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Yesler Terrace Redevelopment

Yesler Terrace logo Seattle Housing Authority is engaged in a comprehensive planning effort to replace Yesler Terrace's aging public housing buildings with a new mixed-income community where people from across society can come together to enjoy cultural diversity and high quality housing with amenities close by.

The goal is to replace what exists there now so that both current and future residents can live in a community that is healthier, more supportive of education and economic empowerment, and more sustainable.

Yesler Terrace Redevelopment Visualization from Seattle Housing Authority.

The existing public housing community at Yesler Terrace sits on approximately 30-acres just east of downtown Seattle, on the southern slope of First Hill. Built from 1941 to 1943, it is among Seattle's most diverse and economically challenged neighborhoods.

Many of Yesler Terrace's 1,200 residents are families with children, seniors, people with disabilities and immigrants who speak a variety of different languages. On average, Yesler Terrace residents earn less than 30 percent of the city’s median income.

Seventy-years old, many of Yesler Terrace's buildings are reaching the end of their useful life cycle, and its water, sewer and other key systems are failing. While 561 of Yesler Terrace's apartments are still functional, they do not meet the modern-day needs of tenant families.

Current planning activites

Annual Implementation Report for Yesler Terrace Redevelopment

This report documents the activities and milestones accomplished in 2012 to achieve housing production goals, enhance educational and employment opportunities for people, and build amenities that foster a healthy and active neighborhood for Yesler Terrace.

Yesler Terrace Resident Relocation Plan submitted to City of Seattle's Office of Housing

Document Revised April 2013: This relocation plan aims to be a thoughtful guide that directly addresses the challenges that residents face during redevelopment of Yesler Terrace. The plan outlines the assistance the agency will provide. Respect and service are core values of Seattle Housing Authority and are foundational to the plan.

$19.73 million HUD grant awarded to Seattle Housing for Yesler Terrace redevelopment

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan announced the award of a second Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant totaling $19.73 million to Seattle Housing Authority for the redevelopment of Yesler Terrace. HUD awarded Seattle Housing an initial Choice Neighborhoods grant of $10.27 million in August 2011. This second round of federal funding will jumpstart physical construction of the heart of the new Yesler Terrace.

City of Seattle legislation passed

On September 4, 2012 the Seattle City Council unanimously passed the entire legislative package necessary to implement the redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, including the Cooperative Agreement between the City and Seattle Housing Authority, the Land Use Code Amendment and Rezone Ordinance, the Street Vacation Petition, and the Planned Action Ordinance. Mayor McGinn signed the legislation on September 10, 2012 and it took effect October 10, 2012. The documents are available for review on the City Council's webpage City Council's webpage.

Partner sought for master develoment

Seattle Housing Authority has issued a formal Request for Qualifications to identify firms interested in becoming a master develoment partner for Yesler Terrace. Proposals from potential developers are due at the end of August. The decision on the choice of a master developer may take six months or more

"Choice Neighborhoods" grant awarded

In the fall of 2011 the US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development announced the award of a $10.27 million "Choice Neighborhoods" grant to the Seattle Housing Authority. This funding allows the redevelopment process to begin in the area of Yesler Terrace located east of Boren Avenue. In addtion to the grant award, Seattle Housing received 60 new Housing Choice Vouchers worth an additional $560,000 per year in subsidy. The Choice Neighborhood grant makes possible the construction of 218 new housing units to be built beginning in 2013, along with other neighborhood improvements.

Guide to the Yesler Terrace website

Project Vision
The future Yesler Terrace is envisioned as a great place to live and work, providing housing, office and retail space in well-connected community adjacent to several neighborhoods and downtown.
The future Yesler Terrace • Photo gallery: Yesler's past, present and future • New Housing Mix • Improving community resources •
Benefits to residents • Benefits to Seattle • Key dates

Choice Neighborhoods

This HUD grant program is providing valuable subsidy to begin the project and is expanpanding the neighborhood boundaries.
Map of the neighborhood • Housing • Investing in People • Neighborhood improvement • Long term plans

An Inclusive Process

Seattle Housing is committed to transparency and openess throughout the redevelopment process, including working closely with the resident community and other project constituencies.
Citizen Review Committee • Promises to residents • Our partners

News and Information

Keep in touch with redevelopment happenings through Seattle Housing-issued news releases, special reports and fact sheets.
Special reports • Fact sheets • Frequently Asked Questions

We Want to Hear From You

Learn how to stay informed and involved, connect with the staff team and learn about key partners involved in the redevelopment project.
Get involved • Yesler Terrace staff team • Consulting teams

Archive

Review minutes of Citizen Review Committee meetings, access Environmental Review information and learn more about the history of the project.
Historical Context • Minutes • Planning Terms •
Workshops • Environmental Review Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of the most common questions about the redevelopment project.