The King County Housing Authority is starting construction this month to transform the former Park Lake Homes II site in North Highline into an attractive mixed-use development.

The first phase, comprised of 25 units of rental housing, will break ground later this month. Former Park Lake Homes II residents will have first right of return to the revitalized community. They are expected to move back starting in the fall of 2011.

The former residents will return to a community with a new name-Seola Gardens.

Seola Gardens is a companion to White Center's Greenbridge development.

When completed, the new development will have 177 affordable, energy efficient rental units. The old 30-acre site contained 165 units.

The site will also feature 107 for-sale homes, constructed by private builders.

The new development is located at 4th Avenue Southwest and Southwest 108th Street.

"Seola Gardens will be a jewel for the neighborhood," housing authority executive director Stephen Norman said. "Along with its neighbor to the north-Greenbridge-KCHA will have built exciting new places for families and individuals to live and flourish."

Housing authority officials say the new community will transform the site of severely deteriorated 46-year-old public housing built when King County demolished World War II defense worker housing and constructed the housing project.

Federal HOPE VI funds as well as other public and private sources will finance the $70 million redevelopment. Construction is expected to wrap up in 2014.

The new development will also have 15 pieces of public art, three parks and multiple sidewalks and trails, as well as new roads and utilities.

Also featured will be a Head Start for preschoolers, 6,500 square feet of community rooms for services, recreation and social events and a course for adult exercise near pedestrian routes.

Built to be environmentally conscious, the site will have rain gardens and a water quality pond for onsite storm drainage and protection of nearby Lake Garrett.

The housing authority is seeking to hire local residents for Seola Gardens-related employment whenever possible. Low-income residents and youth from Greenbridge, Section 8 housing or the North Highline area may call the HOPE VI office for information on available jobs. Contact 206-574-1157.

That is also the phone number for services or relocation questions. Development related questions can be answered by calling 206-574-1197.

Staffers say the name was selected to honor White Center's history and diversity. Before White Center was officially named in 1918, the area was called Seola, following a 1910 naming contest.

Also, Seola Beach was one of Southwest King County's earliest commerce and trade centers.

In Spanish, "seola" means "to know the wave."