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Columbia Theatre Apartments
Longview, Washington

Historic Columbia Theatre in downtown Longview now houses 35 elderly housing units.

The Columbia Theatre, once a cornerstone of downtown Longview, Washington, had been condemned for nearly 20 years by the time the city purchased and renovated it in 1987. Citizens hailed the preservation of the 1925 historic theatre and its availability for a variety of local and cultural events. However, the building also contained 36 studio apartments that remained severely dilapidated because earthquake requirements would make rehabilitation very expensive.

In 1992, after unsuccessful attempts by several groups, the city approached the Longview Housing Authority (LHA) to determine if resources could be identified to undertake the rehabilitation of the apartments. In response, the LHA proposed to renovate the existing 36 studio units into 35 one-bedroom units for low-income elderly persons.

The projected cost for the development was $2.556 million or approximately $73,000 per unit. The housing authority obtained a commitment from the city for a 100-year lease on the building at a cost of $500 per year and began identifying potential funding sources for the project.

Although Longview is not a HOME participating jurisdiction, the housing authority was able to secure $1,503,567 in HOME funds from the State of Washington. These funds represented more than half the total project development cost and were provided as a deferred payment loan at 1 percent interest.

The Federal Home Loan Bank provided a development grant of $165,600, and HUD authorized the housing authority to convert 35 of its Section 8 certificates to project-based assistance, guaranteeing rental assistance to all residents and adequate revenue for the project. The housing authority board authorized the issuance of housing revenue bonds, the proceeds of which would provide necessary gap financing. With the funding sources in place, construction began in July 1994.

In addition to the difficulty of securing adequate financing, the project faced other challenges, such as concerns about the compatibility of the theatre with housing for elderly persons. LHA devoted considerable attention to both the political issues and the physical issues involved. An acoustical engineer was retained to ensure that noise concerns would be adequately addressed, and the project contributed $100,000 toward the cost of necessary electrical work in the theatre.

The housing authority obtained a commitment from the Lower Columbia Community Action Council to provide a variety of services to residents, including transportation, Meals on Wheels, and help with household chores.

When the project was completed in February 1995, all 35 units were leased. The Longview Housing Authority, through a partnership with the city, the state, and a nonprofit organization, succeeded in transforming a blighted structure into a permanent housing resource for low-income elderly residents and a reborn downtown landmark for the entire community.

Contact: Don Cardon, Executive Director, Longview Housing Authority, 360/423-0140

Copyright 1997 - 1998 - 1999 - 2000
Affordable Housing and HOME
National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO)
630 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001-3736
Telephone: (202) 289-3500
Fax: (202) 289-4949