Clients:
Low Income Housing Institute, Operation Homestead, andSeattle Department of Housing & Human Services

Developer:
Fremont Public Association

Completion Date:
December 1994

Construction Cost:
$700,000

From the beginning, the activists who initiated the reopening of Arion Court used the crowbar as their inspirational symbol. That form has a permanent place on the renovated facade as seen in the custom awnings.

The Arion Court Apartments has become an innovative model of permanent housing for homeless single adults. Originally built in 1915, the abandoned three-story wood frame building fell into severe disrepair until 1991, when Operation Homestead reopened the apartments in hopes of establishing a homeless shelter. In spite of structural duress and legal battles, Arion Court was successfully renovated and occupied in 1994.

Currently the building provides 37 studio units for its tenants, who are interviewed and screened for their ability to participate in the building’s self-management. The program also includes two 225 sf lightwell decks, a common kitchen and meeting room, and a shared laundry.