Home for Good, a non-profit aimed at getting low to moderate income earners into home ownership opportunities, presented it's design plans to the Northwest Design Review Board Monday (Jan. 26) evening. The project includes green building and residential units aimed at those earning between $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

The proposal calls from two buildings at 1506 N.W. 62nd St.; a four-story structure with 22 residential units and a ground-floor, 700 square foot commercial space. The second development is for a two-unit townhouse. Underground parking is planned and the existing tri-plex on the lot would be demolished.

This was the organization's first time before the design review board, which reviews development of a certain capacity and size as part of obtaining a master use permit from the city's department of planning and development.

Melanie Gillespie with Home For Good said the focus of the project is on "sustainability," not only through green built construction, but also aiding first-time home-buyers to maintain a responsible budget and own a home. She said Ballard is a prime spot for this type of development because it is located in a transit hub and will also benefit from upcoming increased bus service, RapidRide.

Taylor Callaway, project manager with Shugart and Bates Architects, presented the design.

"This is about community," said Callaway. The preferred design option includes a community open space that would be open to the public.
Board members were concerned about the proximity of the new development to an existing three story apartment building to the east. They suggested shifting the larger, four-story building, about five feet to the west, and maybe adding a "live wall" element so the neighbors would not have to look out at a blank wall.

Preston Walls, who said managed the building to the east, said he would like to see some modulation on the east wall of the new building. He liked the idea of a "living wall."

Gillespie said in the current economic climate, it could be a year or more before the project enters the construction phase.
"The financial thing is a challenge for everyone," she said.

Gillespie said Home For Good plans to work with the current tenants on the site find new housing or home ownership opportunities through the new development.

"Our goal is to help people get into a better housing situation," she said. "We think we can help these people. We are not going to be in the business of displacing people without making sure they have good options to explore. That would be a little counterproductive (to her organization's mission)."

Overall, the board said the design needed more work and should take cues from surrounding architecture styles.

"I'd really like to feel more confident that you guys understand the neighborhood and I don't get that feel from your presentation," said board member Bill Singer.