Skagit County converts senior center site into affordable Mount Vernon housing

Skagit County has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Housing Authority of Skagit County (HASC) to develop affordable housing for seniors on Cleveland Avenue in Mount Vernon. The project will also include a resident clubhouse that provides space for support services. The new development will take the place of the current Mount Vernon Senior Center.

The site is currently home to a county-owned facility operated by the Skagit Council on Aging (SCOA). That location will remain open and continue its operations through the end of 2027. The goal is to have a relocated senior center open to the public in January 2028.

The push for this specific development began in 2022 when the county hired Makers Architecture and Urban Design (MAKERS) to review all county-owned properties. The firm was tasked with identifying sites suitable for future affordable housing projects. This work was part of the county's strategic plan to improve housing availability and affordability for local residents.

The 2022 study identified the Cleveland Avenue property as a strong candidate for new housing. The area has city zoning that permits multifamily housing. It is also close to transit, jobs, and the downtown neighborhood. Using an existing county property avoids the high cost of purchasing new land for the project.

In the winter of 2026, the Washington State legislature allocated $1.55 million to Skagit County. The funds came through a Department of Commerce program for multifamily housing. The county used this money to start the feasibility and design process for a combined housing and community center facility.

HASC agreed to serve as the lead developer for the new facility. However, further study of the property revealed that a full senior center alongside the housing would not work well. The site is in a flood zone, which restricts how the first floor can be used. The first floor is likely to become a parking area for residents.

City zoning limits the building to four stories. If the first floor is reserved for parking, adding extra levels for a senior center would cut into the number of available housing units. Because of this, HASC and Skagit County are planning a smaller community center space for the permanent residents of the new facility instead of a full senior center.

Skagit County, the City of Mount Vernon, and SCOA are now working together to find a new spot for the Mount Vernon senior center. The three groups will continue to evaluate and discuss relocation options in Mount Vernon. They plan to hold public participation opportunities in 2027 to let the senior community help choose the new location.

HASC and Skagit County are currently working on the design of the new affordable housing facility. The county plans to request additional funds from the state in 2027 to help pay for the construction phase. Questions about the agreement and the senior center can be sent to commissioners@skagitcountywa.gov.