Earlier this month, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and the Office of Housing announced plans for four projects which would bring a combined total of 72 new affordable homeownership units to site along Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. in Rainier Valley.

The four projects, which are the result of a March 2023 request for proposals, are all slated for funding as part of the Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative. More than $7.5 million is being invested through the initiated, which has a goal of limiting displacement and promoting community-led development.

“The Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative is a great example of the work we’re pursuing to increase affordable home ownership opportunities and create pathways that build generational wealth and prevent displacement,” said Harrell in a news release. “The proposals from each of the partnerships awarded are part of our community-driven One Seattle approach to bring more housing online, including for families who want to raise their children in the diverse Rainier Valley community we love.”

The four projects come from two different teams of developers, and include:

  • 7908 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – Homestead Community Land Trust and Rainier Beach Action Coalition: 8 three-bedroom units (Total: 8 units, estimated completion 2025)
  • 6740 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – African Community Housing & Development (ACHD) and Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties (Habitat SKC):  10 one-bedroom units, 20 two-bedroom units (Total: 30 units, estimated completion 2026)
  • 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – ACHD and Habitat SKC: 9 one-bedroom units, 22 two-bedroom units (Total: 31 units, estimated completion 2026)
  • 4865 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. – ACHD and Habitat SKC: 3 four-bedroom units (Total: 3 units, estimated completion 2026)

The Rainier Valley Affordable Homeownership Initiative will next see the release of three final sites in 2024.