Ronald Commons is a low income housing project combined with a large tenant space dedicated to the HopeLink food bank just North of Seattle, Washington. The lot was originally owned by the Ronald United Methodist Church to the East of the property and the sale of the property was contingent upon the design of a shared outdoor space between the church, the food bank, and the residents. The program required a mix of studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments as well as administration spaces and on-site parking.
Challenges
- The site has a significant grade change from the East to West side of the site of approximately 15 feet.
- A pedestrian pass connecting the church and the sidewalk on Linden Avenue, a well-used residential street.
- An unusual height limit which required that the facade be stepped back 10 feet for every 15 feet in height. An additional facade-break of 30′ wide and 20′ deep from the property line was required to extend the full height of the building.
- Stormwater was required to be treated on-site which meant a very large retention tank
Opportunities
- Existing underground services run under the south side of the property, providing a good opportunity for the pedestrian walk way.
- requirement from the church for a shared open space could allow for common access to both the residential portion of the building and the food bank
- Soil conditions
Images
Ashley Cranston 