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Groundbreaking held for Sand Point low-income housing development

SEATTLE — Construction began on a new low-income housing development in Seattle on Tuesday.

A groundbreaking was held Tuesday morning for the Sand Point Cottage Housing complex, owned by the Low Income Housing Institute.

The development will include 22 cottages, each averaging about 450 square feet, with a kitchen and a bathroom.

Construction plans originally called for students in construction trade pre-apprenticeship programs to build all the cottages, but only six were built in part by students due to pandemic restrictions.

“This innovative project is the result of strong partnership with our state partners, LIHI, construction trades pre-apprenticeship programs, and the City of Seattle to provide over 36 new neighbors with a warm, affordable place to call home,” said Seattle City Council Budget Chair Teresa Mosqueda. “This city-owned property will help provide critically needed low-income housing in the community, with a community garden and outdoor space, and common spaces to gather.”

The development will provide housing to children, homeless veterans, seniors and other people who are part of the low-wage workforce.

The cottages will be located on city-owned land in Magnuson Park, which the city has leased long-term to LIHI for a dollar a year.