NEW Construction begins on huge apartment complex

YAKIMA -- Construction began this week on what will be Yakima's largest apartment complex.

Borton Enterprises, an owner of the Apple Tree Resort and the Lake Aspen Apartments on North 16th Avenue, received permits to start the first phase of a 342-unit complex called Castle Creek Apartments, which is on 14 acres at West Nob Hill Boulevard and 52nd Avenue.

The first phase, which consists of 126 units in seven three-story buildings, should take approximately a year to complete, said Glen Durvall, who is working as Borton's project manager for the development. But the developer hopes to begin renting apartments when the first of those buildings is finished within the next six to seven months.

The development, which is expected to cost $30 million, is a gated community with several amenities, including a washer, dryer and dishwasher in every unit, access to basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool.

The units range in size from 1-bedroom units of 706 square feet to 3-bedroom units of 1,168 square feet. Rents for the units have not been established.

-- Mai Hoang