Construction is underway at Excelsior Wellness’ intergenerational housing development on Northwest Boulevard, a $6.5 million project expected to be completed this fall, says Yolanda Pagaduan, marketing and communications director of the Spokane-based nonprofit.

The three-story apartment complex, tentatively named the Excelsior Wellness Intergenerational Living Community, is located at 2303 W. Northwest Blvd. The project includes 25 residential units designed to house young adults transitioning out of foster care alongside older adults seeking affordable, permanent housing.

Spokane-based Yost Gallagher Construction LLC is serving as the general contractor for the project and Bernardo Wills Architects PC, also of Spokane, is the project designer.

Funding for the development is being assembled through a mix of grants and a $1.5 million equity investment from Spokane-based Washington Trust Bank through its community reinvestment initiative.

The apartment complex is located immediately south of another Excelsior Wellness facility, Gildred’s Garage, a workforce development center focused on training individuals in electrical vehicle maintenance. Together, the housing complex and training center are intended to promote natural mentorship opportunities between people 55 and older and young adults ages 18 to 24.

The Northwest Boulevard development represents a proof of concept for the nonprofit’s larger vision to develop the Excelsior Wellness Village, a $120 million expansion at the nonprofit's 32-acre campus at 3755 W. Indian Trail Road, Pagaduan says.

As planned, Excelsior Wellness Village will have a 10-year, multiphase buildout of housing, health care services, early-learning facilities, and community spaces designed to support residents through different stages of their lives. The integrated campus would also offer care and social services to nearby neighborhoods including Balboa/South Indian Trail, North Indian Trail, and Five Mile Prairie.

A comprehensive plan for the wellness village has gone through the city of Spokane’s Planning Commission and is currently on the Spokane City Council’s agenda for approval, the Journal reported in February.

The expansion on Indian Trail Road includes plans to preserve the campus as a culturally significant heritage site. The area, which contains indigenous pictographs on basalt rock formations, a shelter rock containing carbon deposits, and a natural spring, is being developed in partnership with the Spokane Tribe of Indians and is intended to remain an open protected space, Pagaduan says.

The site will include an interpretative trail and educational features designed to highlight the area’s history, along with an expanded arboretum, walking paths, and healing gardens. Recreation and wellness amenities will include a pool, a gym, athletic field, and a challenge course.

—Karina Elias