Seattle initiates major affordable housing and early learning developments

Construction has begun on a $170 million redevelopment project in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood. The 3.8-acre site will feature approximately 400 affordable apartments and a 35,000-square-foot early learning campus designed to serve over 120 children. The project is located adjacent to the Mount Baker light-rail station to support regional mobility. Funding for the housing component is provided by state, city, and private sources, while the early learning campus is supported by philanthropic, federal, state, county, and city contributions.

Separately, the Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) has announced its first original construction project: a five-story apartment building in the Central District. Scheduled to open in 2028, the development will offer 20 units at a mix of affordable and market-rate rents. This follows the agency's acquisition of the 150-unit Elara at the Market in Belltown. SSHD aims to reach 1,000 units in its portfolio by the end of 2027, utilizing funds from Seattle’s social housing tax on large corporations.