$235M Greenbridge complex will break ground on June 1

The $235 million Greenbridge mixed-use development will break ground next month in White Center.

The King County Housing Authority project -- an even mix of subsidized, low- and moderate-income, and for-sale homes -- will eventually include 1,025 units, the first of which are slated to open in 2007.

Construction is scheduled through 2012.

The project is a redevelopment of the 900-unit Park Lake Homes public housing complex, which was built in 1943.

The new development will have 269 fewer rent-subsidized units, but KCHA officials say they are replacing those units elsewhere.

The complex is centered along Eighth Avenue Southwest and will include a plaza, library and a Boys & Girls Club. A new school, White Center Heights Elementary, opened last fall.

Mixed-use buildings situated around a central plaza will include up to 10,000 square feet of retail space. Likely tenants would be small neighborhood retailers, but no leases have been signed.

Eighteen pocket parks will dot the development, and a trail will connect to White Center.

Funding for Greenbridge includes a $35 million federal HOPE VI grant and $200 million in public and private funds.

GGLO is designing the housing. Tonkin Hoyne Lokan will design the community facilities, including the plaza.

Goldsmith Associates and KPFF are the civil engineers. KBA/Absher is the construction manager.

The June 1 groundbreaking is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the Wiley Community Center, 9800 Eighth Ave. S.W.