Four Amigos Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Tue, May 6, 2025 at 9:44 PM

Beacon, Family Housing, Uncategorized, Washington

On Thursday, April 10th, Beacon Development Group proudly attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Four Amigos Beloved Community in Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood. The event drew a large and vibrant crowd, including local political leaders, construction partners, and faith leaders.

The celebration began with a powerful lineup of speeches, spirited performances by students from José Martí, and a special appearance by Larry Gossett, a founding member of the Four Amigos. Guests were invited to tour the newly constructed community and enjoy a delicious spread of local delicacies.

It was a beautiful day to honor the achievement of this new development. As Phase 2—the Columbia City Church of Hope—nears completion, the Four Amigos Beloved Community continues to bring vibrancy, connection, and care to the neighborhood.

¡Viva los Four Amigos!

: Larry Gossett (Member of the Four Amigos) and Estela Ortega (Executive Director, El Centro de La Raza)

: Greg Wong (Deputy Mayor of External Relations) and Miguel Maestas (Associate Director, El Centro de La Raza)

Introducing the Four Amigos Beloved Community: A New Beacon of Hope and Opportunity in Columbia City

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM

Beacon, Construction, Project Openings, Washington

Beacon Development Group is excited to announce the grand opening of the Four Amigos Beloved Community, a transformative affordable housing initiative in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Columbia City neighborhood. Sponsored by El Centro de La Raza, this community is poised to become a cornerstone of support, growth, and opportunity for families, children, and individuals in the area.

The Four Amigos Beloved Community is not just a place to live – it’s a place to thrive. Spanning 65,000 square feet, the community features 87 beautifully designed, affordable apartments in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations, providing spacious homes for families of all sizes. The building has been thoughtfully designed with sustainable features such as cement fiber board siding, luxury vinyl tile flooring, solid wood cabinetry, solid surface countertops, and solar panels that power common areas like hallways and corridors. The inclusion of energy-efficient elements like a rain garden to manage stormwater runoff, EV chargers, and solar ban windows further reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Named in honor of the Four Amigos – Bernie Whitebear, Bob Santos, Roberto Maestas, and Larry Gossett – this community embodies their legacy of community empowerment, social justice, and collective action. The Four Amigos Beloved Community is a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that affordable housing, education, and social services can have on the lives of families and children.

A centerpiece is the 6,300-square-foot childcare center, which offers high-quality education and care for children ages 1 to 5. The center’s state-of-the-art facilities include a commercial kitchen that provides nutritious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and snacks, to support the growth and development of young minds. In addition to the childcare center, the community features a playground that will become a vibrant gathering place for children, fostering friendships and encouraging outdoor play. A first-floor community event space will host a variety of programs, including job training, adult education, and workshops focused on career development, financial literacy, and wellness. These programs, hosted in partnership with El Centro de La Raza, provide residents with vital resources that can help lift them up and open doors to new opportunities.

The Beacon Development Washington Team visiting the Four Amigos Beloved Community

But the true heart of the Four Amigos Beloved Community lies in its people. At the core of this initiative is a vision of providing more than just housing; it’s about creating a space where residents have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. With a commitment to building healthy, connected communities, the Four Amigos Beloved Community includes a wide range of amenities designed to enhance residents’ lives. Through this project, Beacon Development Group is pleased to be supporting El Centro de La Raza’s commitment to creating a lasting legacy of hope, opportunity, and connection for the families and children who find home in our community. The Four Amigos Beloved Community is also home to Church of Hope, a new neighborhood-based church of the NW Washington Lutheran Synod. The Church of Hope provides worship services, spiritual connection, and community-driven outreach initiatives.

: Church of Hope

: Courtyard/Playground

: Front of Courtyard

: Four Amigos Beloved Community

: Bathroom

: Hallway

: Kitchen

Beacon Development Group’s Commitment to Mentoring Future Leaders in Affordable Housing

Posted by Alanna.Lopez@beacondevgroup.com on Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM

Advocacy, Beacon, Construction, Uncategorized, Washington

Since 2021, Beacon Development Group has been proud to participate in the Housing Development Consortium’s (HDC) Housing Development Internship Program (HDIP). This transformative nine-month initiative is designed to empower students of color to become future leaders in the affordable housing sector. Our partnership with HDC through HDIP is pivotal in helping us serve our residents and clients, ensuring their voices are heard, and making a meaningful impact on the communities we support. By offering paid internships, hands-on experience in real estate development, and invaluable networking opportunities, HDIP is cultivating a diverse pipeline of talent and amplifying the voices essential for driving change in the affordable housing field.As Beth Boram, Director of Development, explains, “Beacon’s participation is important because it provides us with a path for creating greater diversity in the affordable housing sector. With this program, HDC is providing a resource that helps us meet our organizational goals.” Programs like HDIP not only give emerging leaders the chance to gain practical experience, but also build the connections and insights they will carry forward in their careers, championing the communities they serve.”

To date, Beacon has hosted three interns through the program, with Beth overseeing the internship experience. Our 2022 intern-turned-Housing Associate, Amar Halaweh, now mentors our current intern, Ethan Cano, who joined Beacon in October 2024. These talented individuals play pivotal roles in advancing our mission, inspiring the next generation of affordable housing professionals, and reinforcing our commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The partnership between Beacon and HDIP allows us to foster innovation and bring fresh perspectives to real estate development, making our housing solutions more responsive to the diverse needs of residents and communities.

Together, we’re amplifying the voices of those we serve and building stronger, more connected communities, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and accepting world.

Beth Boram: Mentoring Future Affordable Housing Leaders

Beth Boram, Beacon’s Director of Development, has firsthand experience with the power of internships. After graduating from Evergreen State College, Beth began her affordable housing career as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA). Her experience with the program was transformative, allowing her to gain practical skills while navigating the challenges of a transitioning nonprofit organization.

“Internships provide young professionals with access to opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable,” Beth says. “They also offer organizations like Beacon a chance to bring in passionate, driven individuals who want to learn and grow within the industry.”

Beth’s commitment to mentorship extends to her role overseeing the HDIP internship program at Beacon, where she actively fosters a collaborative learning environment. “Beacon is mission-driven, and our team is dedicated to providing opportunities for young professionals of color,” she adds.

Amar Halaweh: From Intern to Housing Associate

Amar Halaweh came to Beacon in 2022 as an HDIP intern while completing her senior year at the University of Washington. Amar’s passion for affordable housing was sparked when she studied the housing crisis in a market analysis class and saw its impact on Seattle’s rising homelessness rates. “It felt like it was meant to be when I received the internship opportunity. I saw it as a chance to do my part in addressing the housing crisis and start a career in something I was passionate about,” Amar recalls.

After a successful nine-month internship, Amar was offered a full-time position as a Housing Associate. “My internship experience was incredible. I was treated as a team member from day one and involved in a variety of projects. When the full-time opportunity came, it felt like the right move,” she says.

Now a mentor to current HDIP intern Ethan Cano, Amar actively supports the program’s new participants, ensuring that the collaborative, growth-focused environment continues for future interns.

Ethan Cano: The Next Generation of Affordable Housing Leaders

Ethan Cano, currently pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Washington, joined Beacon in October 2024 as an HDIP intern. With a background in architecture and sustainability, Ethan was drawn to affordable housing as a way to create positive community impact through design. “Affordable housing is an issue I’ve explored both academically and personally. I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to it,” says Ethan.

Ethan’s previous professional experience spanned various building types, but he knew his true passion lay in affordable housing. His excitement to apply for the HDIP internship stemmed from his desire to make a difference in the community. “Beacon is the first organization where I’ve had the opportunity to work on affordable housing in a professional capacity, and it’s been a fantastic learning experience,” he says.

Ethan’s enthusiasm and drive have made him a valuable addition to the Beacon team. As he embarks on his internship, he’s embraced each day as an opportunity to learn and contribute to the mission of affordable housing.

Words of Wisdom from Amar and Ethan for Future Interns

As experienced HDIP participants, both Amar and Ethan have valuable advice for future interns:

Amar: “Embrace the unknown and take things one day at a time. You don’t need to learn everything at once—everything will come naturally as you progress.”

Ethan: “Approach every day as a learning opportunity and a chance to help someone in need. That mindset has fueled my motivation and made my experience even more rewarding.”

Join the Housing Development Internship Program

Interested in making an impact on the affordable housing sector? Apply for the HDIP internship program through their website to learn more about application deadlines and requirements. To explore career opportunities at Beacon Development Group or our parent company, HumanGood, visit our careers page.

At Beacon, we remain committed to fostering diverse talent and developing the leaders of tomorrow in affordable housing.

HDIP Website: HDIP Information for Students – Housing Development Consortium

HumanGood Careers: Careers | HumanGood

Introducing Tahoma Place: A New Affordable Housing Community in Tacoma, WA

Posted by beacon on Wed, Nov 27, 2024 at 6:57 PM

Beacon, Construction, Senior Housing, Washington

Beacon Development Group is excited to announce the opening of Tahoma Place, a newly developed affordable housing community in Tacoma, Washington, in partnership with the Korean Women’s Association (KWA). This six-story, 88-unit apartment building offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments designed to provide safe and affordable housing for seniors and veterans. Of the 88 units, 20 are designated as HUD-assisted for seniors aged 62 and older who are experiencing homelessness. The community includes 48 studio apartments, 39 one-bedroom units, and one two-bedroom apartment, offering a range of living options to meet the needs of the residents. In addition to its housing offerings, Tahoma Place emphasizes sustainability with solar panels that generate 25.2 kW of energy, helping to reduce environmental impact and keep energy costs low for residents. A key feature of Tahoma Place is the on-site services coordinator provided by KWA, offering residents access to a variety of senior-focused programs, including in-home care, healthcare referrals, and food assistance resources. The building also includes an industrial kitchen and learning center, providing opportunities for residents to engage in social, educational, and community-building activities. Indoor amenities at Tahoma Place include a welcoming lobby, a community room for gatherings, a fitness center, and a secure laundry room. Additionally, the building provides on-site staff offices for daily support and management. Outdoor amenities include two resident decks on the 2nd and 6th floors and two courtyards, providing green spaces for relaxation and recreation. Tahoma Place reflects our commitment to providing quality affordable housing for seniors and veterans, while also fostering a supportive community that promotes well-being and independence. With the partnership of the Korean Women’s Association, this new community is more than just housing – it’s a place where residents can thrive with access to essential services and a variety of on-site amenities designed to enhance their quality of life. For more information or to inquire about available units, please visit Tahoma Place Apartments.

Beacon Development Group Knows How to Have Summer Fun!

Posted by beacon on Fri, Oct 11, 2024 at 9:12 PM

Beacon, California, Press, Uncategorized, Washington

This summer, our teams in California and Washington came together for an unforgettable series of events that celebrated collaboration, innovation, and community spirit.

In California, the BDG summer outing in San Francisco was a true highlight! The day began with an intriguing visit to Alcatraz Island, where the team explored the infamous old federal prison and soaked up its rich history. Following that adventure, they enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf, culminating in a delightful lunch at Scoma’s Restaurant. It was a perfect blend of fun, food, and exploration!

Meanwhile, our WA team embraced a beloved Seattle tradition by attending a Mariners game. The festivities kicked off with tasty game day bites at Hatback’s restaurant, and the excitement continued as we headed to T-Mobile Park to cheer on the Mariners in their victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. With sunshine, thrilling baseball, and the camaraderie that defines our team, it was a day to remember.

Here’s to more amazing moments together!

Coming Soon: 234 Units of Affordable Housing

Posted by beacon on Mon, Apr 8, 2024 at 10:42 PM

Beacon, Construction, Family Housing, Urban/Mixed Use

Beacon is proud to announce the 50% completion for 3 Washington projects with 3 different sponsors! Korean Women’s Association’s Tacoma project, Shiloh Baptist Church’s 13^th and I Street projects, and El Centro de la Raza’s Four Amigos project are all halfway done!

Korean Women’s Association will provide 87 units of affordable housing project for low-income seniors with affirmative marketing towards AAPI seniors. This project includes a 1,200 square foot learning center where residents and community members can benefit from the programming offered by KWA.

Shiloh Baptist Church’s 13^th and I Street project consists of two building which in total offer 60 one- and two-bedroom units for residents making 30%-50% of area median income. The project offers on-site services such as GED, financial literacy, parenting, 12-step, and afterschool/homework help to residents.

And El Centro de la Raza’s Four Amigos Beloved Community will provide 87 units of affordable housing for families. The site will house a bilingual early childhood education program and classrooms, an office for Consejo Counselling and Referral Services, and a new home for the Church of Hope.

Stay tuned for their completions and grand openings in late 2024 and early 2025!

Beacon Development Group Celebrates 25 Years

Posted by beacon on Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 11:28 PM

Awards & Recognition, Beacon

In October 2023, Beacon Development Group celebrated its 25th anniversary. Since its inception in 1998, Beacon Development Group has steadfastly sought to improve the lives of families and households facing housing insecurity across Washington and beyond. The numbers tell part of the story: Beacon has contributed to the creation of nearly 7,000 units of affordable housing, owned by 44 diverse clients, across 102 projects, and with a combined value of nearly $1.5 billion. But the numbers are only a small part of the story. The happy faces of kids, parents and older adults at grand openings; the positive impact on communities and neighborhoods; the proud speeches of clients and dignitaries at ribbon-cuttings; and the sweat and passion of Beacon’s exemplary team and partners – all these images, memories, and anecdotes are what make 25 years of Beacon a celebratory moment.

Beacon started with the vision of its founder, Paul Purcell. Paul saw the desperate need for affordable housing in our communities, and knew firsthand, the challenges and complexities of creating housing through the archaic funding programs available, namely HUD and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. With the blessing of his former employer, Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, Paul and a handful of employees began to provide development expertise to not just one organization, but to multiple organizations across the state. After 25 years, more than 60 current or former team members, three office locations, and many a stressful closing, Beacon stands as a leader in the affordable housing industry in Washington State and across the west coast.

Beacon Development Group offers a comprehensive suite of services, including development consulting, construction management, and asset refinance and repositioning. These services guide clients through the entire life cycle of their affordable housing projects and assist them in managing their portfolios. Beacon’s remarkable impact extends to affordable housing projects spanning Washington, California, and Oregon. The core of Beacon’s history is rooted in its consulting service to third-party clients, both non-profits and housing authorities. Beacon continues to uphold that mission by serving both established housing entities as well as a growing array of new community based and BIPOC organizations that are seeking to add housing services to their community programs.

Beacon Development Group has garnered significant recognition for its exceptional contributions to the affordable housing development industry. Some of the notable awards and accolades include:

LifeWire Community Partner of the Year, 2023
Impact Capital Community Partner of the Year, 2016
Washington State Housing Finance Commission Friend of Housing, 2014
Seattle Business Magazine’s 100 Best Businesses to Work For: Top 10 Small Firms, 2014
Affordable Housing Finance Magazine’s Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers, 2007

Construction Management Director Jason Manges reflects on his experience with Beacon, stating, “Beacon has been realistic about my needs, time, salary, benefits, compensation, etc. My kids have grown up while I’ve been at Beacon. My second child was born 2 years into my stay. She’s 12 now. I’ve had the flexibility to raise a family in a way I wanted to here.”

The overarching mission of providing affordable housing to low-income families and seniors serves as a powerful motivator for Beacon Development Group’s team.They are dedicated to overcoming numerous challenges to ensure minimal disruption to residents during construction and the successful, timely completion of affordable housing projects. California Construction Management Director George Sousou recalls, “We pushed for a permit to take the powerlines down for one day to crane our stuff over it. We paid PG&E $18,000 to come out to shut the power off for one day. We provided generators for every business and residence on the block, and even convinced the Wells Fargo across the street to close for the day.”

When COVID-19 necessitated lockdowns across the country, Beacon faced unique challenges, including a California rehabilitation project that required families to relocate from their current housing to temporary accommodations. Beacon carefully coordinated with movers, relocating families one unit at a time to mitigate potential exposures. This process, while time-consuming, was essential for resident safety.

The testimonials from HumanGood residents reveal the profound impact of Beacon’s work in creating vibrant and welcoming communities. Residents express their gratitude for the enhancements made to their living spaces and the attention to detail in design and functionality.

“I cried when I was accepted to move into my new housing. How was I worthy of living in such a grand place? They took me and my dog. My dog was important. He depended on me and I depended on him. Now we both have a warm bed and lots of new friends. I am happy to be so lucky to live out my final days here. Thank you.” – HumanGood resident

Such heartwarming stories motivate Beacon’s team to consistently go above and beyond. Their mission extends beyond mere affordable housing development; it’s about providing individuals with housing opportunities, second chances, and the promise of peaceful retirements. As California Construction Management Director George Sousou aptly puts it, “We’re not just building a project for someone and moving on; we’re making an impact.”

As Beacon Development Group embarks on the next phase of its journey, it anticipates challenges and opportunities in the affordable housing sector. One of the pressing issues is the complexity of funding sources, with numerous government programs, lenders, banks, and sponsors involved in affordable housing development. These requirements and regulations, along with land cost increases, and the inflation in labor and materials, have led to soaring project costs. Beacon’s Project and Construction Managers aspire to collaborate with lawmakers to identify strategies for reducing the costs of affordable housing projects, protecting taxpayer dollars, and enabling more projects within the limitations of available funding.

Moreover, the affordable housing sector, like the broader housing industry, confronts a labor shortage. The intricacies of affordable housing deals require highly skilled and well-trained employees. Beacon also strives to have a team that reflects the diversity in the communities in which we serve. For these reasons, Beacon has undertaken multiple organizational efforts designed to recruit, train, and mentor people who are new to the affordable housing field and can help achieve the overall goals of the industry.

Reflecting on the past 25 years, Beacon Development Group acknowledges that it has weathered various trials, from the 2008 recession to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In times of adversity, Beacon has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. But out of adversity, comes a deeper commitment and ability to bring affordable housing to those in need.

Ethiopian Village Grand Opening

Posted by beacon on Tue, Sep 5, 2023 at 4:30 PM

Beacon, Construction, Project Openings, Senior Housing, Urban/Mixed Use, Washington

Members of Ethiopian Community in Seattle, Beacon Development Group, and HumanGood Affordable Housing celebrated the grand opening of Ethiopian Village over traditional Ethiopian food, coffee, and wine. Ethiopian Village is made possible by Ethiopian Community in Seattle and HumanGood Affordable Housing partnering to provide 90 units of culturally appropriate, affordable senior housing. This new project synergizes with the existing community center which was renovated and expanded to meet the current and future needs of the Ethiopian Community in Seattle.

One of the most prominent features of Ethiopian Village is the large vinyl prints which grace the sides of the Ethiopian Village with murals of Ethiopian traditions, motifs, and values. These murals were designed by a local artist from the community.

The building is connected to the renovated ECS headquarters and a coffee shop to recognize the social tradition of meeting over coffee, and the beginning of a community. Ethiopian Village welcomes all residents who meet the income qualifications, and residents do not need to be Ethiopian to live in the community.

Ethiopian Village is currently accepting applications from low-income seniors 55 years and older.

LifeWire Partner of the Year Award!

Posted by beacon on Thu, Jun 1, 2023 at 10:29 PM

Awards & Recognition, Beacon, Construction, Family Housing, Press, Urban/Mixed Use, Washington

Beacon Development Group was honored as LifeWire’s Community Partner of the Year at their Hope Starts Here Luncheon, held on May 25^th in Bellevue, WA. Beacon has been working closely with LifeWire to develop affordable housing for individuals and families escaping domestic violence. We are in the final stages of renovating an existing apartment building with 25 one- and two- bedroom units as well as the new construction of a 2,900 square foot resident service building.

“It is an honor to partner with LifeWire to build housing for survivors facing the impossible choice of staying in an abusive relationship or becoming homeless,” shares Alberta Bleck, the project manager. “We encountered unique challenges in developing this housing, but the strength of the team allowed us to overcome barriers, adding needed shelter and transitional housing units in an area rich with amenities and opportunities for survivors and their families to heal and thrive.”

LifeWire is Washington State’s largest provider serving survivors of domestic violence, offering holistic support, including homelessness and housing stability services, legal assistance, and advocacy. In 2022, LifeWire provided life-saving services to 3,300 survivors across Washington State. Since its formation in 1982, LifeWire has served 160,000 survivors, more than the population of Bellevue.

LifeWire’s Hope Starts Here fundraising campaign is not over yet. Donate today to support their work at https://www.lifewire.org/donate/

Funding for the Korean Women’s Association’s 88 Units of Low-Income Senior Housing

Posted by beacon on Mon, Mar 13, 2023 at 4:16 PM

Beacon, Construction, Family Housing, Urban/Mixed Use, Washington

Beacon is proud to announce the financial closing of KWA 15^th & Tacoma for the Korean Women’s Association. The new building in downtown Tacoma will include 88 units of deeply affordable housing for seniors, with a focus for seniors with limited English proficiency. To support residents’ ability to age in place, an onsite social services coordinator will assist residents identify, access, and coordinate services. The building will also include a 2,300 square foot Learning Center where residents and community members can benefit from events and programs of the Korean Women’s Association, including an onsite meal program.

Rendering of Korean Women Association by Environmental Works

Korean Women’s Association’s 15^th & Tacoma project is made possible through funds from the City of Tacoma, Tacoma Community Redevelopment Association, Pierce County, Pierce County Community Development Corporation, the Washington Housing Trust Fund, the HUD 202 program, Key Bank, Key Community Development Corporation, Heritage Bank, Federal Home Loan Bank, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Design and construction partners include Environmental Works and Marpac Construction.

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