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As part of the preparation to break ground later this month for the Link light-rail line expansion, Sound Transit crews moved eight townhomes this weekend that had been located at the site of the future Roosevelt Station.

Acquired by Roosevelt Development Group, the four buildings that house eight townhomes are being relocated to new sites rather than being torn down — a project that will save the agency more than $120,000 in demolition costs, Sound Transit officials said in a prepared statement.

The buildings’ relocation also helps keep an estimated 320 tons of waste materials out of landfills, saving up to 1,300 trees compared with the cost of rebuilding the townhomes elsewhere, they said.

Relocation and reuse of the buildings is part of the agency’s larger commitment to environmental sustainability, Sound Transit officials said. The agency and its contractors have made efforts to salvage and recycle as many existing buildings as possible prior to the University Link and Northgate Link extension projects.

"We're proud to be a part of this innovative plan to bring new life to Roosevelt while preserving its character," said Ed Hewson, representing Roosevelt Development Group, in a prepared statement.

Meanwhile, on Aug. 17, Sound Transit will host a public ceremony to mark the start of construction of the Northgate Link extension. The 4.3-mile extension will include stations in the University District, Roosevelt neighborhood and Northgate.

The light-rail project is a key part of the regional transit expansion voters approved in 2008.