Following three years of planning, the city of Poulsbo in partnership with Housing Kitsap broke ground Oct. 4 on the Nordic Cottage Project, which will provide eight affordable homes for older adults and adults with disabilities whose extremely low income qualifies them for residence.

“The cottages show how a small city can create affordable housing with community support and strategic partnerships,” a city news release states. “They will also serve as a model for other affordable housing projects that add value to people’s lives and surrounding communities.”

The cottages are located on city property at 609 NE Lincoln and are owned by the city. The property will be managed by Housing Kitsap, a public housing authority that owns numerous properties countywide. The construction contractor is the BJC Group and the architect is Coates Design. Land was donated by nearby Gateway Fellowship.

This project “reflects our vision, here in Poulsbo, to build small-scale, attractive affordable housing that incorporates into neighborhoods and enhances them as well,” Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson said. “This also reflects our interest in city-owned housing on city-owned land that will stay permanently affordable.”

Housing Kitsap director Heather Blough said the award of project-based vouchers attached to the units will provide affordability for years. “We are able to leverage our expertise as a housing authority with the city’s expertise in engineering, building, permitting—and benefit from their connections to partners and volunteers that will make this a true community initiative,” she said.

Funding comes from the city’s local 1/10th of 1% affordable housing tax, passed in 2021, along with county, state and federal grants. The estimated completion date is September 2025. Housing Kitsap will be screening and selecting applicants; a waiting list will be established next year.