Community Roots Housing and BRIDGE Housing have broken ground on a new affordable housing development next to one of Seattle’s busiest transit hubs.
The nonprofit partners are building a 235-unit development that will feature a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income. Adjacent to the Northgate light-rail station, several bus lines, and protected bike lanes, the property will provide residents with convenient access to education and employment opportunities.
“A fundamental part of Community Roots Housing’s approach to developing housing is elevating community priorities,” said Christopher Persons, CEO of Community Roots Housing. “We know we need more affordable housing, and we know it needs to be coupled with resources that provide access to opportunity. This project combines affordable housing, family-sized units, on-site child care, and sustainable design, all right next to one of the most significant transit hubs in the region. This milestone represents a step toward a more connected, accessible, and thriving community in north Seattle.”
Community engagement informed the design and development of the project, resulting in amenities ranging from bike storage to a public courtyard, a community room, and a maker space. The ground floor will include nearly 10,000 square feet of space for a child care center operated by El Centro de La Raza, a comfort station for King County Metro transit workers, and retail space.
With a combined 75 years of experience in developing affordable and vibrant communities, Community Roots Housing and BRIDGE Housing responded to a request for proposals from King County in 2018. King County and King County Metro provided the land, valued at approximately $12.85 million, to the team for a long term, $1-per-year lease.
“Northgate is the region’s most popular transit hub and offers fast, frequent bus and train service connecting communities,” said King County executive Dow Constantine. “Housing projects like this give people back time they would have spent in traffic—reducing pollution and ensuring a healthier future for everyone.”
The project has a total development cost of approximately $113.9 million. Funding partners include King County, which is providing $30 million, and King County Metro, which is providing $167,000 in acquisition and construction financing; Seattle Housing Authority, which is providing $1 million; and Bank of America, which is providing $66.7 million of construction financing and $51.9 of low-income housing tax credit equity. In addition, permanent financing is being provided by Community Preservation Corp. and Freddie Mac.
Ankrom Moisan is the architect, and Walsh Construction is the general contractor. Community Roots Housing will assume management of operations upon the property’s opening.