Thurston Regional Housing Council and partners secure funding for Franz Anderson housing project

In a collaborative effort, Thurston Regional Housing Council (RHC) has secured funding to support the development of the Franz Anderson permanent supportive housing project in Olympia, RHC Communications Specialist, Elisa Sparkman, announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The $28.8 million project will be built on Franz Anderson Road in Olympia, on property previously purchased by the City of Olympia and Thurston County.

In 2023, the Olympia City Council approved selling the land to the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) for $1, with the specific agreement that the property would be used in perpetuity to provide low-income affordable housing.

Most of the project's funding came from the Washington State Low Income Housing Tax Credit Equity Program and the Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund. The remaining amount was secured through the regional collaboration spearheaded by the RHC.

Thurston County contributed $3.5 million, the City of Lacey contributed $3 million, and the City of Tumwater contributed $275,000 toward the project.

The RHC also awarded $1.5 million through its annual funding process to support construction. Olympia is overseeing the administrative management of the funds and the project.

The 71-unit facility will include one unit for an on-site property manager, common space areas and some parking. Tenants will be offered supportive services from LIHI and SeaMar.

This permanent supportive housing project aligns with the state's aim of providing low-barrier, subsidized, rental housing for extremely low-income populations experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

"Although this new facility will be located within Olympia city limits, permanent supportive housing facilities like these serve the broader Thurston County community and provide lasting results," said Michael Althauser, RHC vice chair and Tumwater City Council member.

The Franz Anderson site has already been utilized for housing initiatives.

In 2022, Olympia and Thurston County purchased the property. And in 2023, the Franz Anderson Tiny Home Village was built on one of its parcels. The new permanent supportive housing facility will be constructed on the remaining five parcels.

The Franz Anderson permanent supportive housing facility is scheduled to break ground in September. It is expected to be completed in about 15 months after breaking ground.