AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Filipino Community Village
The Filipino Community Village (FCV) provides 95 units of independent affordable senior housing and a 5,000 sq.ft. Innovation Learning Center for seniors and students to access Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) programming. Finished with Filipino-style decorative Vigan tiles and authentic Filipino-built traditional Capiz oyster shell screens, it features a lounge, library, and community room for residents and community members to gather.
The FCV is the culmination of the Filipino Community of Seattle’s dedication to serving the Filipino community and low-income residents of Rainier Valley. The highlight of the project is a commissioned set of four murals in the new plaza by an internationally renowned Filipino artist. The mural educates the community about the history of Filipino Americans in Seattle, starting from pre-Spanish occupation to present day. This mural is now a part of the Seattle Public Schools curriculum to teach local students about the history of local Filipinos.
The project meets and exceeds the Evergreen Sustainable Design Standards to ensure lowered operating costs, improved health and comfort of the residents, and the long-term durability of the property. The project uses bio-retention planters to filter and reuse as much stormwater as possible from the roof and hardscape creating a lush, vegetated environment while lowering water usage for the building. High R-value energy efficient insulation, high air leakage control, and heat recovery ventilation and heat pump heating/cooling in common areas lower energy costs for residents 15% better than Washington state code. Photovoltaic solar panels help offset electricity costs as well.
Filipino inspired railings, plantings, and tilework further the Filipino identity. A commissioned set of four murals by an internationally renowned Filipino artist educates the public on the history of Filipino Americans from Spanish colonization to today.
A design charrette for the Filipino Community Center board and active members was conducted, resulting in many letters of support. Additionally, community members participated in designing the development’s layout. The woonerf-style public plaza and adjacent community center invite in the community.
The building features a community room, lounge, and library for gathering; as well as an exercise room and an Innovation Learning Center filled with equipment. There are two private decks; one facing the plaza, and another on a rooftop facing south for light and views of Mt. rainier.
