Gig Harbor Vacant Acreage Sells for Planned Mixed-Use Development

In Gig Harbor, a group of local investors through three limited liability companies acquired a 4.5-acre site at 9411 Burnham Dr. for $3.4 million from the estate of a former landowner.

The project envisions an approximately 80-unit, market-rate apartment complex distributed across five three-story buildings. There will also be a community building with leasing offices.

The site plan calls for a mix of one- and two-bedroom units with resident parking. The landscape approach preserves a ravine and steep eastern slopes in a natural state.

The development is getting closer to permits. The final short plat is under review and building permits have already been submitted.

Project Overview and Site Context

The purchase and proposed development are part of a long-standing housing initiative in the city. Gig Harbor has seen fluctuating demand and changing market conditions.

The property is located east of state Route 16, placing it within a potential growth corridor. It also remains connected to Gig Harbor’s established neighborhoods.

The plan’s main goal is to deliver a market-rate rental option that can attract a range of households. It is designed to integrate with the surrounding hillside topography.

The site’s natural features guide the layout and landscaping. The ravine and steep slopes along the eastern boundary will remain mostly undeveloped.

This approach emphasizes a balance between new housing and environmental stewardship. It aligns with contemporary hillside development practices that seek to minimize grading and preserve drainage patterns and vegetation.

Development Details and Unit Mix

Key project components include:

• Approximately 80 market-rate apartment units
• Five three-story residential buildings
• A community building housing leasing offices
• Resident parking integrated with the site plan
• Mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans

Site Conditions and Environmental Considerations

The landscape strategy recognizes the hilly terrain and a ravine along the eastern edge. This supports the decision to preserve natural slopes instead of using dense grading.

The alternative landscape plan aims to respect the topography while providing the needed housing density. This balance is common in Gig Harbor’s approach to infill and hillside projects, especially in areas with environmental constraints.

Permitting Timeline and Market Context

City officials confirm the project has moved through cycles driven by market conditions, interest rates, and ownership changes. The final short plat is under review on Gig Harbor’s permit portal, with subdivision approval still required.

All building permits have been submitted and are under review. This signals a strong move toward construction readiness.

City staff, including Eric Baker, the community development director, note that ownership changes can influence project pacing. Representatives of the purchasing LLCs did not respond to requests for comment, so the latest updates come from regulatory filings and public records.

Planning, Approval Path, and What to Watch Next

With the short plat advancing and building permits under review, observers should monitor several milestones that will determine when construction can begin.

The subdivision agreement and plat approvals are needed before the final entitlements package.

Professional design reviews, traffic impact analyses, and utility coordination will shape any required conditions.

Impact on Gig Harbor’s Housing Market and Urban Form

This development reflects the growing demand for scale-friendly, market-rate housing in well-connected coastal cities.

If completed, the 80-unit complex would add to the city’s housing inventory and may affect nearby employment centers and public infrastructure usage.

For design professionals, the project is a chance to integrate quality multifamily housing with hillside preservation, landscape buffering, and community-oriented facilities.

The compact footprint is designed to respect the local topography.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Vacant acreage sells in Gig Harbor. Here’s what’s planned for the property