Sunset Court Apartment Community

With skyrocketing housing costs in the Puget Sound Region, the Renton Housing Authority wanted to provide housing choices to families of diverse incomes and create a true community.

The 50-unit Sunset Court includes a mix of 1-, 2-, and 3-bedromm units—and prioritizes community spaces, with places to play, sit quietly or gather and socialize. Families can see the central green with preserved old growth trees from their kitchen windows, which offers both a relaxing connection to open space and a view of children playing outside. Paths and small gathering areas scattered throughout the landscape provide spaces for neighbors to meet and also offer informal surveillance of the site.

Natural play features were made of logs salvaged from the site. The landscape design also integrates edible landscaping with other hardy ornamental choices, reducing maintenance requirements while ensuring the space has year-round aesthetic interest. Different species of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and herbs provide a source of nutrition and enjoyment for the residents and raised garden beds provide individual households with space to garden. The project meets Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards (ESDS).