Bothell City Council proposes multi-family housing amendment for underutilized office site

During the Bothell City Council meeting on March 4, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the city's housing strategy, particularly the need to remove barriers to new housing development. This topic aligns with one of the council's top priorities, reflecting the growing urgency to address housing demands in the region.

A key focus of the meeting was the potential amendment to legalize multifamily housing on a 10-acre site owned by the city, which currently houses three low-scale commercial office buildings and surface parking lots. This site, acquired in February 2019, is primarily leased to Seattle Genetics, now known as Seagen, which occupies about half of its rented space. The recent acquisition of Seagen by Pfizer has raised concerns about the stability of this tenancy, prompting the city to explore future options for the site.

The speaker highlighted the changing dynamics of the office market, particularly in the wake of the pandemic, which has led to decreased demand for office spaces. The potential for a sudden tenant change, as evidenced by a halted construction project in Everett following a similar acquisition, underscores the need for proactive measures. The proposed amendment aims to prepare the site for immediate reconfiguration into dense, transit-oriented housing should the office space become vacant.

The planning commission previously discussed this amendment, resulting in a split vote. The city council is now urged to consider this amendment, with a recommendation for collaboration between city staff and the applicant to support new multifamily housing while also encouraging employment opportunities in the area. This proposal is the only amendment on the council's docket for the year, emphasizing its importance in the broader context of Bothell's housing strategy.

In conclusion, the discussions at the meeting reflect a critical moment for Bothell as it navigates the challenges of housing development and the evolving needs of its community. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively the city can adapt to these changes and meet the housing demands of its residents.