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Draft terms for 1301 Shoreway project would add public creek trail and parking; developer offered $6.3M–$7M community benefit
Summary
Draft terms for a proposed office/biotech campus at 1301 Shoreway include a public parking garage, creekside trail improvements and a $6.3M–$7.0M community‑benefit payment tied to build timing.
City staff presented draft development‑agreement terms for the proposed 1301 Shoreway redevelopment on Oct. 28. The project would convert an existing office complex into a flexible, multi‑building campus for office or life‑science uses, add a public parking garage and fund several public improvements including a creekside trail with interpretive signage, renovated court/facility space and dedicated parking for outdoor amenities.
Key terms summarized by staff included: a developer community‑benefit contribution equal to about $13 per square foot if entitlement and construction occur in years 1–7 (about $6.3M); a higher payment (about $14 per square foot, $7.0M) if the project waits until years 8–10. Given commercial market uncertainty the developer asked for a 10‑year entitlement period; the recommended term sheet grants seven years by right and offers a paid option for years eight‑through‑ten (prepaying a $50,000 annual entitlement fee for each extra year). The draft also proposes labor provisions that include a signatory union general contractor requirement, a local‑hire target of 30 percent and participation in registered apprenticeship programs.
Council discussion focused on labor and parking. Several trade representatives told the council they wanted a stronger local‑hire commitment and earlier, direct engagement with unions; project representatives said they had returned many union calls and committed to meet prior to permit issuance. Council members asked staff to strengthen language on local‑hire outreach and on how the community‑benefit funds could be used. Staff noted the community‑benefit program is the same allocation mechanism the council adopted earlier in 2025 and that any final agreement will return to council as part of the entitlement package.
Why it matters: The development would add large floorplate employment space and public amenities on a prime Shoreway site; the community benefit is meant to compensate the city and fund local priorities in exchange for development intensity and an extended entitlement term.
Next steps: Staff will continue to negotiate the development agreement text with the applicant, with the intent of bringing a negotiated development agreement and related entitlement resolutions back to council for formal approval during the entitlement hearings.
