Argyle Gardens

Argyle Gardens leveraged modular design and construction to provide stable homes and community-building opportunities for 72 individuals transitioning from homelessness. The site features four buildings, the largest of which contains thirty-five 220 SF studio apartments, a community room, laundry facilities, and support services, making it a central hub for the entire community. The three separate co-housing buildings contain two units with six bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large kitchen. The development is oriented around a central outdoor space designed to foster connections among the community’s residents.

One of the first multifamily housing developments in the Pacific Northwest to be built mostly offsite, Arygle Gardens used the cost advantages of modular construction, coupled with shared living arrangements, to reduce operating costs and keep rents affordable for people with extremely low incomes. Modular construction delivered both immediate and long-term savings, shortening construction time and yielding a more durable product. The project met cost-containment goals while responding to the unique needs of individuals transitioning from homelessness. Built-in furnishings maximize the use of space in tight SRO units, while communal cooking and dining facilities encourage residents to build social connections with neighbors. Green building materials and strategies earned Argyle Gardens an Earth Advantage Platinum certification.