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Submitted by Olympia Federal Savings

A newly formed LLC called Fourth Street Housing along with Olympia-based nonprofit, Help Us Move In (HUMI) is set to break ground on a new four-story, 80 unit affordable housing apartment complex at 3335 Martin Way E., on the site formally known as the Bailey Motor Inn.

Olympa Federal Savings
The partnership will bring an 80 unit affordable housing complex to the site of the former Bailey Motor Inn in Olympia. Photo courtesy: Olympia Federal Savings

The project, called Merritt Manor, is named after Ann Sarver-Merritt and her late husband Tony who gifted the funds to Fourth Street Housing to acquire the land for the development.

HUMI originally started in 2000 as a First United Methodist Church ministry working with the Family Support Center and has helped over 1,500 children and their families experiencing homelessness in Thurston County find permanent housing. Sarver-Merritt and her brother Burt Sarver incorporated HUMI as a nonprofit in 2015 to garner additional support for their mission.

“This is a very unique partnership because 95 percent of the time affordable housing projects involve government organizations, and in this particular case, the project is 100% privately supported,” Sarver said. “Every two minutes a child becomes homeless in America and the average age of a homeless person is nine years-old. We want to see to it that every child in our community has a chance to reach their full potential and this project is a step in that direction.”

Merritt Manor will be situated on a 5.72 acre site and will consist of one residential apartment building with (52) two bedroom/one bath units; (8) three bedroom/one bath units; and (20) three bedroom/two bath units. In addition, the development will include 104 surface parking stalls, a large resident courtyard, a clubhouse and fitness center, covered bike stalls and permanent wetland open spaces. All of the units will be fully equipped with kitchen appliances as well as an in-unit washer and dryer.

“This was an opportunity to turn a blighted property into a beautiful community asset,” said Olympia architect Glenn Wells, who is a member of 4th Street Housing along with developer Scott Wammack. “In addition, 4th Street Housing will donate $5,000/month, which HUMI will use as community matching funds to further their mission in eradicating child homelessness.”

“The location is perfectly situated between Lacey and downtown Olympia with excellent transit service and convenient to retail centers, the hospital, schools, parks and a number of other community services,” Wells continued. “The large open space wetlands surrounding the property will help provide a quiet, safe home environment for families. It is our goal to significantly reduce the number of homeless children in Thurston County.”

Olympia Federal Savings
This project provides a blueprint as one of many possible solutions for creating a positive impact in the lives of low-income children and families in our region. Photo courtesy: Olympia Federal Savings

Partnering on the financing of the project is Olympia Federal Savings and according to commercial relationship manager, Ken Pekola, this is one of the largest projects the organization has been involved with in its 110 year history. “We are very excited to see this site transformed into a vibrant new community that many families will be proud to call home for many years to come,” Pekola said.

According to Fourth Street Housing, Merritt Manor will serve families earning 60% or less than the Thurston County median income and they expect to open their doors in late 2018 at full occupancy with a waiting list.

Thurston County currently has approximately 25,600 existing multi-family housing units with 80% of those being located within the city limits of Olympia, Tumwater and Lacey.  Vacancy rates in Olympia are currently averaging 2.7% for market rate properties and 1.0% for affordable housing.

“There is an incredible need for affordable housing in our community and we are really happy to play a vital role in providing new opportunities for local families,” said Lori Drummond, president and CEO of Olympia Federal Savings. “The cornerstone of economic development starts with an infrastructure that provides stable, compassionate and healthy living options for all members of our community.”

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