Sometimes there's an upside to an economic downturn. An apartment building for homeless veterans opened this week on a University District site originally slated for a boutique hotel.
Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) this week dedicated Gossett Place, 4719 12th Ave. N.E. The nonprofit named the 62-unit building for King County Council Chair Larry Gossett in honor of his work on behalf of underserved communities.
The economic downturn quashed plans for a hotel on the site when financing fell through. Using a land loan provided by United Way of King County and the City of Seattle, LIHI purchased the "shovel ready" site for $2.5 million in 2009. Because the hotel units were designed with kitchens and bathrooms, LIHI was able to reuse the hotel floor plans.
Instead of housing travelers, the nonsmoking building will give homeless veterans, young adults age 18-25 and other individuals and couples a place to stay put. Residents pay 30 percent of their income for rent.
Sound Mental Health will provide on-site supportive services for residents, including job training and counseling.
Gossett Place received funding from the original veterans and human services levy, which King County voters renewed August 16.
Sharon Lee, LIHI's executive director, is pleased that 69 percent of voters chose to renew the levy that made Gossett Place possible. It's a vote of confidence that the organization's supportive housing model is successful, she said in a statement.
Gossett Place is comprised of 53 studios and 10 one-bedroom units. An additional unit houses a resident manager.
The building was constructed in accordance with state-endorsed green building standards. It includes two rooftop decks with raised beds and planters and a computer center.