Yesler Terrace Redevelopment
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.
The Housing Authority plans to replace the aging Yesler Terrace apartments (left) with a more community-oriented urban neighborhood with open space, new housing, office and retail (artist's rendering, right).
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
City of Seattle legislation under consideration
The City's Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is leading interdepartmental efforts to coordinate a rezone process for Yesler Terrace. After accepting public comment on draft legislation, city staff is currently preparing the legislation for consideration by City Council. Staff from the City and the Housing Authority have been presenting briefings to the Council in prepartion for this legislation. The Counil will likely begin the formal legislative process in June. Check the DPD website for details.
- Details of the legislative process
- Link to Department of Planning and Development information on Yesler Terrace
"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
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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.
