The King County Housing Authority has transformed Green River Homes I -- deteriorating '50s-era housing in Auburn -- into attractive, modern homes. Now known as Valley Park, the two clusters of duplexes, one near Terminal Park and the second near Les Gove Park, include homey cottages on woodsy streets.

Gathered with resident Bonnie Davis at the open house are, from left, KCHA Executive Director Stephen Norman, Seattle Mental Health Case Manager Solomon Pech, Auburn City Councilman Gene Cerino, YWCA Regional Director Linda Rasmussen, Sound Families Director Alice Shobe and National Equity Fund Vice President MA Leonard.

Valley Park East and Valley Park West feature new vinyl flooring and carpeting inside and new roofing and siding, in bright colors, outside. Thermal windows, added insulation and energy-efficient appliances and lighting are among features that have earned Valley Park a three-star Green Building rating.

The renovated housing is "beyond my wildest dreams," resident Bonnie Davis said at an open house at Valley Park East on Oct. 5. The partners who made the $5.2 million worth of exterior and interior upgrades possible -- KCHA; the City of Auburn; the National Equity Fund, Inc; and King County joined in the celebration. Also at the event were the agencies who ensure residents receive needed services: YWCA of South King County; Seattle Mental Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Sound Families Initiative.