South Park Henderson Street Development

Overview

The Seattle Office of Housing is working on a new project in the South Park neighborhood. In 2021, the Office of Housing purchased two properties at the intersection of 14th Ave S and S Henderson Street for the purpose of creating more affordable housing. The vision is to development the site with a new mixed-use building. This means it will have apartments for residents and space for community services or businesses on the ground floor.

Our main goal is to provide healthy and affordable homes for people who live and work in South Park. South Park, one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods, has a rich cultural history rooted in the Duwamish Tribe and shaped by a vibrant mix of Latino, Asian, and Black communities. However, rising housing costs have put many long-time residents at risk of displacement. With a median household income well below the city average, affordable housing remains a critical need. Projects like the Henderson Street initiative aim to provide stability and protect the community’s identity. 

We envision a building that serves the needs of the whole community. The project will have apartments for families of all sizes and ages, as well as a space that feels welcoming and connects people to transportation, local services, and job opportunities. We want this project to be a place where the South Park community can grow and thrive for years to come. 

What’s Happening Now  

We are now looking for a partner to help bring this project to life. This will be a two-step process. First, we are asking interested housing developers to submit their qualifications to help us find experienced partners who are ready for a project like this. This first step is called a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

After we review the qualifications, a smaller group of developers will be invited to submit detailed project proposals for the site. This second step is called a Request for Proposal (RFP). We expect to choose a final development partner by the middle of 2026. They will be responsible for designing, financing, and building the new development. 

The Office of Housing has engaged with community for many years as well as hired a consultant, Environmental Works, to conduct several engagement sessions to create a Community Engagement Report published in 2023. Please reach out to Jessica Gomez if you would like a copy of the report.