Sumner apartments among new developments to bring housing via tax break
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- Fryar Flats is a six-story, 128-unit community near Sumner’s White River.
- Fryar Flats received an 8-year MFTE in 2023 allowing all-market-rate construction.
- Sumner has four other MFTE projects: one market-rate and three with 12-year affordability.
A recently completed apartment community in Sumner is touting its amenities and proximity to rail to attract renters as the city sees four other apartment projects either completed or in the works.
Rush Commercial Construction, Inc., in partnership with owner and operator Dobler Management (DMCI), issued a news release June 9 to spread the word that Fryar Flats, 1228 Fryar Ave., has available units, including a commercial space.
The community initially announced its grand opening and leasing launch on social media in December.
The six-story, 128-unit site along the White River is within walking distance of a Sound Transit rail station.
The development constructed last year has an assessed value of $20.7 million. An LLC affiliated with Dobler acquired the site in 2020 for $470,000, according to county records.
“Our family has past roots in Sumner’s farming community, and we wanted Fryar Flats to reflect and honor the city’s agricultural history,” said Kathy Dobler, founder and president of DMCI, in a statement. “With support from the Sumner Historical Society, we incorporated historical photographs throughout the community that capture Sumner’s farming heritage.”
The project received an 8-year limited multifamily property tax exemption (MFTE) from the City of Sumner in 2023, which allows for all-market-rate construction.
Under the tax incentive, the developer does not pay property taxes on the residential improvements for 8 years after construction. The property owner still pays tax on the land and any non-residential improvements, such as any commercial portion.
The apartments range from 440-square-foot studios, some with patios which rent at $1,530 a month, to three-bedroom, two bath units that are up to 1,250 square feet and go for $3,200 a month, according to the development’s website.
One commercial space at 989 square feet was listed as available as of June 10.
Amenities include in-unit washer and dryers, plank flooring and custom wood cabinetry, a fitness center, rooftop lounge with views of Mount Rainier, game room, party area and upper-level courtyard, along with underground parking with EV charging stations.
The site features controlled-access entry with 24-hour emergency maintenance, according to the opening announcement release.
“Treat yourself to downtime with complimentary red-light therapy and the convenience of a private pet washing area and patio for your furry family members,” the development’s website states.
Other Sumner apartment sites in the works
Ryan Windish is the community and economic development director for the City of Sumner. Windish told The News Tribune in response to questions that the city “has four other multifamily projects that are utilizing the MFTE program, 1 at market rate, and 3 with affordable units.”
Affordable, or rent-restricted units, come under the 12-year MFTE, also offered in Sumner, to projects setting aside at least 20 percent of units for low-to-moderate income households.
Windish noted, “Even market rate developments help with the overall housing supply, creating an opportunity for tenants to move up to newer units and creating room in the market.”
He added that the additional residents near Sumner’s historic central business district and the Sounder station “also encourages economic growth and supports downtown businesses and restaurants.”
In addition to Fryar Flats, other Sumner MFTE projects are:
- Sumner Mill, 5816 162nd Ave. E., 12-year MFTE: 162 units with 33 affordable units (leasing).
- Kincaid Apartments/Mixed Use, former Red Apple Market site, 8-year MFTE: 180 units – market rate (in permitting).
- Nemeth Apartments, planned along Parker Road East, 12-year MFTE: 108 units with 22 affordable (in permitting).
- Merit Apartments, 6108 160th Ave E., 12-year MFTE: 208 units with 42 affordable (under construction).
“Fryar Flats came together through impactful teamwork between DMCI, our exceptional design teams, and Rush Commercial,” said Tim Callahan, senior project manager at Rush Commercial Construction, in a statement. “We’re proud to help deliver an energetic new multifamily community that supports the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Sumner.”
For more information, go to Fryar Flats’ website.
