Salishan is a benchmark for green building. The 7th and final phase of Tacoma Housing Authority’s 180-acre development is the first HOPE VI project (federally-funded) to achieve LEED for Homes Platinum Certification. With 91 homes on 22 acres it provides residential units for people earning below 50% of median income. Walsh was CM/GC on the project, completing infrastructure and vertical construction; and responsible for preconstruction services, including scheduling, phased estimates andconstructability review. An extensive redevelopment plan targeted phased occupancy, accomplished in multiple construction phases.
Categories:
Housing, Affordable
Sustainability Notes
Walsh worked closely with owner Tacoma Housing Authority to push the sustainable envelope, introducing innovations that helped make Salishan 7 one of the most sustainable projects in the region. Completed in 2011, Salishan 7 set new standards for affordable housing by becoming the 3rd largest certified LEED Platinum for Homes project in the country built with federal funding. Salishan 7 has many highly sustainable features; Bioswales that allow 98% of the community’s stormwater, including roof runoff, to percolate on-site; and buildings that are performing 50% better than code.
Salishan 7
Size
The project is a major revitalization of the Salishan neighborhood in Tacoma, with construction of 91 units of housing in 38 buildings, and extensive infrastructure and sitework to replace WWII-era housing with sustainable, affordable homes.
Clients
Architects
Press
Awards
New Directions in Livable Communities Award, Forterra, 2013
Best Green Building, 2011 - AGC Build Washington Award
Development of the Year, 2011 - Northwest Energy Star
Top 10 projects of 2010 selected by Northwest EcoBuilding Guild (10x10x10 Green Building Slam)
Tahoma Business Environmental Award, 2010
Community participation was a major project goal and Walsh worked with the owner and community to deploy a robust Outreach program, exceeding goals for each phase of the project. Salishan creates a walkable community of 180 acres with parks, schools and services, close to public transportation. Located just two miles from downtown Tacoma, it’s connected to the growth of the entire region. Even more important than achieving the Platinum rating, Salishan 7 provides healthy and highly energy efficient affordable homes in a supportive community.