Eastsound, WA


April’s Grove Affordable Housing

Residential Project

April’s Grove offers affordable housing options for low- and mid-income residents of Eastsound, WA on Orcas Island. It is the first new affordable rental housing project of significant size in San Juan County in almost 30 years. The 44,278 sf community features 45 units of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom townhomes across 11, two-story buildings. The site also offers a shared common building, community garden, children’s play area, and on-grade parking. Scope included full site development, which Dawson self-performed.

The cottages are nestled amongst the madrona and fir trees on a 3.79-acre site. Site design was developed through community charrettes and focused on the preservation of as many mature trees as possible. The project was funded by several granting agencies, and there were requirements for residents including people below 50-60% median area household income, people with mental or physical disabilities, families with children, and large households of 4+ people.

client: OPAL Community Land Trust

architect: Environmental Works