Post navigation

Prev: (06/17/16) | Next: (06/18/16)

Capitol Hill Community Post | In Memory of John Berdes

unnamed (20)From Capitol Hill Housing

It is with sadness that we acknowledge the passing of former Capitol Hill Housing Executive Director John Berdes.

John worked for decades to build strong communities and help those of lesser means. Early in his career, John was a community coordinator for the Capitol Hill Community Council. He worked with CHH almost since its creation in 1976, and served as the organization’s Executive Director from 1978 until 1987.

John became the Executive Director at a pivotal time in the evolution of CHH. As the real estate market recovered from the Boeing Bust, he smartly read the quickening pace of change and the impact it would have on the affordability of the community.

He helped lead the transformation of the organization from its origins of primarily supporting low-income homeowners in Capitol Hill to providing high quality affordable apartment housing throughout Seattle.

John worked on the purchase of CHH’s first building, the Broadway Apartments, in an era when there was precious little financing from the government or conventional banks.  He was an innovator as much as a leader, putting together new and unique ways to fund the work,  pioneering the sale of development rights, issuance of tax exempt bonds, and engagement of socially-minded individuals.

Building on the success and experience of smaller properties, he greatly expanded the organization’s affordable housing work and impact.  Success under John’s leadership led to invitations to work in other neighborhoods such as Belltown, the Central District and Southeast Seattle.

Simply put, CHH would not be the organization it is today without John.

Later in his career, John was a Senior Program Officer for LISC, and the founder and CEO of Craft3. At these organizations John continued to develop creative ways to mix public, private and social capital to assist small businesses, finance affordable housing, and encourage sustainable development.  Through it all, John worked collaboratively, bringing together like-minded organizations to advance the common cause.

Last but not least, John was a character.  As hard as he could be in a business deal, he also was funny and a true personality.  He will be deeply missed.

Any tributes can made to  The Harbor resource center in Astoria or Lower Columbia Memorial Hospice via Columbia Memorial Hospital. You can also share memories of John on the Craft3 or CHH Facebook pages.

Christopher Persons, CEO

Chuck Weinstock, former CHH Executive  Director

Subscribe and support CHS Contributors -- $1/$5/$10 per month

Comments are closed.