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Committee recommends ground lease for Mount Baker redevelopment with 241 affordable units and UW early-learning space
Summary
The committee recommended adoption of Counsel Bill 121236 to authorize a 99-year ground lease at 2929 27th Ave S for redevelopment by an affiliate of Mercy Housing Northwest and El Centro, creating 239 affordable rental units plus two manager units (241 total) and a University of Washington Rainier Valley early-learning facility on the ground floor. The committee vote was 3–0; the recommendation goes to the full Council on June 30.
The Housing, Arts and Civil Rights Committee on June 24 recommended adoption of Counsel Bill 121236, which authorizes the Seattle Office of Housing to grant a 99-year ground lease for redevelopment of city-owned parcels at 2929 27th Avenue South. Presenters from the Office of Housing said Phase One will support 239 affordable rental units, two on-site manager units (241 total), and dedicated ground-floor space for a University of Washington Rainier Valley early-learning campus.
Andrea Akita, interim director of the Seattle Office of Housing, told the committee the ground lease allows the city to retain ownership of the land in perpetuity while the selected developer constructs and operates the housing. Jessica Gomez of the Office of Housing’s policy and planning team laid out the project timeline, noting demolition had begun on an existing laundry-site building, construction closing is planned soon and that workforce agreements will apply during construction.
Public commenters including representatives from the University of Washington and a community executive director urged support for the project’s childcare, family-sized units and community benefits. The committee moved, seconded and recorded three votes in favor and none opposed; the committee’s recommendation will be sent to the June 30, 2026 City Council meeting.
Next steps: If the Council approves the recommendation, the Office of Housing will proceed to close financing and implement the ground lease and related agreements as described to the committee.
