Community Roots Housing proposes redevelopment plans for West Seattle parking lots 

Community Roots Housing’s proposal includes affordable housing, a community center, a business incubator, underground parking, affordable senior housing, rooftop terraces and retail space.

Figure “Community Roots Housing”

Information from Community Roots Housing

Community Roots Housing, in partnership with the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA), proposes plans to redesign four parking lots in West Seattle.

The organizations will host a virtual community meeting on October 21st to collect input on the proposal.

The redevelopment plans would convert the four parking spaces into affordable housing, including a senior housing building, a 6,500 square meter incubator and replacement public parking spaces. The housing would generate incomes of 60% or less of the median income in the region.

“At Community Roots Housing we believe in community-led development,” said Christopher Persons, CEO of Community Roots Housing. “We are committed to listening to and responding to the needs and priorities of the West Seattle neighborhood while creating more affordable homes to help address the Seattle housing crisis.”

The properties are currently owned by West Seattle Trusteed Properties (WSTP) and managed by WSJA under a 17-year lease agreement. In April, Community Roots Housing made an offer to purchase the parking spaces at the appraised value of the property. The Seattle City Housing Bureau has agreed to provide an acquisition loan to buy the property and convert the parking spaces into affordable housing. The WSTP is expected to vote on the sale at a general meeting on October 28th, but in the most recent minutes of the meeting, no vote was taken on the proposal specifically for the meeting’s agenda.

“Community input will guide us as we begin developing the vision for the Junction Parking Lot,” said Lora Radford, executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association. “Because we are in an urban village, the crucial development decisions that will affect future generations of West Seattle residents are here and now. The value of the early voices of the community is important in order to build and maintain an inner city with vision, history, heart and soul. ”

Community Roots Housing is a mission-based public development authority in the city of Seattle that creates affordable housing for workers. Over the past year, Community Roots has participated in discussions with the community and stakeholders about the property.

“West Seattle Junction is the beating heart of the neighborhood, and we have a cross-generational opportunity to transform and empower this community by welcoming new affordable housing, senior housing, expanded common areas and a small business incubator,” said Lisa., Seattle City Councilor Herbold. “I am delighted that these plans are taking shape under the leadership of the West Seattle Junction Association and Community Roots Housing. I look forward to learning more and hearing from parishioners at the Thursday Open House. ”

Living with community roots

Everyone has the right to a high quality, affordable home. At Community Roots Housing, this truth drives our work. By embracing community-led development and forming deeply rooted partnerships, we promote vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and welcoming homes. Today, with almost 50 apartment buildings and over 2,000 residents, we continue our commitment to create community with and for people. Learn more at communityrootshousing.org

West Seattle Junction Association

The West Seattle Junction Association’s mission is to develop, encourage, promote, and participate in activities that will improve a healthy economic, social, and environmental climate for the West Seattle Junction community. Junction stores, from specialty stores to small chain stores, have extensive support from the WSJA in their public relations efforts to attract buyers to leisure, hospitality and retail needs. The WSJA was founded in 1987 as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit Business Improvement Area and today serves over 225 business owners in the region. The WSJA promotes the sustainable development of its business-friendly environment by advancing business affairs and liaising with city officials to review relevant issues. Learn more at wsjunction.org