Birds Mill

16 Modern, Cottage-Style Homes in Lakewood

Key Facts

📍 Location: South Tacoma, WA (Pierce County).

🏠 Units: 16 modern residences composed of eight duplexes.

📐 Unit Mix: The community features a blend of unit types, including eight single-level 1-bedroom, 1-bath flats (just under 500 sq ft) and eight 2-bedroom, 2-bath split-level homes (about 1,100 sq ft).

🅿️ Parking: 26 dedicated parking stalls, plus additional street parking.

⏱️ Completion: The project was built in just eight months and the ribbon cutting was held in August.

✨ Design & Features: Residences include high-end finishes like luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and efficient heat-pump HVAC systems. The community features a central landscaped courtyard with a playground and benches for gathering.

Project Snapshot

Birds Mill, located in Lakewood's Dower neighborhood, is a 16-unit cottage duplex community providing high-quality, much-needed housing for middle-income families and individuals. The site’s name pays homage to Andrew Byrd, an early Lakewood entrepreneur.

This development acts as a solution for Missing Middle Housing, catering to local workforce professionals, students, teachers, and small families. Its design supports intergenerational living and fosters community.

Birds Mill is a prime example of the 1DROP mission, showcasing how the collective empowers developers of color. The project was led by Claude Rémy and Dominique Rémy, with mentorship from Reggie Brown and Chris Brown. The project's efficient eight-month construction timeline highlights the program's effectiveness in guiding emerging professionals.

“Birds Mill represents the power of partnership and the importance of creating pathways for developers of color in our community. It shows what’s possible when vision is combined with mentorship.”

— Claude Remy