Dominium Partners with Downtown Emergency Services Center for New Seattle Supportive Housing Community

DESC Burien will provide 95 units of permanent supportive housing for residents dealing with mental illness and substance use disorders

Dominium, a leading affordable housing owner, developer and manager announced today the closing of the financing for DESC Burien in partnership with Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC) in Seattle, a nonprofit which has extensive experience in providing supportive services to persons experiencing mental health symptoms, substance use concerns and homelessness. Dominium has been offering pro bono development and consultation services towards the construction of the community as part of its philanthropic arm Dominium Gives, while DESC will self-manage the development upon completion in Spring 2024. DESC Burien is the first development for Dominium in Seattle and the state of Washington.

Located at 801 SW 150^th St. in Burien, Washington, DESC Burien will follow housing-first treatment principles, providing stability first through 95 units of permanent housing followed by supportive services for highly vulnerable individuals with high behavioral health needs including severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders. The support services will be paid for through cash flow from building operations, developer fee and public funding contracts.

“DESC Burien embodies our belief that everyone deserves the dignity of home,” said Jeff Huggett, Dominium Senior Vice President and Project Partner. “This partnership with DESC is a great opportunity to provide stable housing for some of the most vulnerable members of the community. We're humbled by the opportunity to participate in this incredible project, and proud of the improved housing outcomes it will deliver."

The $38.5 million project will be financed in part through 9% tax credits through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program and allocated to Heritage Bank through a partnership sponsored by Enterprise Housing Credit Investments. All 95 Project Based Vouchers will be provided by King County Housing Authority, 70 of which will serve persons with disabilities, while the other 25 will serve homeless veterans eligible for VASH.

Dominium’s Pro Bono Program represents 10% of the company’s nationwide development efforts. To date, the program has closed more than 500 units and developed 90,000 square feet of commercial support space representing $200 million in development costs. The company’s short-term goal is to exceed $500 million in total development costs.

Dominium would like to thank its development and financing partners Absher Construction, Kantor Taylor, SMR Architects, and First American Title.