OPAL Invites Community to View Three Moved, Renovated Houses

Come by OPAL's open house on Sunday, May 6, from 1 to 3 to see how much the Oberon Meadow neighborhood has changed since this photo was taken on April 5. Photo by Mandy Troxel.

OPAL Community Land Trust is hosting an open house on Sunday, May 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. Orcas residents and prospective buyers may view three island homes that were moved last year to Oberon Meadow, OPAL’ s newest neighborhood in Eastsound.

The three houses – each about 70 years old – were given to OPAL by their owners so that more island families with low to moderate incomes can own a home of their own. The houses were moved from the North Shore, Deer Harbor and Olga to property in Eastsound that was owned by OPAL. Recent renovations to the houses include new foundations and various energy efficiency upgrades and improvements.

Ranging in size from approximately 828 to 1064 sq. ft., the houses each have two bedrooms, one bath, and kitchen, living and dining areas. Each is priced at $165,000 under the community land trust model to qualified buyers. Monthly mortgage payments will range from $750 to $1010, depending upon income and financing. Middle-income buyers are eligible to purchase these houses.

“We’re grateful to the Baker family, Bob and Phyllis Henigson, and Frank Greer and Stephanie Solien for generously giving OPAL the opportunity to move and renovate their much-loved houses for the benefit of the Orcas community,” said OPAL’s executive director, Lisa Byers. “It feels good to give these small, well-built island homes a new life.”

When complete, the Oberon Meadow neighborhood will include four residences. It adjoins the existing Oberon Wood neighborhood of five homes completed in 2002.

Oberon Meadow is located off North Beach Road, near the intersection with Mt. Baker Road. Open house parking is available in designated parking spaces at the dog park. On-site parking is limited and reserved for those with special needs.

OPAL stands for “Of People and Land,” representing a commitment to protecting natural resources while providing permanently affordable homes for people who are vital to the Orcas Island community. Incorporated in 1989, OPAL now provides homes for 100 households and continues to accept applications from people who are not able to purchase a house on the open market. For more information, go to: www.opalclt.org. For further information, call OPAL at (360) 376-3191.