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.
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 13th 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 13th 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!
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.
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.
Beacon Development Group was honored as LifeWire’s Community Partner of the Year at their Hope Starts Here Luncheon, held on May 25th 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/
Beacon is proud to announce the financial closing of KWA 15th & 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 15th & 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.
The redevelopment of the 64-unit Canterbury Village in Santa Clarita, CA and 75-unit The Gardens in Glendale, CA have both reached 50% completion. Canterbury Village started its rehab in May 2022 with completing 4 out of its 6 phases. Closely behind, The Gardens started its rehab in June 2022, with completing 5 out of its 9 phases of the renovation. Completed rehab to date includes renovations of their property management offices, laundry rooms, libraries and community rooms. New mailbox locations and elevator shafts work has been completed as well. Both properties are expected to be completed by mid-2023.
HumanGood Affordable Housing in partnership with Sunnyvale Life, Inc. has secured financing for a new affordable housing community in Morgan Hill, CA. Morgan Hill Senior Housing will be a 3-story apartment building consisting of 83 large one-bedroom units serving low-income and special needs seniors.
Outdoor amenities include a central courtyard, raised planter beds, drought tolerant landscaping, a covered walkway and drop-off area that leads to 37-pervious resident parking spaces. Equipped with photovoltaic solar panels on the roof top, this apartment building will be fully electric only. Interior features include a welcoming lobby, manager and service coordinator offices, community room, secured laundry room, media room, fitness center and a 3rd floor roof deck open space. The total building square footage is estimated to be 69,825 sq. ft.
After nearly two years of construction, Beacon Development Group and HumanGood Affordable Housing celebrated the grand reopening of Castle Argyle Apartments in Los Angeles, CA. With construction completed back in May 2022, this 96-unit senior housing community has been redeveloped to be better than ever.
The building renovations included seismic upgrades; new mechanical systems such as two new elevators; new electrical systems and energy upgrades through solar voltaic panels to help offset electricity costs; as well as new plumbing systems. On the interior, the grand lobby was designed to highlight is classic Hollywood style and new offices layouts including space for resident services and a nurse. All unit interiors received new appliances, kitchens, and bathrooms. Each unit also received a central heating and air conditioning system for the first time. Exterior site work upgrades include new drought-tolerant landscaping and concrete/asphalt repaving, exterior building repairs and painting.
The iconic “Castle Argyle” sign that sits atop the building and the historic “Castle Argyle Arms” sign above the entry staircase on Argyle Avenue were also restored to its original neon colors and are fully operational again. Two new murals were also added; one inside the lobby and an external mural on the parking structure wall. The lobby mural provides a decorative and welcoming visual feature for residents and visitors which has a prominent position upon entry. The exterior mural serves not only as a powerful artistic feature enhancing a large concrete wall, but also represents the diverse history of Castle Argyle, its residents and the community. Muralist Roberto Biaggi, an artist based in San Juan, Puerto Rico who has over 125 international installations, developed the final design.
A combination of tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits was used to fund the rehabilitation of the entire building. The tax credit equity partner and construction lender for the building was U.S. Bank, and permanent financing was provided by Citibank Community Capital. Special thanks are due to the project team of Relativity Architects and Walton Construction, the general contractor.
Beacon Development Group is proud to be the recent recipient of two different awards for exemplary service to the community: the Award of Excellence from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
Beacon and Hopeworks Social Enterprises are proud to be the recipients of ULI’s “Award of Excellence 2022” for Hopeworks Station North. Hopeworks Station North provides 65 units of housing for homeless and low-income individuals, with 57 dedicated to those facing homelessness. On the ground floor, multiple job-training programs provide pathways to employment and economic stability. Hopeworks additionally offers an internship program for 75 low-income individuals annually. Internships include their culinary food service program called FoodWorks, a retail training center, and a youth career center.
Additionally, Beacon and the Yakima Housing Authority are proud to be the recipients of the “Award of Merit 2022” for Community Revitalization from NAHRO for Chuck Austin Place (CAP). CAP provides 41 supportive housing units focused on ending veteran homelessness in Yakima through affordable housing and multi-faceted social services. These services include a full-time Resident Services Coordinator which works closely with residents to establish goals and connect resident to their goals, a weekly food pantry, and Veterans’ Benefit Coordinators who work with veterans to secure their VA benefits. CAP’s holistic model is unique to Yakima, to veterans, and to service collaboration.
Beacon Development Group is proud to be recognized for their service to those facing homelessness and housing instability in our communities.
After nearly two years of construction, Beacon Development Group and HumanGood Affordable Housing celebrated the grand reopening of Castle Argyle Apartments in Los Angeles, CA. With construction completed back in May 2022, this 96-unit senior housing community has been redeveloped to be better than ever.
