Lotus Court

Olympia, Washington

Providing Permanence and Community for Olympia’s Seniors

Lotus Court continues the mission established by its adjacent companion, Unity Commons, providing affordable permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness. As the second phase of construction on a single site, this five-story building houses 64 units for formerly homeless seniors—bringing stability, dignity, and vital on-site services to a vulnerable population. Together with Unity Commons, Lotus Court helps form a shared courtyard that becomes the heart of community life for residents across both buildings.

 

  • Type

    Affordable Housing

  • Size

    48,500 SF
    64 Residential Units

  • Sustainability

    Evergreen Sustainable Development Standards

  • Status

    Completed 2024

  • Services

    Architecture

  • Client

    Low Income Housing Institute

Strengthening the urban fabric through strategic alignment

Situated along a predominantly automobile-oriented commercial corridor, Lotus Court follows the City of Olympia’s planning and zoning efforts to establish a stronger, more urban street edge along Martin Way. The site’s geometry presented a unique design challenge: rather than simply mirroring the orientation of Unity Commons, we shifted Lotus Court to align with the Martin Way frontage. This strategic decision does more than respond to the street—it creates an angled relationship between the two buildings that directs people toward both entries from the street corner while opening up the interior space to create a larger, more generous shared courtyard.

The architectural language intentionally reflects Unity Commons while asserting its own identity. Simple massing forms are animated by modulating recessed bays framed with accent colors. The upper mass effectively rotates 90 degrees from Phase 1, while the building remains perpendicular to Pattison Street. This alignment reinforces the larger urban design strategy while offering a variable upper-story step-back along Martin Way. The parking screening runs parallel to Martin Way, highlighting the shift in road angles that informs the project.

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Bringing residents’ stories to life through art and space

Both Lotus Court and Unity Commons feature murals arrayed around the ground floor facade, created by artist Esteban Camacho Steffenson. Rather than imposing an external narrative, Steffenson spent time with members of the homeless community to explore concepts of shelter and belonging. His work brings their stories to life through vivid color and narrative imagery—one beloved piece depicts a man tenderly holding a cat with pure admiration and love, challenging stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness.

The shared courtyard between Lotus Court and Unity Commons becomes a vital gathering space, fostering connection and community among residents. Outdoor areas provide space for socializing, reflection, and recreation. The building includes a community room with kitchen, wellness rooms, case manager offices, and a central laundry room—shared indoor spaces that reinforce a sense of belonging and mutual support.

Housing with dignity and essential support services

Lotus Court serves formerly homeless seniors aged 55 and older, including those with disabilities, veterans, low-wage workers, singles, and couples. Residents pay just 30 percent of their income for rent, with subsidies provided by the Housing Authority of Thurston County. This affordability model ensures that housing remains accessible to some of Olympia’s most vulnerable community members.

Beyond shelter, Lotus Court provides the stability and services residents need to rebuild their lives. On-site case management and wellness support help connect residents with employment opportunities, healthcare, and other essential services. The building was developed through a partnership with the City of Olympia, which acquired the property and sold it to the Low Income Housing Institute for one dollar—a powerful commitment to addressing the regional housing crisis. With 864 people experiencing homelessness in Thurston County on a single January night in 2024, Lotus Court represents a meaningful step toward creating permanent solutions for those in need.

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Program: 64 permanent supportive housing units (40 studios and 24 one-bedrooms) for formerly homeless seniors ages 55 and older; first floor with administrative offices, case manager offices, wellness rooms, and central laundry; community room with kitchen; tuck-under parking; shared courtyard space between Lotus Court and Unity Commons; ground floor murals by artist Esteban Camacho Steffenson.