Affordability and environmental sustainability come together at Village Gardens Townhomes to create homeownership opportunities in the Central District.

Developed through a partnership of Homestead Community Land Trust and Edge Developers on surplus land provided by the City of Seattle, these award-winning three-bedroom townhomes are Built Green 4-Star certified. The development includes ten homes priced affordably, between $237,000 and $302,000, for income-qualified households and six market-rate units.

Accelerating home prices in the City of Seattle have pushed many of its residents to southern cities’ suburban neighborhoods like Renton’s Sunset neighborhood in search of lower rents and home prices. While run-away housing prices in King County affect most residents, it is especially hard-hitting on people who have experienced discrimination. Homestead’s work to provide income-appropriate homeownership opportunities to qualified households puts ownership within reach. Homestead has a 57% ownership rate by people of color compared to 28% in King County as a whole.

To address this disparity in homeownership rates Village Gardens was the first affordable homeownership project that utilized the City of Seattle’s Community Preference Policy as part of the buyer selection process for the affordable housing units. The Community Preference Policy gives preference in resident selection based on imminent or past displacement of residents from defined areas where displacement has occurred.

The Village Gardens’ partnership between the developers and Africatown Community Land Trust worked to assure the development benefits historic residents and leaders of the Central District including efforts to reach and support potential buyers and Black contractor participation. As a result, Black contractors secured $1 million in subcontracts on the project (20%). The total Women and Minority Owned Business participation in contracts was 40%.

"Too often we are given a forced choice to either build for affordability or sustainability. It's urgent that we build more affordable housing. It's urgent that we address climate change. We must reject this false choice. We must do both now. This project demonstrates how it is possible to do both." - Kathleen Hosfeld, Executive Director, Homestead Community Land Trust

Energy efficiency, on-site solar energy generation, proximity to large employers, and nearby bicycle routes and frequent public transportation are a model for sustainable urban living. The development was named through a community process which recognizes historic use of the property as an unofficial community garden that brought together the diverse cultures living together in the neighborhood.

ADUs are separate from the rest of the unit, allowing the owner to sublet or rent out the space. This approach tends to have lower costs and a quicker permitting process compared to larger, multifamily building types. Typically designed as a studio space with a kitchenette, ADUs also offer a method for affordable housing options, moderately increasing density, and the potential for aging in place.

With a high-efficiency gas tankless water heater powering the in-floor hydronic radiant heat, HyBrid was able to free up space along the walls to integrate built-in cabinetry and shelving to allow for extra storage. Additional energy savings come from LED lighting with dimmers throughout the units, R-23 walls, R-50 ceiling, and Energy Star exhaust fans. The combination of drought-tolerant plantings and all-pervious hardscaping allows for some water to recharge on-site and minimizes the need to water plants.

The project features materials that are local, long-lasting, harvested from rapidly renewable resources, and boasts certifications for indoor air quality. The building is clad in corrugated metal, which typically lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and is made in Washington state. Each unit has GreenGuard-certified flooring and paint, as well as CARB II cabinets to help maintain good indoor air quality. As a rapidly renewable resource, the bamboo flooring reduces the overall impact on natural resource availability. The building also used regionally-made cabinets, windows, framing lumber, and pavers. 

Built Green Highlights

Site and Water

• River rock retaining wall
• 100 percent pervious hardscaping
• Drought-tolerant plantings

Energy Efficiency

• Full in-floor hydronic radiant heat (with built-in recirculation)
• All LED lighting with dimmers
• Full slab insulation

Written by: Tom Balderston and Kate Romero

Project Overview: Leota Development completed a new 3 Unit project in a walkable neighborhood next to Woodland Park Zoo in late 2023. The project replaced a single-family home with a detached home in front and two large townhomes on the improved alley. The project was designed by Akasha Architecture and built by Paul Williams. The 4-Star project includes the latest all-electric design and plenty of Built Green features.

The energy model for this project earned an ERI score of 54, which qualified this project for the performance pathway option on the Built Green checklist. The performance pathway allows more credit for items such as orientation and windows, the best-in-class heat pump electric clothes dryer, and the induction range; enabling the home to qualify.

Energy Use: The project is Built Green 4 star with 2 additional energy credits compared to the 2018 WA Energy Code minimums. It features advanced R-42 foam/FG Batt ceiling insulation, a high-efficiency Mitsubishi Ductless Heat Pump system, 100% LED lighting, efficient Heat Recovery Ventilation, and ENERGY STAR appliances.

Low Impact Development and Rainwater Catchment: The project features 100% pervious paving on parking and walks for stormwater infiltration, roof drains to biofilter planters, EPA Water Sense toilets, water-efficient fixtures and shower heads, and drought-tolerant and native landscaping with no lawns. The project has easy access to shops and transit, with a “Walkscore” of 80, and the front entry and shared parking encourage community.

Indoor Air Quality and Moisture Protection: The project features no carpets, Kraus "Natural Home" Engineered Oak Flooring that is EO certified for air quality, framing lumber moisture tested before drywall cover, low VOC interior paints, caulks, adhesives, and sealants, and cabinets and MDF trim that are CARB 2 certified for low added formaldehyde. The project also features a Wrap Shield high-performance exterior weather barrier with under-windowsill flashings, a drainage plane, and all bath and kitchen fans were tested for proper flow.

Materials with Reduced Environmental Impact: The project features cabinets, trim, tile backer, doors, and railings with recycled material content. Additionally, it has Kraus "Natural Home" flooring that is FSC certified, long-life Hardie Panel fiber cement exterior siding, a heat-welded TPO roof membrane, plastic decking with 55% recycled content, and exercised efficient framing practices with pre-cut studs and roof trusses. The project underwent 3rd Party Built Green Verification at the foundation, framing, and final stages.