Ninebark

600 South Marina Way Washougal, WA

Nestled on the picturesque banks of the Columbia River, Ninebark is a breath of fresh air that seamlessly blends sustainability, inclusivity, and natural comfort.

Asset Type

Multifamily

Architect

Holst

Contractor

R & O Construction

Landscape Architect

Ground Workshop

Completion

2023

A Clear Vision

At Killian Pacific, our focus is on crafting exceptional places and investments that stand out in the market. We place a strong emphasis on combining purpose and impact in every project we undertake, balancing our commitments to our partners, people, and the planet. We call this placemaking, where buildings transform into places that enhance people’s lives and contribute to the greater good.

With Ninebark, we not only set out to build something beautiful but to address some of our region’s pressing challenges around housing affordability, workforce diversity, and the responsible stewardship of our environment. Our vision was clear from the start: create living spaces that prioritize natural comfort and sustainability while nurturing a deep connection to community. Learn how our commitment to people and nature shaped every aspect of this unique project.

Setting New Standards

Ninebark sets new standards in apartment living with 246 thoughtfully designed units spread across eight residential buildings and a ninth communal building, the Riverside Retreat. We aimed to redefine the apartment living experience by offering a wide range of amenities that include a fully stocked resident Gear Shed – with standup paddleboards, kayaks, and other equipment – a grand living room, coworking spaces, a river-facing entertaining kitchen and deck, and a generous fitness center. With its extraordinary features, Ninebark provides residents with a truly unique waterfront lifestyle in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

 

 

 

Addressing Housing Affordability and Workforce Diversity in the PNW

With Ninebark, we aimed to address housing affordability and workforce diversity in a handful of unique ways. We voluntarily designated 10% of the market-rate apartment homes as affordable, ensuring they are accessible to households who make 80% or less than the area’s Median Family Income. This first-of-its-kind program in the region ensures residents’ monthly housing expenses won’t exceed more than 30% of their monthly income and follows the same certification process as the Vancouver Housing Authority to ensure units are offered to those who need them most. Our choice to designate a portion of Ninebark as affordable is rooted in our commitment to making quality homes accessible to a wide range of individuals and families.

Additionally, we awarded 22.2 percent of our total development construction costs, to Minority-and-Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and nearly 100,000 hours of journey and apprenticeship hours were done by those who identify as minority, women, and/or disadvantaged. We reached these regionally unprecedented achievements through a strategic partnership with the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) after setting our own internal contracting goal of 25% TDC on all new Killian Pacific developments, nearly meeting our goal.

A Harmony of People and Nature

Sustainability is at the heart of the Ninebark ethos. Our all-electric community design minimizes its environmental footprint. We sourced locally produced FSC lumber from responsibly managed forests throughout the property. Ninebark features 72 electric vehicle charging stations and rooftop solar panels on the Riverside Retreat that generate 100% of its energy needs. Our property has over 6,300 square feet of open vegetated pollinator garden spaces and 2 beekeeper-managed beehives on-site to support regional biodiversity and nature-connected resident engagement opportunities. We also run a community-wide composting program to reduce waste. Ninebark boasts certifications including Salmon-Safe, Fitwel, International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy, and the National Wildlife Federation’s Garden for Wildlife, that collectively reflect our commitment to environmentally friendly practices and our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint.

Ninebark is also helping preserve old-growth forestland near Ross Mountain in Corbett, Oregon with a contribution to Columbia Land Trust. Our investment allows them to progress local forest conservation efforts which provides carbon sequestration and protects wildlife habitat and water quality for the region. The value of our contribution was derived by estimating the annual carbon footprint of the Ninebark community’s operations and applying the federal government’s social cost of carbon at the time of construction, effectively mitigating the operational carbon footprint of the Ninebark community through 2030. We view the contribution as one important element of a much larger sustainability effort underway at Ninebark. Learn more at Columbia Land Trust.

 

The Ninebark Community

As a testament to our commitment, we created a 1-acre public park called Eagle View Park, complete with art, walking, and bike trails, a log jam trail, and a Salmon-Safe educational discovery garden path. The park is a verdant oasis that stretches along the riverfront, inviting pedestrians to embrace the natural beauty of the Columbia River. Eagle View Park not only enhances the quality of life for Ninebark residents but also serves as a shared resource for the entire community.

The Ninebark commitment to inclusivity and vibrancy is evident through our ongoing engaging events, collaborative initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations. By aligning our efforts with the values and needs of the local area, we aim to leave a lasting positive impact on the lives of our residents and those around us.