Seattle, WA – Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) and Community Roots Housing (CRH) will host project partners at a ceremony commemorating the groundbreaking of Yesler Family Housing on Wednesday, August 11, at 10:00 AM at 1215 East Fir Street.
This noteworthy project is part of the redevelopment of Yesler Terrace, which was originally established in the early 1940s by the Seattle Housing Authority as the first public housing development in the state and the first racially integrated public housing in the country. Yesler Family Housing is the first project in the Yesler redevelopment to be developed by a non-profit organization. It is a joint partnership of two public development authorities, both with deep roots in community engagement, SCIDpda and Community Roots Housing.
The development is a mixed-use building with 156 units of affordable apartments and childcare, will bring family-sized replacement housing for returning and current Yesler residents, as well as others with affordable housing needs. All 156 homes (including 25 three-bedroom and seven four-bedroom units) will be reserved for households with incomes at either 30% or 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). This unique development goes beyond just offering family-sized apartments by also including the Denise Louie Education Center on the ground floor – 8,400 square-feet of childcare and early learning. 2,500 square-feet of retail space will also be held for community-based businesses in the area. Yesler is also situated across from Bailey-Gatzert Elementary School, home to where the Denise Louie Education Center first began.
SCIDpda is the primary developer and property manager for the project and leads on community engagement efforts. As co-developer, Community Roots Housing supports the project with asset management, finance, and administrative services. Mithun is the architect and Marpac Construction is the general contractor.
This development is made possible through a partnership between the Seattle Housing Authority (the landowner and a project funder), the City of Seattle’s Office of Housing, Seattle Human Services Department, the Department of Commerce’s Early Learning Facilities, and the development team of SCIDpda and Community Roots. Construction financing is provided by Capital One and JPMorgan Chase, and equity is provided by Hudson Housing Capital/Capital One. The Denise Louie Education Center also benefited from contributions from the City of Seattle Human Services Department, the Norcliffe Foundation, the Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation, the Sheng-Yen Lu Foundation, the Sinegal Family Foundation, the Washington State Department of Commerce, and a partnership with Seattle University’s Sundborg Center for Community Engagement. The project will be completed in early 2023.
About SCIDpda Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority
(SCIDpda) is a community development organization whose mission is to preserve, promote, and develop the Seattle Chinatown International District (CID) as a vibrant community and unique ethnic neighborhood. Formed by the community in 1975, SCIDpda works to revitalize and preserve the neighborhood by providing services in three primary areas: affordable housing and commercial property management, community economic development and community engagement, and real estate development. SCIDpda has 45-plus years of experience in increasing neighborhood sustainability through innovative programs and projects that balance development and preservation. Learn more at scidpda.org.
About Community Roots Housing
Everyone has the right to a quality, affordable home. At Community Roots Housing, this truth drives our work. By embracing community-led development and engaging in deep-rooted partnerships, we’re fostering vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable and welcoming homes. Today, with nearly 50 apartment buildings – over 2,000 residents – we continue our commitment to build community with and for people. Learn more at communityrootshousing.org.
About Denise Louie Education Center
Denise Louie Education Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that has been providing high-quality multicultural early learning and family support services for low-income children and families in the King County area since 1978. We respect and preserve each child and family’s individuality, cultural heritage, and home language. We promote personal and social responsibility with integrity and love in an environment defined by social justice and peace. To learn more about Denise Louie Education Center, go to deniselouie.org.
About Seattle Housing Authority
The mission of the Seattle Housing Authority is to enhance the Seattle community by creating and sustaining decent, safe and affordable living environments that foster stability and self-sufficiency for people with low incomes. SHA provides long-term, low-income rental housing and rental assistance to more than 37,000 people in Seattle. SHA owns and operates approximately 8,500 units at nearly 400 sites throughout the city. SHA also administers more than 10,000 Housing Choice Vouchers, enabling low-income residents to receive rental assistance throughout the Seattle housing market. SHA, an independent public corporation established in 1939, is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, two of whom are SHA residents. More information is available at seattlehousing.org.
