VHA approves subsidized housing complex

Vancouver Housing Authority is moving forward with a 54-unit subsidized housing complex to be built just north of Mill Plain Boulevard.

The site, a nearly empty block at the northeast corner of East 16th and D streets, lies in Vancouver’s midtown, the transitional area between the more commercial downtown and the residential Arnada neighborhood.

At its Thursday meeting, the housing authority’s board of directors approved developer Ridgefield Timbers LLC, which proposes a modular building with 54 parking spots. Vancouver Housing Authority hasn’t built any complexes using the modular technique.

Parts, or modules, would be constructed by Guerdon Modular Buildings in its Boise, Idaho, factory and shipped to the site in Vancouver. While the factory work is happening, site preparation and foundation work can be done. The finished modules are craned into place and put together — sort of like giant Legos. On-site construction would be done by Vancouver-based Tr?core Construction.

Housing authorities around the country have used modular construction. Renton Housing Authority has 18 modular-built townhomes.

VHA purchased the land at the northeast corner of East 16th and D streets a few years ago. It has been left vacant aside from a boarded-up house and a community garden. Construction on the apartments would likely get started in 2017. The units would be reserved for families earning less than 80 percent of the area median income, now $58,650 for a family of four.

The apartments would occupy the southern portion of the land while townhouses would occupy the northern portion.

VHA already owns subsidized apartment complexes in the downtown and uptown areas, including Vista Court and Van Vista Senior Apartments, Anthem Park, Columbia House and Esther Short Commons. All of the agency’s subsidized properties are full and have waiting lists. Its unsubsidized workforce housing complexes are full, as well.