Kirkland-based nonprofits Imagine Housing and Red Vines 1 broke ground on a new community in Kirkland on Friday. Athene, located in the Totem Lake neighborhood next to Imagine Housing’s existing Francis Village, will provide 91 new studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments for seniors earning up to 60 percent of area median income. Twenty apartments will be reserved for seniors experiencing homelessness.

“We are proud to partner with supporters and experts who share an understanding that building quality, affordable housing strengthens the Eastside and allows all members to thrive,” said Executive Director of Imagine Housing and Red Vines 1 Chris Jowell. “We look forward to opening Athene to provide more of our senior neighbors the opportunity for quality housing in their chosen community.”

The nonprofit partners have been building supportive affordable housing in the area for 29 years.

With construction underway, Athene plans to begin leasing in the spring of 2017. The sustainably built community will feature a free common area wi-fi and access to Eastside shopping, services and transportation. On-site supportive services will enhance health, wellness and community engagement. The new community will help serve the many seniors who, despite living and working in the community for years, can no longer afford Eastside rents.

Funding for the development of Athene is provided by: JP Morgan Chase Community Investment Banking, Raymond James Tax Credit Funds, Inc., Washington State Department of Commerce, King County, Washington Community Reinvestment Association, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Impact Capital, and King County Housing Authority. Funding is also provided by the Eastside Housing Trust Fund, administered by A Regional Coalition for Housing with funding from the cities of Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kirkland, Medina, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville, and Yarrow Point.

For more information, visit www.imaginehousing.org.