Mount Vernon seniors face housing shift
County officials signed a deal to build senior housing on Cleveland Avenue, forcing the current senior center to relocate by January 2028.
By Rahul Sato ·
Residents of the Mount Vernon Senior Center on Cleveland Avenue will move to a new location by January 2028. Skagit County and the Housing Authority of Skagit County (HASC) signed a memorandum of understanding to build affordable senior housing on the current center site. The new development will include a resident clubhouse for support services.
The project stems from a $1.55 million allocation from the Washington State legislature in 2026. The state Department of Commerce provided these funds for multifamily housing feasibility and design. County officials aim to use the property to meet strategic goals for housing availability and affordability for local workers and residents.
A 2022 study by Makers Architecture and Urban Design identified the Cleveland Avenue site as a prime location. The area permits multifamily housing and offers proximity to transit, jobs, and downtown Mount Vernon. Using an existing county-owned property avoids the costs of purchasing new real estate for the development.
The original plan for a combined senior center and housing facility was revised due to site constraints. The property lies in a flood zone, which restricts the first floor from residential use. City zoning limits the building to four stories. Officials determined that dedicating the ground level to parking for residents would leave insufficient space for a full senior center and adequate housing units.
Skagit County, the City of Mount Vernon, and the Skagit Council on Aging (SCOA) are now searching for a new site for the senior center. The current facility will remain open and operate under SCOA through the end of 2027. The three entities plan to hold public participation opportunities in 2027 to help select the new location.
HASC will act as the lead developer for the new housing project. Skagit County intends to request additional state funds in 2027 to cover the construction phase. The county is currently working with HASC to finalize the design for the affordable housing facility.
The Cleveland Avenue property will transition from a public senior center to a residential development. The new building will feature a smaller community center space for the permanent residents of the housing facility. This change reflects a shift in how the county utilizes its owned properties to address housing needs.
Source: Skagit County
