LIHI to build affordable housing at 1000 NE 45th Street in University Disrict

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has been selected to develop affordable housing on a Sound Transit property at 1000 NE 45th Street in the University District, the developer announced this month.

“We are thrilled to bring more affordable housing and an Urban Rest Stop to the University District," said LIHI executive director Sharon Lee  in a news release. "Thank you to Sound Transit and the City of Seattle for advancing the vision for the U District to be a more inclusive community. The housing will prioritize people in the U District and other neighborhoods who are experiencing unaffordable rents and displacement.”

The proposed development would consist of a 12-story building featuring 160 apartments renters earning between 30 and 80 percent of the area median income level, with an average below 60 percent of AMI. Roughly one third of the apartments would be two- and three-bedroom units.

Hewitt and Pyatok are designing the building, which will make use of mass timber construction.

At street level, plans call for a public restroom  with a hygiene station for homeless persons. LIHI will pursue public funding for the project, including $15 million already committed for construction by the Seattle Office of Housing.

Construction could reportedly begin by 2026.