AMCAL Multi-Housing wants to build 255-unit senior housing community in Smokey Point

By Douglas Buell • April 13, 2018 1:30 am
A rendering of the 255-unit Smokey Point Apartments, a senior living community to be built by AMCAL Multi-Housing, at 172nd Street NE and 40th Avenue NE in Smokey Point.
A rendering of the 255-unit Smokey Point Apartments, a senior living community to be built by AMCAL Multi-Housing, at 172nd Street NE and 40th Avenue NE in Smokey Point.

ARLINGTON – Two multi-family projects in the works would add 567 new units for seniors and families to the Smokey Point area, helping meet the city’s goals for a diversified mix of new residential activity.

Smokey Point Apartments

AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. plans to build the Smokey Point Apartments, a new 255-unit senior housing community on 5.4 acres of vacant land at 3905 172nd St. NE, on the north side of the highway across from Wal-mart.

The units will be available to senior citizens earning no more than 60 percent of the area median income. The proposed project includes the construction of a 214,017-square-foot, four-story building comprising 175 one-bedroom and 80 two-bedroom units plus parking, open space, landscaping and other amenities.

Community Development Director Marc Hayes said the complex will be a remarkable community unto itself, with two courtyards, open-air spaces connecting the buildings that let in plenty of light, private dining rooms, and fitness and yoga rooms. Outdoor amenities include a walking path, fire pit, garden plots, barbecue areas and a bocce ball court.

A colorful exterior using earthy tones and decorative architectural touches and landscaping will be a welcome addition to the area, he said.

The project would be accessed by a future extension of 40th Avenue NE.

“It’s nice to see different designs like these coming into Arlington,” Hayes said. “I think you’re going to see a decent variety of architectural styles here in the next couple of years.”

AMCAL is a Los Angeles-based company that has developed affordable housing, student housing and market-rate housing in more than 35 cities throughout California, Texas, Louisiana and Arizona.

The Villas at Arlington

Another project, The Villas at Arlington, would construct 312 multi-family units in the 18500 block of Smokey Point Boulevard north of the senior center.

The three-story, 13-building complex built on 15 acres would provide affordable rental housing, plus a recreational building.

In comments from senior center residents during the hearing process, the company agreed to add fencing, keep a tree-lined buffer in place, and build a kids playground. A left-turn pocket on Smokey Point Boulevard is also part of the project.

Hayes said other multi-family projects are in various stages of permitting.

AMCAL Multi-Housing wants to build 255-unit senior housing community in Smokey Point