Friday, November 7, 2025
The Thurston Regional Housing Council is set to decide whether to approve the Low Income Housing Institute's (LIHI) request for more than $100,000 to modernize the elevator at the Fleetwood Apartments, which primarily houses elderly residents and people with disabilities.
The Thurston Affordable Housing Advisory Board (TAHAB) will present its recommendation to the housing council on Wednesday, July 23.
LIHI is requesting the money to support Fleetwood Apartments, which is located at 119 7th Ave. SE.
In its request, LIHI said the elevator at Fleetwood "is old, frequently breaking down, and in desperate need of modernization."
The Fleetwood Apartment building was constructed in 1938, with the elevator having been installed in 1990. Industry standards recommend elevator modernization every 25 years — making the system 10 years overdue for updates.
While currently operational, the elevator has experienced multiple breakdowns. According to a\the RHC staff report, elevator repairs are expensive, and some parts that are likely to fail are no longer available.
The staff report noted that Fleetwood residents include vulnerable populations. Of the 20 residents on the second floor, 16 have disabilities, 11 are elderly (with some being both elderly and disabled), and six are veterans.
"If the elevator were to stop working or need repairs that cannot be quickly fixed, this would have a severe impact on the residents at Fleetwood," the staff report states.
"LIHI staff would have to help support individuals to receive necessary food and medical supplies, as well as to make necessary health care appointments. LIHI does not have the capacity for this."
According to TK Elevator Corporation, the total cost for the elevator modernization project is $103,658.10.
The staff report describes a possible scenario of elevator failure. A breakdown could render upper floors inaccessible, posing serious threats to residents' safety and well-being. This could lead to displacement, social isolation or an increase in emergency calls.
The loss of accessibility would also compromise the property's ability to meet American with Disabilites Act requirements and remain a sustainable housing resource for those most in need.
TAHAB is recommending the money be pulled from the Opportunity Fund, which has a balance of $1.2 million.
"The project cannot wait to apply to the next RFP (request for proposal) process. If the elevator were to fail, residents with mobility challenges would be forced to use the stairs — an option that is not feasible for most. Without this critical upgrade, the property would no longer meet accessibility standards or serve the needs of its residents," the staff report states.
Fleetwood Apartments provides affordable housing to low-income elderly and disabled tenants. All residents were homeless at the time of move-in.
Of the 43 total households, 41 have annual household income at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI), while the remaining two households are at or below 50% AMI.
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Tanker1982
No offense, but this appears to be a no brainer decision. Good story
Monday, July 21 Report this
36098501
From LIHI's review, it does seem like a "no brainer" as was previously mentioned.
What I don't understand is why LIHI is coming to local taxpayers to pick up the tab for an improvement on a building they own, receive rents and typically additional yearly funding to provide support services.
Since they are an extremely profitable non-profit ($50,000,000 Net Income and $400,000,000 in Assets in 2023), it seems that maintenance and required improvements would be covered.
https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/943155150
Perhaps someone here who understands the local non-profit model the City of Olympia and Thurston County manage can provide additional explanation.
Tuesday, July 22 Report this
BobJacobs
So why did LIHI wait so long to take care of this vital issue? Is this a case of mismanagement? Or playing the old game of waiting until it is a crisis to get money quickly rather than going thru the regular budget process? Either way it is a serious case of mismanagement.
Bob Jacobs
Tuesday, July 22 Report this
PissAnt
Its only a 2 story building so the elevator doesn't seem crucial to me.
Tuesday, July 22 Report this
Porter
Build a spiral ramp
Tuesday, July 22 Report this
LindaD
Good research. If LIHI owns the building and collects the rents, and has millions in assets, perhaps they should pay for the upgrade. If it's two story, maybe those who must have an elevator could be moved elsewhere and veterans or other persons in need of housing and can use stairs could move in. They could use the cost of the elevator to implement the moves and even expand the housing options. Not all housing can meet the needs of all people. Adding the cost of an elevator adds costs to that housing, which ultimately means increased rents for everyone.
Thursday, July 24 Report this