Housing Hope Breaks Ground on HopeWorks Station II

This afternoon Housing Hope broke ground on HopeWorks Station II, a 67,000 square foot high-rise structure that will redefine Broadway Avenue and transform the Everett Transit District.

HopeWorks Station II is a multifaceted initiative that will feature 65 supportive housing units for vulnerable populations, as well as social enterprises. Federal and state tax dollars fund the project as well as private donors.

The building will take 14 months to complete.

Today's event was the third groundbreaking this year in Everett for low-income housing nonprofits. Catholic Community Services, Cocoon House, and Housing Hope are currently building a combined total of 170 new affordable housing units in our city.

ECOLOGICAL IMPACT

HopeWorks Station II will be a net zero emissions building. In his opening comments during the ceremony Ed Peterson, Founding Executive Director of both Housing Hope and HopeWorks, called the building “a model of eco-sustainability.”

“Together we’re creating a model that is benefitting our community.”

— Ed Peterson

An artist’s rendition of the structure shows a roof covered in metallic blue solar panels. HWSII will feature bike parking for its 65 residents as well as additional bike racks for visitors.

Two floors of LEED-certified commercial space will house a training academy, including culinary classrooms, kitchens, and a multifunctional learning lab.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

HopeWorks Station I already has social enterprises in the form of GroundWorks, RenewWorks, and CafeWorks. The new station will house these as well as a revamped commercial culinary program, featuring a restaurant and a cafe that will be open to the public.

Social enterprises teach skills and offer career counseling for interns, providing them with opportunities for lasting employment.

GROUNDBREAKING

Present at the event were elected officials including city council members, Everett mayor Cassie Franklin, and Washington State Representative June Robinson, among others.

Ms. Franklin, who had a career in nonprofit management before her election to public office, said that HopeWorks Station II is “direly needed” in our city.

The Rotary Club of Everett presented a $100,000 check to HopeWorks for the project.

After thanking the partners who had made the HWSII project possible Mr. Peterson noted that “together we’re creating a model that is benefitting our community.”