Context
Creating a mixed-use multi-family project on
South Whidbey requires a lot of elements to converge. Fortunately, this unique property has them all.
• Municipal Sewer and Water: The city of Langley
is the only place on South Whidbey that currently provides these utilities.
• Allowable Zoning: This is one of the few
properties in Langley zoned “Neighborhood Business” – meaning it can support both
commercial and residential uses.
• Sufficient Parking: For an urban lot, this property has a
substantial amount of space already dedicated to parking and an
efficient one-way alley for egress. Additional side street parking is already established at this crossroads which includes a park and a church.
• Neighborhood Appropriate. The building has been in active use as a commercial hub since the 1940s. No significant expansion of the building is required. The resulting impact will be modest.
Housing Need
Modest spaces for individuals are difficult to find in our
local housing market. According to the most recent census, 28% of national
households are now single occupants, and that number is growing. A recent local
survey conducted by the Goosefoot Community Fund (excerpt at right) found that 40% of those
seeking housing were interested in finding a studio apartment. This type of
housing, however, is not readily available.
Dwelling size and cost are directly related. Small appropriately scaled residences can be provided at a lower cost. For individuals, young adults, and those in transition, our community really needs more dwellings of this type.
History
The building at 630 Second Street has been the
anchor of Langley’s uptown business district since it was constructed in 1944.
Adaptability has been its strength. Over the decades, it has featured a building
supply store, athletic club, health food store, Thai restaurant, bakery,
brewing company, and a seafood distributor, among others.
Currently, it serves
as a pinball arcade and gathering spot and houses the only laundromat on South
Whidbey.
Structure
Composed of a simple yet solid post-and-beam wood frame
system, this building has been able to readily adapt to many renovations over the years. Nevertheless, time has taken a toll, the exterior cladding is nearing the end of its
life and numerous other systems are in need of substantial attention.
At the point in time, many developers would choose to tear down
the building and replace it. The history of this place and the embodied energy within it have value. We will retain as much of what is there as possible. We believe in a triple bottom line of people, planet and prosperity.
