Homestead Community Land Trust has announced the commencement of construction for two transformative affordable homeownership projects here in the PhinneyWood neighborhood. The developments at 5819 Phinney Ave N. and 6109 Phinney Ave N. will collectively provide 38 new permanently affordable condominium homes tailored for income-qualified residents.
At 5819 Phinney Ave N., Homestead will develop Woodland View, 19 light-filled, fossil-fuel free condominium homes, including one- and two-bedroom residences of exceptional quality. These homes, made possible through the generosity of a private land donor, will feature energy-efficient designs and a rooftop amenity space with stunning views of Woodland Park. Additionally, the project will include two ground-floor commercial spaces and prioritize the return of the beloved A La Mode Pies, which has been integral to the neighborhood.
The inspiration behind this development stems from the altruism of Chakorn Phisuthikul and Marilyn Heinemann, who generously contributed their Phinney Ridge property to Homestead Community Land Trust. Chakorn, an esteemed architect known for his commitment to neighborhood integrity and client needs, has played a pivotal role in shaping this project.
The couple share the intent that modest-income people like the school teacher Marilyn once was, will have the opportunity find an affordable homeownership opportunity in the community where they work. They hope that their gift encourages others:
“We’re not famous philanthropists; we’re just people who’ve worked hard and saved. We believe there are others like us and we hope they are inspired to contribute what they can to affordable housing,” Marilyn Heinemann said.
Meanwhile, at 6109 Phinney Ave N., Homestead will develop Nest, an additional 19 permanently affordable condominium homes, alongside nine homes priced near market rate. These residences will feature a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, with state-of-the-art energy efficiency technologies such as heat pumps and induction ranges. Perched atop Phinney Ridge, this development will offer breathtaking views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains, along with a landscaped rooftop deck designed for community gatherings and resident gardening
.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to creating stable, equitable communities by providing affordable homeownership opportunities,” said Kathleen Hosfeld , CEO/Executive Director of Homestead Community Land Trust at Homestead Community Land Trust. “Through partnerships with visionary donors like Chakorn Phisuthikul and Marilyn Heinemann, and with support from the City of Seattle, we’re advancing housing solutions that promote social justice, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.”
“Permanently affordable homeownership opportunities are powerful tools for achieving our One Seattle mission of an equitable, thriving city,” said City of Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell . “I’m pleased that Homestead Community Land Trust is breaking ground on these new homes in our Phinney Ridge neighborhood, creating transformative wealth-building opportunities for more neighbors and families and helping build a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. With support from the City’s Office of Housing, these developments reflect our commitment to building a city where everyone has a healthy and affordable home.”
Homes for income-qualified households will serve people like teachers, health-care workers, retail service workers, government and nonprofit employees whose income is a fraction of what’s needed to buy the median-priced home in Seattle or Phinney Ridge. Increasing the number of homes available to these residents has been a priority of the City of Seattle and the Washington State Legislature.
Washington State Sen. Noel Frame , who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, said: “I’m proud of Homestead for continuing to fight for working class families. Homeownership offers upward financial mobility in place of forever paying ever-increasing rent. Chakorn and Marilyn chose to meet the needs they see in their community, and I will continue to push for the same at the Legislature.”
Construction financing for the projects is provided by First Fed and Washington Trust Bank. The Amazon Housing Equity Fund, working with the National Housing Trust, also provided construction financing for both projects.
“We are thrilled to support Homestead Community Land Trust in creating 38 units of affordable homeownership in Phinney Ridge,” said Josh Earn, Managing Director of Lending and Innovation for the National Housing Trust . “Through Homestead’s stewardship, these homes will remain affordable to the community for generations to come. When National Housing Trust developed our partnership with the Amazon Housing Equity Fund, this was exactly the type of project we had envisioned supporting.”
Homestead Community Land Trust, rooted in the principles of equity and community empowerment, aims to expand the supply of permanently affordable homes and combat housing discrimination while protecting vulnerable communities from displacement. Our approach ensures that modest-income families can achieve homeownership safely and sustainably, thereby strengthening neighborhoods and fostering resilience.
Celebrating its 32nd anniversary in 2024, Homestead is a non-profit community ownership organization with 257 permanently affordable homes in trust. It prioritizes new developments in neighborhoods at risk of displacement due to rising housing costs throughout the county. Affordable homeownership fills a crucial gap (also known as “the missing middle”) in the affordable housing spectrum, prevents displacement of modest-income households and allows homeowners to build wealth safely.
