MLF Senior Housing in Tacoma Rendering

New Senior Housing Community in Tacoma

An exciting new project underway at MHNW is MLK Senior Housing in the city of Tacoma. MHNW will be developing a 6-story multifamily building with 69 apartments for seniors aged 62+, earning under 50% of area median income. MHNW was awarded the site after being selected by the Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority (TCRA) through a competitive RFP in November of 2017. For the project, we’ll be partnering with SMR Architects and Walsh Construction.

The project site is located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, where MHNW already owns and operates four other properties, two of which are senior housing. The building will offer a community room on the ground floor for onsite resident services programs and events, in addition to an outdoor plaza for residents. About 10% of the units will accommodate those with disabilities. The building is designed to provide a supportive, vibrant community for senior residents, and to facilitate interaction between the residents and wider community.

Obi Amobi speaking
Obi Amobi, Project Lead on the MLK Senior Housing project

“The Hilltop neighborhood, and the MLK corridor in particular, is on the cusp of a string of redevelopments as the City’s light rail line expands along MLK street” said Project Lead, Obi Amobi. “The site will be developed as senior affordable housing and will mitigate some of the displacement that would follow as a result of gentrification.” This transit-oriented development will be situated within two blocks of stations to the north and south. In addition to being transit accessible, the site is well suited for seniors with many services and amenities just blocks away. It is located in close proximity to resources such as MultiCare, Kaiser Permanente, Community Healthcare Center, People’s Park, Safeway, Beacon Senior Center, as well as several churches and religious centers.

The Hilltop neighborhood has historically been one of Tacoma’s lowest income neighborhoods. Recent years have seen revitalization with the expansion of the University of Washington Tacoma campus and some newer multifamily developments, both affordable and market rate. MHNW has been active for 15 years in the Hilltop and was part of the resurgence of this neighborhood. The development of New Tacoma Senior Housing replaced two dilapidated buildings with 115 apartment homes, reducing community blight. Efforts of the neighborhood watch coalition and active construction have immensely improved the community and safety in this neighborhood.

Senor residents participating in chair yoga
MHNW residents participate in yoga class offered at New Tacoma Senior Housing.

MHNW is currently pursuing funding for the project through both federal, state and local sources. We have been awarded $3 million in funding from the Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund, along with funds from the City of Tacoma and Pierce County. We are currently pursuing a tax credit allocation. Once funding has been secured, the project will take roughly 12 months to construct. We are excited to grow our presence in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma with more affordable housing for seniors!