Site preparation is underway for upcoming construction of nine cottage homes at 24226-52nd Ave. W. in Mountlake Terrace, the first project of its kind in the city.

The large 36,155-square-foot lot on 52nd Avenue West had contained a single-residentlal house, but is now being prepared to hold nine cottage homes ranging in size from 977 to 1,577 square feet. The Cedar Cottages development will also include two separate garage buildings and a common central driveway. One of the garages will host a 1,000-square-foot carriage house on its upper floors.

“This will be the first cottage housing development in Mountlake Terrace,” said Interim City Manager Scott Hugill on Tuesday.

The garages and carriage house will be built along the lot’s northern boundary; two large cedar trees on the property will remain in place.

Construction of the cottages may begin as early as mid-February, Hugill said.

— Story and photo by Doug Petrowski