Three new apartment buildings are under construction on East Melody Lane in Port Angeles, delivering 27 new rental units when complete.
The project is being developed by local builders Andy Hines, of Hines Homes, and Tony Cortani of Tim’s Custom Cabinets, who wanted to help alleviate the shortage of this type of available housing in the area.
“We saw a need in the area for more apartment rentals, so we both felt really strongly about this project,” said Cortani. “It’s an investment in our community.”
“Our project has always been community focused, which is why it was important to us to use as many local suppliers and contractors as possible,” added Hines.
While this is the largest multi-family construction project for either of the owners, both have a long history of building or updating homes on the peninsula, which is how their two paths originally crossed.
Tony Cortani and Andy Hines on the Melody Lane Apartments build site. Courtesy First Fed
After nearly 20 years working in home construction, Hines opened Hines Homes in 2014. Through his company based in Sequim, Hines offers home remodels, additions and full design and construction for new homes.
“I worked with my Dad on some smaller multifamily buildings, but there haven’t been a lot of available spaces for new multifamily construction in the area,” noted Hines. “So the land on Melody Lane was an exciting opportunity.”
Tim’s Custom Cabinets was founded by Cortani’s stepfather in 1981, with Cortani joining the team in 1984. Cortani bought the company in 1999 after his stepfather passed, continuing the family legacy.
While they started mainly building and installing cabinets, Cortani got his contracting license and expanded the scope of the business, including the construction of custom homes and multifamily duplexes. He currently owns and manages several rental properties.
“I have worked with Andy on many local projects,” said Cortani. “When he was looking for a partner for the Melody Lane apartments project, it was a great fit for us to do together.”
The first of three new apartments buildings in the Melody Lane project. Courtesy First Fed
To finance the project, Hines and Cortani worked with First Fed, a local community bank Cortani has a long history with.
“I’ve had my accounts with First Fed since the early ’90s, as well as my first home loan in 1998,” recalled Cortani. “When we were looking for financing for Melody Lane First Fed was really proactive and willing to work with us, answer our questions, and make sure everything went smoothly.”
Hines also shared his positive experience working with First Fed, “Working with Susan Whitmire and John Textor at First Fed has been a great experience. They helped us set up our accounts and made sure we understood how everything works.”
Kasi O’Leary (First Fed Commercial Market Leader), Andy Hines (Owner Hines Homes), Matt Deines (CEO First Fed), Tony Cortani (Owner Tim’s Custom Cabinets), and John Textor (First Fed Treasury Management Officer) at the Melody Lane construction site. Courtesy First Fed
“Tony and Andy have been a pleasure to work with; I look forward to partnering with them on future business ventures,” said John Textor, Treasury Management Officer at First Fed.
“It’s been wonderful partnering with Andy and Tony on the Melody Lane apartments,” said Susan Whitmire, Commercial Relationship Manager at First Fed. “We’re excited to be part of a project that will benefit the community by providing more housing in Port Angeles.”
“You can really tell First Fed is really invested in our local community, which is what this project is all about,” added Cortani.
A future door to a new apartment on Melody Lane. Courtesy First Fed
The three new apartment buildings are being constructed side by side, each offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, including one wheelchair accessible ADA-designated unit. The first building could have units available for occupancy as early as summer of 2025.
“You may get a water view or a mountain view from the apartments,” said Hines. “We’re really looking forward to our first tenants getting to enjoy this great location.”
First Fed is a member FDIC and equal housing lender. Learn more about commercial construction loans and other builder banking solutions from First Fed at: https://www.ourfirstfed.com/business/industries/builder-banking
