2 affordable housing projects are on track to open in Tacoma next year
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Construction began on 63 senior affordable units at 1951 S. Yakima Ave, due Feb 2027.
- Mercy Housing NW advances an 80-unit project at 3561 Pacific Ave, due spring 2027.
- Projects aim to offer housing and services for underserved residents in area.
Two affordable apartment projects in Tacoma are making progress toward completions next year.
Construction started in November for 63 affordable senior apartment units at 1951 S. Yakima Ave. Completion is expected in February 2027, according to project representatives in an email to The News Tribune.
Meanwhile, 80 affordable units at 3561 Pacific Ave. are progressing, with a tentative completion date in spring 2027.
Hope Heights
The News Tribune reported on the Greater Christ Temple Church’s senior housing project in 2024. The project is a partnership including HumanGood Affordable Housing and the church, with Beacon Development Group of Seattle as developer.
HumanGood and Beacon Development Group in November announced the financial closing on the previously estimated $32.6 million project. The project draws from state and local funding sources, among others.
The development — Hope Heights — will be for adults 55 and older making 30% and 50% of the area median income. The four-story building includes office space for property management and supportive service team members along with a community room, fitness room, computer room, library, coffee bar, outdoor patio and roof deck.
Median family income in Pierce County for 2025 was at $120,800, according to federal calculations.
The site will offer 23 parking spaces.
“For generations, churches have served as anchors in their communities—offering spiritual guidance, fostering connection, and responding to local needs,” Pastor Prentis Johnson of Greater Christ Temple Church said in a statement. “In Tacoma’s historic Hilltop neighborhood, Greater Christ Temple Church has long been a pillar of hope, advocacy, and service. As the need for affordable senior housing grows, the church continues its legacy of action by partnering with Beacon Development and HumanGood to develop a 63-unit, four-story senior housing community on church-owned land.”
Johnson added, “This project reflects the church’s enduring commitment to the Hilltop community — honoring its past while building a future that supports dignity, stability, and care for Tacoma’s seniors.”
35th and Pacific Family Housing
Meanwhile, local and area housing officials are gathering Jan. 15 for the new Mercy Housing Northwest groundbreaking celebration in Tacoma.
The News Tribune in November reported on the project’s initial site work.
The estimated $55 million project will feature 80 affordable homes across five levels for individuals and families at 30%, 50% and 60% of area medium income.
Funding sources include National Equity Fund, WaFd Bank, Tacoma Community Redevelopment Authority, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington State Department of Commerce and Washington State Housing Finance Commission.
The site will feature surface parking, market space and on-site resident services and property management. Half of the apartments will be two- and three-bedroom units.
According to a construction update from Walsh Construction earlier this month, “The early stages of the structural foundation has begun, including the elevator pit, concrete footings, and walls that will support the building.”
The project is a partnership of MHNW and Pierce County, with 20 units set aside to serve those with intellectual and development disabilities.
According to a release touting the project, “Residents will benefit from service provision from both MHNW and Pierce County to ensure residents remain stably housed. This approach, which will involve direct county support as well as county-facilitated connections to other IDD providers in the region, including Open Doors for Multicultural Families and Pierce County Coalition for Development Disabilities ... .”
“This groundbreaking represents what’s possible when we use public land for public good,” Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said in a statement. “What was once surplus county property intended for a parking lot is now becoming 80 affordable homes for families in our community.”
He added, “This project will provide accessible, transit-connected housing with the amenities that help people thrive, and it reflects our long-term commitment to building safer, more welcoming and connected communities.”
For more information on the groundbreaking celebration, go to the event registration page online.
