Today, the Mount Baker Redevelopment Project has officially broken ground. On a site that once housed industrial laundry operations, construction is now underway on over 400 affordable rental homes across two phases, a new early learning campus, and community spaces built for Rainier Valley families.
This groundbreaking is the result of public investment, strong partnerships, and many neighbors who shared their hopes for this site. It shows what is possible when a city treats public land as a lasting community resource.
A Major Investment in Rainier Valley Families
In Phase 1 of the Mount Baker Redevelopment, the City of Seattle is investing $40.6 million to create 239 affordable rental homes next to the Mount Baker Link light rail station. Phase 2 of the redevelopment will bring that total to over 400 affordable rental homes. Two trusted community partners, El Centro de la Raza and Mercy Housing Northwest, are leading the development.
Both organizations bring deep experience and strong roots in the communities they serve. Their partnership brings together culturally responsive services and proven expertise in building and operating affordable housing. Together, they are well positioned to turn this vision into homes that serve residents for generations.
Affordability That Lasts for Generations
Through a $1 annual ground lease with the City, the homes will remain affordable for the full 99-year term. Families who move in today, and the families who follow them, can count on stable, affordable housing for nearly a century.
The project also places a strong focus on residents with the greatest need:
- One-third of the homes will serve residents earning 0–30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- These homes will receive ongoing operating, maintenance, and services support. This helps keep the buildings well run and residents supported over time.
This approach reflects our core belief: everyone deserves a healthy and affordable home in Seattle, regardless of income.
Homes Designed for Families
Seattle needs more homes where families can grow. At Mount Baker, 60% of the apartments will have two or more bedrooms. That gives larger households real options in a city where family-sized affordable housing is often hard to find.
Parents will also benefit from childcare close to home. Children will grow up near schools, parks, and the everyday amenities that make a neighborhood feel like home.
A New Hub for Early Learning
The Mount Baker project offers more than housing. The UW College of Education will develop the Rainier Valley Early Learning Campus at the site. The campus will be a hub for teaching, research, and early learning careers that serves the entire valley.
This investment in early childhood education will help young children get a strong start. It will also open career pathways for adults who want to work in early learning. When housing and education share a site, families gain stability, and the whole neighborhood benefits.
Keeping Neighbors Rooted in Their Community
Rising housing costs have pushed too many longtime residents out of the neighborhoods they helped build. The Mount Baker project takes direct action against displacement.
Through the City’s Community Preference policy, these homes will give priority to:
- Residents at risk of being displaced from their neighborhood
- People with ties to the community who want to return
This policy helps make sure the people who shaped the Rainier Valley’s character can stay, or come home, and share in its future.
Connected to Transit and Opportunity
These homes sit right next to the Mount Baker light rail station, giving residents easy access to jobs, schools, health care, and destinations across the region. Residents will also live close to schools, childcare, and everyday amenities.
Transit-connected affordable housing lowers household transportation costs, cuts reliance on cars, and links residents to opportunity throughout Seattle. It is a smart use of public land and public dollars.
Shaped by Community Voices
This project belongs to the community. During engagement, neighbors told us what mattered most: affordable family homes, cultural diversity, safety, and close access to transit, schools, childcare, and amenities. Those priorities shaped every stage of planning, from site ideas to developer selection.
We are deeply grateful to every resident, community leader, and stakeholder who attended a meeting, completed a survey, or shared an idea. Your voices made this project stronger.
We also thank our partners at El Centro de la Raza, Mercy Housing Northwest, the University of Washington, and the UW College of Education for making this moment possible.
Looking Ahead
Today’s groundbreaking marks the start of a new chapter for Mount Baker and the Rainier Valley. In the years ahead, this site will become home to hundreds of residents. Children will learn and play here. Families will build their lives here. Neighbors will stay connected to the community they love.
Visit our website for the latest updates on the Mount Baker Redevelopment.
