History

New Rainier Vista, located in Southeast Seattle, is a Seattle Housing Authority garden community in transition. Originally a 481-unit World War II temporary housing community in use for more than 50 years, NRV is currently being redeveloped to a new mixed-income community that will serve its residents and the surrounding neighborhood well into the future.

before redevelopment

Before Redevelopment, circa 1999


Through a $35 million HUD HOPE VI grant awarded in August 1999 and over $100 million in partnership funds, Rainier Vista has transformed into New Rainier Vista. When the grant application was submitted in May 1999, there were 481 households including:

  • 190 elderly and disabled
  • 160 working families
  • 131 other households

The current revitalization plan calls for a mixed-income community of 1,010 housing units with:

  • 310 public housing units for very low-income people
  • 22 units for very low-income people with disabilities
  • 78 units for very low-income elderly
  • 200 affordable for-sale homes for low-income working families
  • 300 homes for sale to the general public
  • 100 workforce housing units
after redevelopment

Mid-Redevelopment, circa 2002

The community will also include:

  • Parks and community gardens
  • Community space to house existing and new social services will be located on site to meet residents’ needs.
  • Approximately 60,000 square feet of retail and community-facilities space in mixed-use structures in close proximity to the proposed light rail station.
  • 71 off-site replacement rental units for very low-income people.
  • Integration with the Columbia City Neighborhood Plan by emphasizing transit-oriented development adjacent to the Columbia City light rail station.

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