Long-planned apartment project breaks ground in University Place. Here’s what’s coming
A University Place apartment project that was highlighted among new housing proposals in 2023 for the city has finally launched.
Construction has started on a new 240-unit project at 6021 S. Orchard St., according to a news release from developers this week.
The site is being developed by Bay Area-based Legacy Partners, and its joint venture partner Silverpeak Real Estate Partners of New York.
Plans call for 240 units across 10, three-story "garden-style" residential buildings and a 5,000-square-foot luxe clubhouse.
According to the release, the site will be built in phases, with the first building anticipated to be completed next November and "total completion anticipated for July 2026," according to the release.
The partnership earlier closed on a $39.8 million construction loan from PNC Bank.
"Legacy at University Place is Legacy's first development in Pierce County and represents a shift toward more cost-effective surface-parked construction while retaining an elevated project aesthetic and finish," the release noted, "versus the higher cost podium midrise projects the company has been building along the Eastlink light rail line in the tech centric submarkets of Bellevue and Redmond."
Those projects are the 288-unit Copal Apartments in Bellevue and the 623-unit Eastline Apartments located on the terminus of the Eastline light rail line in downtown Redmond.
The apartments will range from studios to three-bedroom units, ranging from 706 to 1,293 square feet. Each will have a patio or large deck, according to the release, along with wood-style floors and full-size washers/dryers.
The site itself will include a central park amenity "including half soccer field, pea patch, pickle ball court, basketball court, and large dog run with covered area to sit," the release started.
"The amenities also include a large children's play area, clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and multiple gas fire pit breakout areas."
The Legacy project was one of several presented in spring 2023 to the City Council among developments set to bring new apartments to the city.
Kevin Briske, director of the Community and Economic Development Department, offered updates Friday in response to questions from The News Tribune on the other projects since that time:
Grand Ridge Apartments: (6007 67th Ave. W.), received occupancy on its first buildings back in early summer and started leasing at that time. The final building received occupancy in September. The project has 48 units in four buildings.
The Duo Apartments: (4201 Bridgeport Way W.), was completed a year ago and is fully leased. The site consists of two buildings totaling 104 market-rate units, and was sold earlier this year for nearly $30.5 million.
Alta University Place apartments: (2211 68th Ave. Court W.), known early on as Alta at Narrows Urban Village, "received occupancies on the final buildings in midsummer and according to their leasing agent is 56% leased," Briske said via email.
The project redeveloped the site that was formerly home to AMC Narrows Plaza 8 and Narrows Plaza Bowl. The multi-building site created 274 units.
And it's not just new apartments debuting in University Place, but restaurants are making news, too.
"Five Guys (3626 Market Place) in the Village at Chambers Bay opened for business today," Briske wrote on Oct. 18. A permitting application for the site was filed earlier this year.
"OMG Pho (3556 Market Place W. in the previous Galos Chicken space) has been making some minor interior changes and has indicated to the City they plan to open in the next few weeks," he added.
