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Commission approves revised affordable plan for Lumberyard project at 500 G Street
Summary
The Social Services Commission approved a revised affordable housing plan for the Lumberyard mixed‑use development at 500 G Street, increasing affordable units from 11 to 12 while keeping affordability levels unchanged. Staff and the developer said financing remains the final step.
The Social Services Commission on June 1 approved a revision to the affordable housing plan for the Lumberyard mixed‑use project at 500 G Street that raises the number of affordable units from 11 to 12.
Director Bailey told the commission the developer sought interior layout changes that increased total residential units and adjusted unit sizes. "The developer has requested to increase the number of affordable units to 12," Bailey said, adding that the depths of affordability would not change and staff had no concerns with the proposed revisions.
Doug Busby, a partner with the development team, said the project has faced market shifts since its original approval and that the team is finalizing financing. "We are optimistic…we are in the very final stages of securing the final capital to start this project," Busby said, adding the team hopes to break ground this summer.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the commission counts units by unit or by bedroom and whether the affordability levels remained the same. Staff confirmed the counts are by units and that the affordable units remain designated at the previously approved affordability levels (very low income). One commissioner said the increase in units rather than bedrooms is important for access and praised the project's contribution to downtown vitality.
A motion to approve the revised affordable housing plan passed by voice vote.
The change adjusts unit mixes — larger studios and one‑bedrooms and fewer two‑ and three‑bedrooms — but, according to staff, does not alter the percentage of units set aside for affordable housing or the income categories those units will serve. Director Bailey said the revised plan resulted from consultation with the project's builder and reflected market realities and constructability adjustments.
Next steps include permitting for demolition and grading once the developer finalizes financing and secures construction loan commitments, Busby said.
