
Spokane Housing Authority is making progress on its third residential project in Spokane County this year with the envisioned development of a $35 million affordable housing complex for seniors, dubbed Chalice Place.
The future senior housing community is envisioned on vacant land south of Country Homes Christian Church, at 8415 N. Wall, in the Town and Country neighborhood on Spokane's North Side.
Spokane Housing Authority is in the process of purchasing the southern half of land from the church in a transaction that's expected to be completed this fall, says Chatburn.
The organization currently is working through a land-segregation process at the property that will create two separate parcels at the site: one for the existing 16,700-square-foot church building and the other for the Chalice Place project.
The housing authority hopes to finalize financing in the summer of 2026 and begin construction the following fall, with project completion anticipated in 2028.
Preliminary development plans are in the works to create about 100 independent-living units for seniors who have incomes at or below 60% of the area median income, says John Chatburn, director of asset management at Spokane Housing Authority.
One four-story residential building is envisioned, along with an ancillary structure for maintenance. Living units likely will consist primarily of one-bedroom units, as two-bedroom residences are harder to lease among the senior demographic, says Chatburn.
Preliminary design plans and other considerations for senior tenants include natural lighting; elevator access; wide corridors, halls, and doorways to accommodate mobility aids and equipment; gathering spaces for games, activities, and community development; and areas to accommodate service animals, which will be allowed at the property.
Chatburn says Spokane Housing Authority's properties often include dog run areas and pet wash stations, though such amenities are not yet confirmed in the plans for Chalice Place.
"Providing for resiliency as well as comfort is really important," he says.
Chalice Place has been named in honor of the church, which prominently features the chalice in its ideology and theology, explains Chatburn.
"That is surplus property for the church, and they've wanted to use it for affordable housing for a couple of years or so," he says. "That parcel lends itself really well to its highest and best use."
The location offers other benefits for senior residents, with its proximity to grocery stores and nearby access to public transportation, he says. Parking also will be provided, though details on that portion of the project haven't been finalized.
"We'll provide off-street parking and the bus stop is already established there," Chatburn says, adding that Spokane Housing Authority is also considering a shared parking agreement with the church.
Chalice Place will be age restricted to residents 55 years old or older to comply with fair housing regulations, notes Chatburn. Affordable senior housing is in demand nationwide, and Chalice Place is expected to help meet that demand in the community, he says.
"As baby boomers enter retirement, some may not have the retirement savings that they had anticipated," Chatburn says. "Or they're living with their kids. They may be living in their cars. Or they may be doubled up, and so this is an opportunity for them to have a place to live that is independent and allows them to live a full and happy life in in their golden years or silver years."
Spokane Housing Authority is currently seeking funding for Chalice Place through local, state, and federal sources.
"If we're not successful in getting it funded this year, we'll compete next year for (funding)," he says. "We will fund this with county resources, if there are any."
In addition to Spokane County funds, Spokane Housing Authority will seek financial support for Chalice Place from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission's 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
The consortium's decision will influence the project's timeline, says Chatburn.
The housing authority plans to use a request for qualifications process to select a contractor before funding is complete to provide input and help manage development costs.
Spokane Housing Authority also is working on two other residential projects in Spokane County this year: the $30 million Hifumi En Apartments project, located at 926 E. Eighth, on Spokane's South Hill, and the $68 million Orchard Vista development, located at 10003 E. Fourth, in Spokane Valley, as previously reported in the Journal.
"The board has a goal of developing 150 units per year," Chatburn says. "Chalice Place and Orchard Vista go a long way to meeting those goals."
Upon completion of Chalice Place, Hifumi En, and Orchard Vista, Spokane Housing Authority's portfolio will grow by 428 residential units across 12 properties, for an estimated 1,000 total units.
"We see a community need, and it's our mission to try to do something about it to increase the housing supply for low-income folks," he says.