$1.55M State Grant Fuels Senior Housing Plan in Mount Vernon

Skagit County secured $1.55 million from the Washington State legislature to fund the feasibility and design of a new senior housing project. The money came through a Department of Commerce multifamily housing program. This allocation allows the county to move forward with plans for the Mount Vernon Senior Center site on Cleveland Avenue.

The county signed a memorandum of understanding with the Housing Authority of Skagit County. HASC will act as the lead developer for the new facility. The project includes affordable housing units and a resident clubhouse. The clubhouse will provide space for resident support services. This partnership aims to increase housing availability for people who work and live in the county.

City zoning rules limit the new building to four stories. The property sits in a flood zone, which restricts the first floor to non-residential uses. The first floor will likely be developed for parking to accommodate permanent residents. Adding a full senior center on the upper levels would reduce the number of housing units. The partners decided to include a smaller community center space for the residents of the new facility instead.

The current county-owned senior center will remain open through the end of 2027. The Skagit Council on Aging will continue to operate the facility during that period. Skagit County, the City of Mount Vernon, and the Skagit Council on Aging are working to find a new location for the senior center. The goal is to have the relocated facility open in January 2028. All three entities will offer public participation opportunities in 2027 to help select the new site.

In 2022, the county hired Makers Architecture and Urban Design to study county-owned properties. The study identified the Mount Vernon senior center location as suitable for affordable housing. The site is near transit, jobs, and the downtown neighborhood. Repurposing existing county land avoids the cost of purchasing new real estate. This approach aligns with the county's strategic plan to improve housing affordability and community wellbeing.

The state funding was provided in 2026. Skagit County used these funds to begin the feasibility process for the combined facility. HASC agreed to partner with the county to develop the project. The two parties are currently working on the design of the new affordable housing facility. The county plans to request additional state funds in 2027 to help cover construction costs.