Kitsap County purchased the former Olympic Fitness Club facility and surrounding property on April 14, 2021. The building and property at 4459 SE Mile Hill Drive, Port Orchard was purchased for $1.5 million. Multiple state grants designated for new emergency housing, affordable housing, and homeless shelter projects were used to acquire the property. Kitsap County has named the facility the “Pacific Building.”
The purchase came after a countywide search for a suitable property. The property is in an accessible South Kitsap location for public transportation and in close proximity to a wide range of services.
The Pacific Building is currently under construction and the 20,000 square foot structure is being transformed into a 75-bed congregate co-shelter facility. It will serve as a South Kitsap temporary housing solution for men, women, and families in need of shelter and has been designed to provide wrap around services 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. The co-shelter designation allows guests to bring companion animals with them into shelter.
“Many in our community struggle to find affordable housing as the costs surge throughout the Puget Sound region. Although limited housing options are a major barrier to finding a place to live, the Kitsap County Pacific Building Renovation project provides a valuable example of a temporary co-shelter facility that will care for the most vulnerable in South County and it will be a model for all of Kitsap County," said Kitsap County Commissioner Charlotte Garrido.
In 2021, the County contracted with Rice Fergus Miller (RFM) to conduct a Feasibility Study. RFM collaborated with Kitsap County to create a shelter renovation design. The project team produced engineering, site development, and building plans for the conversion of the facility.
In 2022, Kitsap County submitted 3 permit applications: ACUP/CUP (Zoning), SDAP (Land Use) and CTI (Building) permit.
In late 2023, Kitsap County hired Barker Creek Consultants for construction project management services and Neeley Construction for general construction services.
“South Kitsap is home to a significant number of people who need access to emergency housing and supportive services. We know the best way to help our most vulnerable population is to offer them a safe clean place to live and connect them with supportive services. The Pacific Building co-shelter facility is designed to help them re-build and re-balance their lives. We believe that safety, support, and services are essential factors in helping people transition back into stable permanent housing. That’s the goal for this facility,” said Carl Borg, Kitsap County Department of Human Services Housing and Homelessness Division Manager.
