Housing Kitsap recently the acquisition of the Time Square Apartments in Kingston in efforts to ensure the property’s continued affordability for low-income seniors and disabled residents.
The complex comprises 16 units, including 14 one-bedroom apartments and 2 two-bedroom apartments, all designated for individuals earning up to 30% of the Area Median Income as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, per a county news release.
The Kingston Affordable Housing Working Group and Housing Kitsap became aware of the impending sale of the complex in December 2023, when Hetty Hicks, a resident of Time Square, raised concerns. While the seller had the option to sell the property for a higher price, they chose to collaborate with Housing Kitsap to preserve its affordability, per the release. Hicks has since passed away.
“Hetty Hicks exemplified what it means to be a community advocate,” said Kitsap County Commissioner Christine Rolfes. “Her foresight and determination to protect affordable housing for seniors and disabled residents in Kingston will leave a lasting legacy. Thanks to Hetty’s actions, sixteen households will continue to have stable, affordable homes in a market where such options are increasingly scarce.”
To finance the acquisition, Housing Kitsap received grants from the state Department of Commerce and Kitsap County’s Community Investment in Affordable Housing, the release says. Additional funding was generated through the sale of surplus commercial land owned by Housing Kitsap to Kitsap Mental Health Services for the expansion of their campus in Bremerton.
“This is a thrilling moment for Housing Kitsap as we expand affordable housing options throughout Kitsap County,” said Housing Kitsap executive director Heather Blough. “We are preserving and beginning to create new affordable housing opportunities for residents to secure housing they can afford, even in a challenging rental market with high costs.”
To recognize the acquisition, Housing Kitsap will hold a ‘Preservation Celebration’ May 28 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Time Square Apartments, located at 26234 Illinois Ave. NE in Kingston. Community leaders and the public are invited to attend and take part in the event.
Another Housing Kitsap project, Southern Cross, is set for completion in 2026 on Bainbridge Island. The development features two single-family homes, each designed with inclusive Accessory Dwelling Units. The primary residences include three bedrooms, while the ADUs, located on the lower level, offer two bedrooms in each home for a total of four new affordable housing units, per the release.
