Special Projects at Homes First
O'Farrell Senior Housing Project
Creating Affordable, Accessible Homes for Olympia Seniors
Project Overview
Homes First is proud to announce the O'Farrell Senior Housing Project, a transformative development that will bring four new affordable housing units specifically designed for seniors to Olympia's Wildwood Park neighborhood. Located at 721 O'Farrell Avenue SE, this innovative project represents our continued commitment to addressing the critical need for accessible, affordable housing in our community.
About the Development
Four Thoughtfully Designed Units
Our new senior housing community will feature four carefully planned accessory dwelling units, ranging from 480 to 600 square feet. Each unit is designed with seniors in mind, offering comfortable, manageable living spaces that promote independence while ensuring safety and accessibility.
Senior-Focused Design Features
Every aspect of these homes has been designed with senior residents' needs in mind:
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Enhanced Accessibility: Wide doorways, grab bars, and ramps ensure easy navigation for residents with mobility aids
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Safety First: Emergency call systems and enhanced lighting throughout provide peace of mind
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Thoughtful Details: Non-slip flooring in key areas and accessible appliances make daily living easier
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Community Spaces: Shared gathering areas foster connection and community among residents
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Modern Amenities: Each unit includes full kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities
Community Impact
Addressing Critical Housing Needs
The O'Farrell project directly addresses Olympia's growing need for affordable senior housing. As our community ages, the demand for accessible, affordable homes continues to outpace supply. These four new units will provide much-needed housing options for seniors on fixed incomes.
Sustainable Development
The project incorporates Washington State's Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards, ensuring energy-efficient, environmentally responsible construction that benefits both residents and the broader community.
Neighborhood Integration
Designed to complement the existing Wildwood Park neighborhood, the project includes thoughtful landscaping, accessible parking, and pedestrian pathways that enhance the area for all residents.
Making It Possible
This project is made possible through a partnership with the Washington State Capital Projects Fund, HUD, and Thurston County Housing which recognize the critical importance of affordable senior housing in our community. The $1.85 million development represents a significant investment in Olympia's seniors and our community's future.
Project Timeline
Current Status: Pre-development and permitting phase
Construction Start: Winter 2025
Estimated Completion: September 2027
First Residents: Expected November 2027
Our Commitment
At Homes First, we believe every senior deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. The O'Farrell Senior Housing Project embodies our mission to create housing solutions that serve our community's most vulnerable residents while fostering dignity, independence, and community connection.
These homes will provide more than just housing—they'll offer seniors the opportunity to age in place with dignity, surrounded by supportive community amenities and accessible design features that promote independent living.
Looking Ahead
The O'Farrell project is part of Homes First's broader strategy to address affordable housing needs throughout our region. As we move forward with this development, we remain committed to creating innovative housing solutions that serve seniors and strengthen our entire community.
For more information about the O'Farrell Senior Housing Project or Homes First's other affordable housing initiatives, please contact us at projects@homesfirst.org
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Solar Panels
Design rendering by South Sound Solar
Sunflower Community Solar Project at Olympia Farmers Market
The Homes First team is excited to announce that we are participants in the Sunflower Community Solar Project at the Olympia Farmers Market! Please support our organization by donating a solar unit! Our non-profit will receive the value from what each solar unit produces every year.
Community solar projects expand solar to those who can’t access residential solar - people who don't own their home, have an unsuitable roof or property for solar, or who face financial barriers! A group of community members participate in a single solar project and share it’s benefits. The Olympia Farmers Market is a treasure of our community and a central place to gather - it is an ideal location for a beautiful community solar array.
The Sunflower Project will include 200 Washington made solar panels right above the entrance of the Market. South Sound Solar will design and install the 75 kilowatt system that will produce enough energy to power the entire Market. The project is available for community ownership in the form of solar units. Solar units represent about half of one of Sunflower’s solar panels.
Please consider donating a solar unit to our non-profit! Our non-profit will receive an annual payment for the value of the unit's generation.
The Sunflower project will bring long-term energy cost savings to the Market, significantly reduce pollution, and provide educational opportunities for all the Market’s visitors! Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they turn their blossoms to face the sun. With this solar project the Farmers Market is turning towards a clean energy future!
“The Olympia Farmers Market is excited to incorporate solar energy into the daily function of our organization. We are consistently searching for opportunities to benefit our community and this includes environmental consciousness. We hope to be an example of progress by taking steps to decrease our carbon footprint so we can give more to the people of the South Puget Sound. I am confident Olympia Community Solar and our selected contractor, South Sound Solar, will provide the Market pavilion with a well-crafted array of panels for all to enjoy in the decades to come,” says Brett Warwick, Director of Operations at Olympia Farmers Market.
This new system is dedicated to Steve Wilcox and donations in his honor may be made to the Friends of Olympia Farmers Market. The public can support the project by purchasing or donating solar units. Learn more at olysol.org/sunflower.
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Merritt Manor
In 2020, Homes First partnered with a private affordable housing project to provide on-site tenant and maintenance services. The Homes First Tenant Services Navigator adds their specific support - one of our unique aspects of affordable housing management.
Merritt Manor is an 82 unit affordable housing project spearheaded supported by the City of Olympia through their 12-year multi-family tax credit to serve families with incomes 60 – 80% of Area Median Income levels. It is located on Martin Way, 5 minutes from both downtown Olympia and downtown Lacey and has excellent bus service to both cities.