The Dirt: Plans progress for seven-story mixed use apartment complex in the University District

A seven-story mixed-use apartment complex in the University District is one step closer to becoming a reality.

Portland-based developer Project^ has filed a building permit application with the city of Spokane to build the Boxcar Apartments, a more than $11 million complex at 15 N. Grant St., southwest of the University District Gateway Bridge.

The project, once complete, will span more than 78,500 square feet and contain 136 units, a lounge, fitness center, covered parking and a café on the ground level, according to site plans.

Portland-based TVA Architects is designing the project.

The mixed-use project is the first in Spokane for Project^, which has developed more than 20 retail, office, residential and academic buildings in Oregon and California.

Spokane-based Bouten Construction is the project contractor.

Early learning center construction underway

Construction has started on a $3.2 million early learning center in the South Perry District.

Spokane-based nonprofit organization Proclaim Liberty is developing the 4,400-square-foot facility that will accommodate nearly 60 prekindergarten students in two classrooms at 1525 E. Hartson Ave.

The facility also will include space for teachers and administrative staff, according to a news release.

Proclaim Liberty is leasing the space to the Liberty Park Community Development Center, which operates a state-funded early childhood education and assistance program.

The early learning center, when complete, will allow the LPCDC to expand its early childhood education services and programs to underserved families.

Proclaim Liberty, which operates an adjacent 48-unit affordable housing complex, plans to double available housing on the campus in the next few years. Preliminary site work will be underway for 20 of the new apartments in conjunction with the early learning center project, according to the news release.

Credit union plans home loan center

Global Credit Union is planning to remodel a space in an existing downtown Spokane building into a home loan center, according to an application filed with the city.

The Spokane-based credit union is remodeling a more than 3,100-square-foot space at 1505 W. Fourth Ave., across the street from its headquarters.

Spokane Valley-based Bales Construction Inc. is the project contractor.

The project valuation is $246,000, according to the application.

Global Credit Union, founded in 1954 as Fairchild Federal Credit Union, has more than 50,000 members and holds assets of more than $480 million. It has seven branches in the Spokane area and two in North Idaho.

Haystack Heights Foundation poured

Plans are progressing for Spokane’s first cohousing community in the Perry District.

The Perry Group LLC, whose principals are future residents of Haystack Heights, a proposed 39-unit cohousing development, announced last week the foundation has been poured for the project, which officially broke ground in May.

Haystack Heights, which has been in the planning process for nearly four years, will consist of 32 new private town homes and flats, in addition to seven existing units at 731 S. Garfield St.

The development also calls for a large clubhouse for shared meals and activities, organic gardens, a shop and music rehearsal space.

The one- and two-story housing units will range from 650-square-foot flats to 1,470-square-foot town homes.

The housing units have been reserved by future residents since February and the community is maintaining a waiting list of potential buyers, according to a news release.

Haystack Heights will be an intergenerational cohousing community intended to encourage interaction and collaboration among its residents, who participated in the design of the project.

The project is slated for completion in late 2021.

Spokane-based Yost Gallagher is the project contractor.