Board approves 262-unit affordable housing project at 11 Twelfth Street North

A city redevelopment board unanimously approved an application for Central at the Horizon, a proposed five‑story residential building at 11 Twelfth Street North that would deliver about 262 units affordable at 60% of area median income (AMI) and represent an estimated $93,000,000 private investment.

The approval, moved and seconded during the meeting and carried by roll call, came with staff recommendation after a presentation describing the site, parking plan and affordability terms. The applicant’s tax‑credit application is pending; project start depends on award and subsequent design and permitting, staff said.

The project site sits between Eleventh and Twelfth streets and Northern Pacific Avenue on a parcel currently vacant and maintained as turf. The proposal calls for ground‑level parking rather than underground parking because of subsurface history; staff said the development proposes about 250 parking spaces overall, with 12 spaces located along an alley on the north side of the property. The site benefits from recent street reconstruction on Eleventh, Twelfth and Northern Pacific, and a bus route runs adjacent to the site.

“Khan, project representative,” said, “The 60% AMI level is affordable. So it will be 100% affordable units.” The applicant representative also said the team has a tax credit application submitted and expects to hear official word in October or November, after which the project would move into full design and permitting.

Staff noted the project uses main‑floor parking and interior courtyards across five stories. The applicant is coordinating with adjacent property owners about alley access and possible vacation or shared‑use agreements; access points could change depending on those negotiations. Staff estimated that, when the Renaissance Zone benefit lapses, the property would generate roughly $1.4 million annually in property tax revenue under current mill levies and the project’s estimated value.

Board members asked about parking adequacy, transit access and local demand. One board member referenced downtown vacancy rates and said more affordable housing downtown was needed; another said the location is attractive for seniors and people relying on transit. Staff said a detailed market study exists and will be circulated to board members on request.

The board’s roll call recorded ayes from the members present; Tony Grimberg was absent. The motion to approve passed unanimously.

The applicant, and staff managing the downtown land‑use and incentive review, said the project aligns with the city’s broader objectives to add affordable housing downtown but acknowledged the project scored low on one “high priority land use” scoring criterion because the proposal is not mixed use. Staff said the scoring system is only one part of the review and does not indicate lack of overall support.

Pending formal tax‑credit awards and completion of permit review, the applicant said construction would begin once credits are awarded and design and permitting are complete. No construction start date was specified.