Summary

Executive Constantine is searching for a talented team to help King County transform Metro Transit’s property in Northgate into an inclusive, sustainable neighborhood connected to high-capacity mass transit.

Story

Executive Dow Constantine wants a premier development team to help King County and the city of Seattle transform the Northgate Park-and-Ride property into a mixed-use, mixed-income neighborhood adjacent to the Link light rail station scheduled to open in 2021.

The first phase of the transit-oriented development – which will include 200 units of affordable housing – will be funded in part by $10 million from King County and $10 million from the city of Seattle.

“We are looking for a world-class team to help us transform King County’s property in Northgate into a vibrant, inclusive community built around high-capacity mass transit,” said Executive Constantine. “This is a chance to show the rest of the country – and the world – how to create dynamic, sustainable neighborhoods that connect people of all incomes to opportunity.”

"When we build affordable housing next to transit centers like this one, we make real, meaningful progress on Seattle's affordability crisis," said Seattle Mayor Tim Burgess. "I am very excited to begin this process of increasing housing availability and commuter mobility in the Northgate neighborhood."

The project will connect to improved bicycle lanes and the new pedestrian and bicycling bridge over Interstate 5, making it possible for more residents of all incomes to have access to the emerging Northgate transit hub.

Developers have until Dec. 21 to submit their proposal. Representatives from King County and the city of Seattle will score the proposals. The successful applicant will:

• Be capable of implementing the county and city’s vision for the project
• Possess deep experience in affordable housing and developing pioneering projects, preferably ones that are transit oriented and mixed use
• Include market and affordable housing partners who can develop public spaces as part of a mixed-use development
• Have experience developing large sites adjacent to public transportation

The Northgate project builds on the county’s work to promote transit-oriented development, which includes the Village at Overlake Station in Redmond, the award-winning project at South Kirkland, as well as projects in downtown Redmond and Burien.

Creating mixed-use neighborhoods that are connected to transit centers is part of King County’s strategic plan to encourage a growing and diverse economy and vibrant, thriving, and sustainable communities.

Relevant links

• Overview of the Northgate Transit Oriented Development project
• How to submit a proposal for the Northgate Transit Oriented Development Project

Quotes

We are looking for a world-class team to help us transform King County’s property in Northgate into a vibrant, inclusive community built around high-capacity mass transit. This is a chance to show the rest of the country – and the world – how to create dynamic, sustainable neighborhoods that connect people of all incomes to opportunity.

When we build affordable housing next to transit centers like this one, we make real, meaningful progress on Seattle's affordability crisis. I am very excited to begin this process of increasing housing availability and commuter mobility in the Northgate neighborhood.

Our vision is of a Northgate neighborhood that is economically diverse, transit-rich, and opportunity-filled. This exciting people-first investment in affordable and market-rate housing, in conjunction with the arrival of light rail, will be transformative for the North End. Our prospective partners in the housing industry must be creative when crafting their proposals, and submit a plan that working families, elders, professionals, and students will be excited to call home.

It’s a time-saver for everyone whenever we build housing and strong communities alongside transit service, especially the Link light rail system to UW, Seattle and the airport. This signature project will extend the mobility options people have for connecting with the region and we look forward to seeing proposals.

This outstanding project will allow more people to trade traffic headaches for close access to congestion-free light rail, including people who qualify for affordable housing. Our traffic, our economy and our environment all benefit when people live close to transit. This project and others on the horizon will make an important difference.

For more information, contact:

Chad Lewis, Executive's Office, 206-263-1250

Katherine Bush, Mayor's Office, 206-684-8180