St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was awarded a $9.7 million project to build 86 units of affordable housing across the street from Ballard Commons Park
Seattle, WA — Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6 – Northwest Seattle) applauds last week’s announcement from the Mayor and Seattle Office of Housing that St. Luke’s Episcopal Church was awarded $9.7 million to build approximately 86 units of family affordable housing. The proposed units will serve individuals and families at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI), currently $69,420 for a family of four in the Ballard area, including units at lower income levels such as 30% and 50% AMI. This project is part of the Mayor’s and Seattle Office of Housing’s announcement that $95 million in funding will support the construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition of over 1,100 affordable homes in 2021.
“The St. Luke’s redevelopment project will bring desperately needed, affordable, family housing right to the heart of Ballard. I have watched Ballard change and grow over the last few decades. Families that I grew up with can no longer live in the neighborhood they were raised in. These are our nurses, child-care providers, baristas, and bus drivers – I’m excited for these families to have their place in Ballard. I am ecstatic to see this project receive full funding from the Office of Housing,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss.
“The dream of providing affordable family housing in the Ballard neighborhood is becoming reality. This partnership between St. Luke’s, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, Bridge Housing, the City of Seattle, and others will help us live into our vision of a community, which is diverse and welcoming. The project reflects our core values of Beloved Community, Loving Service, and Sacred Space that is sustainable and filled with the Spirit. We have been part of the neighborhood for over 130 years and this new development holds the promise of another hundred years to come!” said the Rev. Canon Britt Olson, Vicar of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
“We’ve been working with St. Luke’s for a year and a half to make a change to the Ballard Commons area. The city is making changes to the public property, including a new playground coming to Ballard Commons to make a break from the way things have been. This funding allows for the evolution of the private property across the street from the park to set the path for the way things should be in downtown Ballard. This project is that cornerstone.” said Councilmember Dan Strauss.
The St. Luke’s affordable housing redevelopment will begin the design guidance and permitting process in January 2022.
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