Redevelopment

RHA is proud to play a role in some very exciting new construction and redevelopment in the Sunset area.  Our desire to provide housing that is not only vital, but inviting, has led us to work on projects that will enhance the living conditions for low income individuals and families, and improve the Renton community as a whole.

In cooperation with the city of Renton and community partners, our finished developments of Sunset Court, Kirkland Avenue Townhomes and Glenwood Townhomes have added some great new affordable housing opportunities.  The new Renton Highlands Library was opened in the area in March of 2016.  We are now embarking on our new development, Sunset Oaks.

The ongoing Sunset Area Revitalization is an exciting development not only for those needing affordable housing, but for all those in the Renton community.

Sunset revitilization

Nestled just east of I-405, the Sunset Area emerged as publicly funded worker housing to support World War II and grew to include multi-family housing, schools, shopping areas, and civic buildings. For several decades the Sunset Area was a stable neighborhood, but over time homeownership declined, housing maintenance was deferred, social support systems decreased while environmental problems and crime increased. In 2006, the City took the first steps in the Sunset Area Revitalization Program by engaging a Zoning Task Force which reworked comprehensive plan policies and zoning to create an urban village of mixed income, mixed use housing in a compact, walkable neighborhood. A Phase II Task Force in 2008 furthered the smart growth vision for the neighborhood with recommendations that included a distinctive neighborhood amenity, or “third place,” that would combine parks and recreational facilities, a library, commercial space, and affordable housing, in a true community center linked together by a “green connections” trail system that would also provide low-impact storm water facilities. This visioning work was supported in 2009 with the adoption of the Sunset Area Community Investment Strategy outlining a series of implementation priorities, the first of which was to complete a Planned Action for the Sunset Area, which was adopted in 2011. The Planned Action analyzed redevelopment alternatives for the Sunset Area including complete street improvements for SR 900, a sub-regional storm water system based on low-impact development principles, and redevelopment of the outdated Sunset Terrace public housing project into a mixed-income development.

Renton Highlands Library

The new Renton Highlands Library opened in March 2016. Replacing the old Highlands library, this new building was designed to provide more open spaces and a brighter atmosphere.  There are multiple meeting spaces now available to rent and more computers for community use.  With daily reading events and programs and activities for kids and teens, the library adds a wonderful and welcome resource for Sunset area families and the Renton community. It is also now part of the King County Library System.

To find out about current programs and activities you can visit Renton Highlands Library at the King County Library System website.

sunset oaks

Renton Housing Authority’s newest affordable project, located directly along the new Sunset Neighborhood Park.

Sunset Oaks consists of 50 units, with Studios, 1BR and 2BR, and ADA units from 400-900 square feet. Amenities include onsite parking, indoor bike racks and in-unit laundry.

sunset GARDENS

Located at the site of the former RHA Administrative office, Sunset Gardens broke ground this spring.

Sunset Gardens will include 76 units - studio and 1BR with 50% of units at 30% AMI & 50% of units at 50% AMI.