More apartments for low-income residents are coming to the Bagley Downs neighborhood as Isabella Court moves into its second phase.
The 49-unit apartment complex at 3112 N.E. 62nd Ave. will soon be joined by a second 49-unit apartment complex at 3020 N.E. 62nd Ave., according to preapplication documents filed with the city of Vancouver.
Like the first Isabella Court, Isabella Court II will be a four-story building consisting of 46 one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments. Forty-nine parking spaces will be offered. A courtyard will join the two spaces together.
Documents show the new complex will have a property management office and spaces for community activities. Apartment sizes will be about the same but specifics are still being worked out.
The biggest difference, according to housing project manager Ben Sturtz, is Isabella Court II’s priority for disabled residents. Federal regulations require that 5 percent of new subsidized housing units are built to be accessible for people with motor impairments. The first Isabella Court had three such units, while the second will have 10.
“That’s the major difference,” Sturtz said. “Similar design, similar number of units, same team.”
Thirty units will have project-based Section 8 vouchers, as well. The first Isabella Court had 10.
This new phase of Isabella Court had been in the works for some time, since Portland nonprofit Reach Community Development acquired the 3.4-acre property there. Reach will join up with Portland architecture firm MWA Architects once again to develop the building.
Reach is still working on the financing, he said. The first Isabella Court was built through a combination of the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, tax-exempt bonds, State Housing Trust Fund dollars, State HOME dollars and funds from Clark County and the City of Vancouver. Reach has applied for similar funds for the second phase.
If the applications are successful, Sturtz said construction could start on the second phase in September.
Applications are open for rentals at the first Isabella Court. A grand opening is planned for February.
A hearing will be held for the second Isabella Court at 11 a.m. Dec. 8 in the Alder Conference Room at Vancouver City Hall, 415 W. Sixth St. For more information, contact Andrew Reule at 360-487-7891 or andrew.reule@cityofvancouver.us.
