Not even yesterday’s fall rainstorm could dampen the enthusiasm of those gathered to celebrate the re-opening of the Tacoma Housing Authority’s 6th Avenue apartment complex serving low income seniors and disabled residents.
Tacoma Housing Authority officials, architect and general contractor representatives, the deputy mayor of Tacoma, as well as residents ready to move in were on hand to mark completion of the $2.4 million modernization project.
The reconstruction was designed by The ORB Organization, built by Libby Fredericks, Inc, and included the complete rehabilitation of the 60 existing apartments, as well as the addition of four new dwellings, at the 2302 6th Ave. location.
The remodeled units received new kitchens, including new cabinets and countertops, under counter lighting, garbage disposals, a double sink, self-cleaning stoves and frost-free refrigerators.
Other upgrades include color-coded markings for easier identification of what floor you’re on in the three-story building, new carpeting/ new vinyl flooring, improved ventilation, a fire sprinkler system, a keyless entry system and a security system with cameras.
Each apartment also contains an emergency pull cord that alerts a monitoring system that notifies 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
In addition, plumbing and electrical systems were brought up to current code, incorporating energy efficient fixtures.
“We want to make this building work another 50 years,” Tacoma Housing Authority Modernization Manager Tina Hansen said.
At a gathering on the building’s second floor, several speakers indicated they were impressed with the quality of the recently-completed project, which kept residents out of their apartments for 11 months.
Residents were temporarily relocated during construction, which began in January, to other Tacoma Housing Authority Senior Housing and Section 8 Housing.
“This is definitely a facility for our residents,” said Stan Rumbaugh, the chairman of the Tacoma Housing Authority Board of Commissioners.
He applauded the fact the building invites interaction with the 6th Avenue Business District – being located near several transportation hubs, restaurants and retail establishments – and the complex’s “simple, elegant design.”
“This is a day of celebration,” he added.
Tacoma Housing Authority Executive Director Peter Ansara said, “I was impressed when I first came into the building.”
“It looks like everything has changed except the address,” remarked Deputy Mayor Kevin Phelps.
He continued: “So, we’re excited to have a project like this in the 6th Avenue Business District. We’re very happy about what’s happening in Tacoma.”
Following the ceremony, Tacoma Housing Authority officials provided tours of the new apartments to the soon-to-be-returning residents and others.
Residents will begin returning to the complex on Monday, Nov. 19.