AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 11, 2026
Groundbreaking Held for The Bow Tie in Lynnwood
The Housing Authority of Snohomish County (HASCO), joined by elected officials and local community members, celebrated the groundbreaking of The Bow Tie, a new affordable housing development in south Lynnwood, Washington, on November 10, 2026. The event drew attendees despite rainy weather, highlighting the local commitment to addressing housing affordability.
Project Overview and Timeline
Located at 5710 200th St. SW—the former site of Pinewood and Timberglen apartments—The Bow Tie will offer 124 housing units designed for both seniors and families. HASCO estimates that construction will be completed in 2028, bringing much-needed housing options to the region. The development aims to serve low-income residents, a key focus of ongoing housing initiatives in the area.
Leaders Advocate for Housing Priority
Governor Bob Ferguson attended the groundbreaking, along with State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. Governor Ferguson emphasized the urgency for increased housing supply, stating that calls for more accessible housing came up frequently during his visits to Washington's 39 counties. He remarked, "We as a state, the mayor as a city, everyone has to prioritize. ... As long as I’m governor, that priority will remain unchanged." Treasurer Pellicciotti praised the collaboration among key stakeholders in bringing the project to fruition.
Funding and Partnerships
The Bow Tie's total project cost has reached $90.1 million, according to HASCO. Funding sources include $5 million from the state’s Housing Trust Fund and $1 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce. Snohomish County contributed $6.1 million, and the Amazon Housing Fund added $6.5 million. The project also leverages $32 million in low-income housing tax credits and $39.5 million through a bond issuance. These partnerships highlight the multi-agency support necessary to address affordable housing needs.
Housing for Seniors and Families
The Bow Tie is designed to include 60 affordable units targeted at low-income seniors, with eligibility for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). In Snohomish County, the AMI is $151,200, per Fannie Mae data. Another 64 units will be reserved for families earning between 50% and 60% of AMI. This focus on both senior and family housing aims to respond to varied community needs.
Lynnwood's Need for Affordable Housing
Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst shared that about 15% of Lynnwood residents live in poverty. In South Lynnwood, approximately one-third of renters spend at least half of their income on rent, a condition defined as being severely cost-burdened. The Bow Tie aligns with the city’s South Lynnwood Neighborhood Plan, which seeks to create and preserve housing for households earning below 80% of median income. "Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, and today we take another step toward that," Hurst said.
Amenities and Design Features
When completed, The Bow Tie will offer on-site management, a community room, game room, bike storage, air conditioning, and electric vehicle parking. These amenities are intended to enhance residents’ quality of life and provide a supportive community environment.
Honoring Bob Davis and the Project's Legacy
The development is named in honor of former HASCO Executive Director Bob Davis, recognized for wearing bow ties and for his innovative leadership in affordable housing from 1994 to 2016. During the ceremony, current HASCO board member and Cocoon House CEO Joe Alonzo acknowledged Davis's risk-taking and long-lasting impact on the community. Davis noted that the process of building affordable housing is complex, comparing it to tying a bow tie: "They are complicated. The way you tie them is not natural. But once you figure it out, and you do it again and again, you get a good result."
Source: heraldnet.com.
