VANCOUVER, Wash. — As Vancouver sees steady population growth year over year, work has officially begun on the first affordable housing project designed to bridge the gap between the brand-new Waterfront and Esther Short Park, deemed the "Waterfront Gateway."

When construction is complete, the building will be six stories tall and hold 95 units, ranging from studios to 3-bedrooms — all to be permanent affordable housing.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in downtown Vancouver Wednesday.

“People will see that we have a variety of housing — not just single-family, not just high-rise apartments — but we have the opportunity for affordability,” Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle said.

McEnerny-Ogle added that the city owned the site across from city hall and sold it for $1.

“That was

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