Affordable Family Housing Blooming with Natural Features

Skagit Family Housing | Mount Vernon, WA

As a former plant nursery, the Housing Authority’s goal is an engaging, safe site for families and children with the site’s natural features in mind. New buildings center around an outdoor commons with play and gardening areas. A creek and natural area buffers the main street. Sitting in a flood plain with wetlands on three sides, the design ensures proper mitigation, storm water management and critical areas preservation. The permitting process included critical areas and design review. The project demolishes existing buildings and constructs five 2- and 3-story multi-family apartment buildings with 51 dwelling units: 10 one-bedroom, 21 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom units. Onsite surface parking fits 117 cars, with 6 designated-accessible spaces. A majority of 2 and 3 bedroom units are intended for Farmworker families. One-bedroom and several 2 bedroom units will serve people with disabilities and homeless veterans.