Harborview Apartments, Opportunity Council
Harbor View apartments was a rural development affordable housing project in danger of turning into market rate housing when Opportunity Council purchased the property in 2019. With support from USDA Rural Development, Washington State Housing Trust Fund, and San Juan County have completed the first phase of rehabilitation work. Work included a new roof, siding, windows, patios and decks, as well as improved drainage.
Harborview Apartments was acquired in June 2019 as an affordable housing preservation project. In addition to preserving affordability, the complex was in great need of rehabilitation. The original scope of work was to include interior unit renovations, improved ADA accessibility, weatherization, and energy efficiency. However, shortly into our renovations, our development team realized there were some more substantial environmental factors impacting the dwelling, and residents’ wellbeing. The rehab and revitalization project become a two phase project; the first to repair water runoff and drainage impacts from new neighboring developments and allow us to proceed to phase two; revitalizing the 40+ year old complex to meet contemporary standards of safety and quality of life. Phase 1 work including exterior renovations and drainage work was completed in March 2022. Phase 2 will resume this summer of 2022 with expected completion by the end of the year.
The Harborview Apartments community is comprised of many elders aged 55 and older. Roughly 75% of our residents are on fixed income; e.g. retirement and/or disability income. The remaining residents are employed here on the island. The families living here are a mixed range of single person households through families with young children. The acquisition of Harborview means that we are able to preserve this affordable housing resource for an additional 50 years to come. The renovations and improvements not only reduce the energy costs for residents, but are also designed to improve quality of life and lifestyle.
Visit the Opportunity Council’s website at: https://www.oppco.org/