The King County Housing Authority (KCHA) has won a national award honoring superior assisted housing and community development programs for the design of the Nia Apartments in White Center.

The 2009 Award of Excellence comes from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), and will be officially presented on Oct. 6 at NAHRO’s National Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C. The KCHA is one of 18 programs nationwide to receive the 2009 award, out of an original pool of 212 merit winners.

Nia Apartments were designed with the White Center area's older, diverse community in mind, according to a release from the NAHRO.

It offers easier access to services and friends, as well as simple living. Sixty-four of the development's units are for seniors, and 17 are for younger disabled individuals. It is built into a hillside, offering increased street presence, retail space and a lower-level lobby, and thus creating a more active urban streetscape.

The mixed-use community offers 40 units with public housing subsidies, and 41 units with project-based Section 8 subsidies.

“As NAHRO celebrates its 75th anniversary we are proud to recognize the achievements of our members who are committed to finding innovative solutions and groundbreaking programs that address local needs and opportunities that enhance the lives of families, operations and community development,” said NAHRO President Renée Rooker. “They are truly leading the way for a better America.”