHI and Partners Celebrate Lotus Court Grand Opening

Elected Officials, LIHI Executive Director and Board members during the ribbon cutting ceremony

On October 9th, elected officials, project funders, Olympia community members, and LIHI staff gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Lotus Court, a 64-unit (40 studio, 24 one-bedroom) supportive housing apartment for formerly homeless seniors located at 111 Pattison St. NE in Olympia, WA. 

Ellen Supplee, Lotus Court resident

Lotus Court residents started moving in on September 30th. Ellen Supplee, Lotus Court resident, shared her story on her experience being homeless after suffering an injury that resulted in high medical bills and a decrease in work, making it impossible to keep up with payments. Over the course of seven years, she lost her farm, lived in dilapidated RVs, and then in her car. She said, "Living in a car was like living in a fishbowl where everybody observed every part of my life. It was agonizing for me. Now, I have a private place where I can shut out the world if I want to. I have a community. I have a home."

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne, LIHI Board president Melinda Nichols, City Manager Jay Burney, and Sharon Lee

As part of the regional effort to promote affordable housing and maintain low rent costs, the City of Olympia acquired the property and then sold it to LIHI for $1.“Thank you to the City of Olympia for selling city-owned property at a deep discount to LIHI allowing us to build Lotus Court”, said Sharon Lee, Executive Director. 

Lotus Court will house formerly homeless seniors, people living with disabilities, veterans, low-wage workers, singles and couples. Of the first 24 people moving in, there are veterans, individuals who were living on state Rights-of-Way (ROW), and some who were previous clients of LIHI's Tiny House Villages. Residents will pay 30% of their income for rent, as subsidies are provided by the Housing Authority of Thurston County.

Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne spoke about the significance of reaching this milestone for the community and expressed his excitement for the upcoming Franz Anderson Apartments, a new building that the city is partnering with LIHI to construct more permanent supportive housing. This development brings the city a step closer to its goal of building 700 affordable housing units in four years for those in greatest need.

The County’s 2024 Point-in-Time homeless census revealed that 864 people were homeless on January 25th. Thurston County Commissioner Carlina Mejia raised concerns about this number, stating that it is an undercount. “Think of that 864. Lotus Court responds to this challenge providing not only housing but also vital on-site services to help residents rebuild their lives.”

Speakers at the event also included Senator Sam Hunt, City Manager Jay Burney, Housing Authority of Thurston County Executive Director Craig Chance and others shown below.  

At the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the building's community room, wellness rooms, case managers' offices, laundry facilities, studio, and one-bedroom units. They learned about the additional amenities and programs available to support the residents. Members of Encore Architects and Deacon Construction were available to speak to the public during the tours and share their knowledge of design, safety, and green features.

Encore Architects, Deacon Construction, Eco Murals, and LIHI's Eric Blank

Esteban Camacho Steffenson, the artist behind the murals on the facades of Lotus Court and Unity Commons, was present at the event. He greeted guests and spoke about the inspiration behind the pieces. Esteban spent time with the homeless community to explore the concepts of shelter and community, ensuring that he brings their stories to life through color and narrative. One of the most beloved pieces depicts a man tenderly holding a cat with pure admiration and love. Esteban explained, "I wanted to challenge the stereotypes about people living on the streets being scary or misunderstood, showing that they too can have a deep affection for animals."

Mural by Esteban Camacho Steffenson, Eco Murals

Financing for Lotus Court includes Raymond James, as 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, HUD, and Washington State Housing Finance Commission.

Thank you to JPMorgan Chase and Deacon Construction for sponsoring the grand opening event. 

Click here to read the story from The Olympian.