Committee advances plan to place Central Area site under Office of Housing for permanently affordable homeownership

Summary

The committee recommended adoption of Counsel Bill 121238, authorizing the Office of Housing to take jurisdiction of two Central Area parcels (including a former community-owned apartment), run an RFP and transfer the land to a developer to build permanently affordable homeownership units. Presenters noted the site’s 25-year history of community-based ownership, recent physical deterioration and a settlement agreement enabling transfer; the committee vote was 3–0.

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The Housing, Arts and Civil Rights Committee on June 24 recommended adoption of Counsel Bill 121238, which would allow the Seattle Office of Housing to place acquired Central Area real property under OH jurisdiction, issue a competitive request for proposals and transfer land and related documents to a selected developer for permanently affordable homeownership.

Interim Director Andrea Akita and Office of Housing staff described the history: Central Area Development Association owned and operated apartments for more than 25 years with some initial OH financing; the building’s condition later deteriorated, tenants were relocated by July 2025, and staff said a settlement agreement enables the proposed transfer. Presenters said OH will conduct community engagement and prioritize buyers with ties to the neighborhood through a community-preference policy.

Committee members moved and seconded the recommendation and recorded three votes in favor and none opposed; the committee’s recommendation will be transmitted to the full Council on June 30, 2026. Presenters said the RFP will emphasize family-sized homes, environmental mitigation, and stewardship to retain long-term affordability.

Next steps: OH will finalize settlement and RFP materials and return with implementation details following Council action.