Project Spotlight: 2 Chelan Middle Housing Transforming South Tacoma's Landscape
External images showcasing the 2 Chelan developments and the surrounding neighborhoods.
2 Chelan, located in South Tacoma, brings missing middle housing solutions that serve the region's workforce housing needs. This 40-unit duplex development, strategically located near the Tacoma Mall and Costco is in the Regional Growth Center, and spans nearly an entire city block, serving singles and small families with thoughtfully designed spaces. The units range from efficient 440-square-foot 1BR, 1BA homes to spacious 1,212-square-foot 2BR, 2BA residences, accommodating diverse living needs.
With easy access to I-5, public parks, and major employers including Costco and the Tacoma Mall, the development has become a cornerstone for essential workers, creating homes for a diverse community. As 1DROP member and co-founder Reggie Brown explained, "Chelan exemplifies the missing middle housing, filling the critical gap between low-income and luxury developments."
Historical Context and Vision
The original structure was built in 1943 as World War II worker housing, however this new project evolved the site from 12-units into a 40-unit contemporary development through strategic acquisition from Washington State University. This transformation fulfills Reggie's twenty-year vision of neighborhood revitalization, inspired by a conversation with his mother about reimagining South Tacoma's housing landscape.
Construction Innovation and Efficiency
Throughout the Chelan project, Reggie and team showcased advanced construction methodologies that accelerated development timelines. Utilizing off-site framing techniques, the team pre-fabricated wall components, floor systems, and roof structures before on-site assembly. This innovative approach, combined with precise sequencing and a 60-ton crane operation, enabled the completion of six duplexes in just five days, an unprecedented achievement in residential construction efficiency.
Photos of excavators and builders working on the 2 Chelan development.
Building Community Through Partnership
The project's impact extends beyond housing, fostering economic growth within the construction sector. Under the leadership of Christopher Brown, who successfully served as the on-site superintendent, the development was completed in just 11 months. Smaller trade partners found stability through the project's scale, with many achieving significant financial milestones.
Every development project is like a drop that creates ripples of opportunity. When we empower smaller contractors, support emerging developers, and create quality housing, those ripples turn into waves of positive change for entire communities - Reggie Brown
This cascading effect exemplifies 1DROP's commitment to creating opportunities not just in housing development, but throughout the entire construction ecosystem.
Legacy and Future Impact
The Chelan development has emerged as a blueprint for future projects, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. Its design has inspired developers across the region to implement similar duplex models, demonstrating how effective approaches can be replicated to address housing needs across the region with tough site constraints and limitations. While the 40-unit development fulfills Reggie's personal aspirations, its true impact lies in showing how strategic development can revitalize communities.
Photos showcasing the exterior and interior of 2 Chelan.
“Revitalizing this neighborhood is just a really great use of our land, our resources, and our gifts. When you look at old photos from World War II, you can see how vibrant this area once was. We're not just building houses, we're bringing that vibrancy back to the community, creating spaces where people can truly thrive” - Reggie Brown
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Championing funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP’s website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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