Visible progress is being made on the much-anticipated Skagit Habitat for Humanity home construction project at Third and Caledonia.
But it’s the work going on behind the scenes that is garnering as much — if not more — attention for the non-profit entity’s plan to build three single-family homes at the south end location.
While some utility and site prep work has begun, project designers remain at the drawing board to further develop plans that meet flood plain construction requirements.
“Our Caledonia project has taken longer than we originally anticipated as we work with the county to get the homes designed to the required elevation,” Skagit Habitat Director of Philanthropy Ian Houben said in a July 31 email.
Houben explained that the Town of La Conner and Skagit County use different calculations to set those elevation standards.
“We’ve been working with both entities and are currently awaiting approval to get building at La Conner,” Houben said.
Houben said Skagit Habitat will have a more concrete project timeline “once we get the okay to do foundation work.”
Mindful that the neighborhood where the “Caledonia Cottages” homes will be built sustained severe damage from saltwater flooding in December 2022, from the get-go, Skagit Habitat committed to incorporating safety measures such as raised foundations into project planning.
“These homebuyers have amazing stories, and I really can’t wait to get them their keys to these homes.”
– Ian Houben, Skagit Habitat director of philanthropy
Town Planner Ajah Eills has indicated strategies are being crafted to mitigate any stormwater run-off that could impact nearby properties from an elevated Caledonia Cottages site. Eills said they are completing infrastructure and utility work and the project is proceeding.
She added that the Caledonia Cottages project is referenced in the Housing Element of the recently approved Town Comprehensive Plan update.
“We discussed partnerships with local housing groups, including Habitat for Humanity and Home Trust, within the Housing Element,” Eills said.
Houben said Skagit Habitat values its partnership with La Conner.
“The Town of La Conner has been excellent to work with,” he said. “We really appreciate all they have done to help in getting the Caledonia project going and we look forward to going full steam ahead once we get the green light from the county, who has also been supportive.”
Caledonia Cottages is intended as a two-phased project. The first phase involves construction of two 1,380 square-foot three-bedroom, two-bathroom homes and one 1,080 square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom house.
The second phase, to begin at a yet to be determined date following completion of Phase One, would involve three smaller units designed for singles and couples.
Skagit Habitat representatives met at Pioneer Park in August 2024 with families interested in submitting applications for one of the three “sweat equity” homes planned at Third and Caledonia. Those ultimately selected for the project were introduced at a ceremonial groundbreaking last October.
Among those chosen was Rocio Almaraz, who grew up here and whose two children attend La Conner Schools.
To be eligible, applicants had to be Skagit County residents whose household income was 60-80% of the local Average Median Income (AMI). The annual AMI in Skagit County was $60,120 for a family of four when the Skagit Habitat project in La Conner was announced last summer.
Applicants are required to show the need for safe, affordable housing due to either living in substandard or inadequate housing or paying more than half their income toward rent. The selected families demonstrated willingness to clock hours on their home’s construction — the “sweat equity” requirement — and enroll in home buyer education classes.
“These homebuyers have amazing stories, and I really can’t wait to get them their keys to these homes,”Houben said.
Bill Reynolds is a general assignment reporter who covers Town government, schools, and spot news.
