Totaling more than 41,000 square feet with five studio, 28 one-bedroom, and 27 two-bedroom units, Liberty Commons is the largest Habitat for Humanity single-building multi-family project in the country. And as residents prepare to move into their new homes this fall, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat SKKC) hosted a dedication ceremony block party to celebrate this landmark project in affordable homeownership.
Liberty Commons dedication a celebration of affordable homeownership
With an emphasis on density, vertical construction, and public transit, Liberty Commons represents a new way of building to address the high cost of housing in the Puget Sound, said Brett D’Anonio, CEO of Habitat SKKC in welcome remarks at a July 18 home dedication ceremony. Walkable to parks, the local branch of the Seattle Public Library, Boys and Girls Club, and a PCC Community Market, the condos not only provide stability, but roots in the community.
Adrienne Goolsby, Senior Vice President of US & Canada for Habitat, stressed the manageable cost of the condos. Set at no more than 35% of the owner’s income, units at Liberty Commons make for an affordable mortgage. Eligible residents make less than 80% of the area median income (AMI). “We are the starter home, “said Goolsby.
Martin, a new Habitat homeowner of a two-bedroom condo, will move in this fall with his daughter. Liberty Commons allows for Martin and his daughter to place permanent roots in the neighborhood they love. “In southeast Seattle we look out for each other. There’s no place else I’d rather live than Columbia City,” said Martin. And perhaps the best part of their new home: it provides the opportunity for Martin to make good on a promise to his daughter — her own room.
To help welcome Martin and other families to their new homes, Washington Trust gifted cleaning supplies to new homeowners. And with southeast Seattle being so conducive biking and walking, two raffle winners were the recipients of brand-new bikes.
Partnering with Habitat from dirt to homeownership
Since opening its doors in 1902, Washington Trust has been passionate about the communities it serves. From helping local businesses meet their goals to volunteering in the community, the Bank is passionate about making an impact. And one of the biggest areas communities are struggling with and need support is affordable housing.
A long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the Northwest, Washington Trust established a relationship with Habitat SKKC that helps with the full spectrum of hurdles off a multi-family housing project like Liberty Commons.
Grant funding.
In 2024, Washington Trust partnered with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and through their Member Impact Fund, made a $100,000 donation to the Liberty Commons Project.
Construction loan.
Through grants like the FHLB Member Impact Fund, legislative earmarks, capital from the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing and Amazon’s Housing Fund, Liberty Commons had investment and buy in from both the public and private sector. However, the costs associated with multi-family development in Seattle meant additional funds were needed. Washington Trust stepped in with a construction loan to fill the gap.
Women Build Day.
Build Days are a staple of Habitat for Humanity and their affiliates. Community members come together to help construct, renovate, or repair homes alongside Habitat staff, skilled supervisors, and future homeowners. Women Build Day aims to empower women to learn construction skills, advocate for housing access, and support families working toward homeownership. When the opportunity was presented for a Washington Trust team to help construct Liberty Commons, they jumped right in.
Mortgages on a moderate income.
Community Lending Officer Titus Davis has already helped new homeowners secure their mortgage for a Liberty Commons condo. Although the condos are made affordable by being reserved for households with income below 80% of the AMI, to obtain a mortgage they still must meet the same credit requirements and meet the same mortgage qualifications as any market rate buyer. Factors such as income, employment, credit history and score, manageable debt levels, and others are still there. Fortunately, Washington Trust’s Community Lending program exists to help first-time homebuyers navigate the mortgage process. Whether that’s financial education or walking through the daunting paperwork.
A different approach to affordable housing
Now in its 40th year, Habitat SKKC has built over 500 homes, served more than 300 families, and done upwards of 700 home repairs. And with Liberty Commons, not only has Habitat SKKC established a new approach for affordable housing in the Puget Sound but also set an example. “They’ve created a path and blueprint for other affiliates across the country,” said Christin Malek, a Community Development Officer at Washington Trust who works closely with Habitat SKKC.
This multi-family, transit focused approach to affordable housing is taking hold. The organization has 300 units in its construction pipeline through 2030. And Washington Trust is pleased to be partnering with Habitat SKKC in this work. In addition to Liberty Commons, the Bank also supported the Miller’s Creek project in Burien and is exploring opportunities on two additional Habitat SKKC projects.
Helping Habitat dream big
“Support allows for us to dream big,” said D’Anonio. Those dreams include 70 units of their planned 300 being in Columbia City along Martin Luther King Jr. Way and the Light Rail. And whether through securing grants, helping build homes, providing financing, or walking prospective homebuyers through the mortgage process, Washington Trust hopes to continue playing a part in making those dreams a reality.
