Photo courtesy of The Seattle Social Housing Developer.
The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) announced its first construction project on Friday, October 16 in Seattle’s Central District. According to a recent SSHD press release, the new building’s completion is targeted for the end of 2028.
SSHD plans to construct approximately 20 residential units on the site, with at least half formatted as two- or three-bedroom homes. The agency noted that its strategy encompasses developing both small and large residential buildings to accommodate varying preferences and stages of life.
The current project budget stands at approximately $15 million, covering total development costs such as land acquisition, design, construction, and other soft costs. SSHD stated that a more refined budget will be finalized in the coming months.
The development site currently features two cabin-like structures built by Frank Chopp, former speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives, alongside his father. Chopp named the larger structure "the Bird" due to its architectural resemblance to a bird taking off. Over the years, the building housed Chopp’s daughter, family friends, and other tenants, the press release said.
Chopp and his wife, Nancy Long, originally intended to build a small apartment complex on the property for their own residence. Following Chopp’s death in 2025, Long opted to sell the land to SSHD, stating that her late husband viewed social housing as an essential strategy to address Seattle’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.
Under SSHD’s mixed-income model, households ranging from very low to middle income will be eligible to apply via a housing lottery. The process will incorporate the City of Seattle’s Community Preference policy, designed to assist residents with historical or current ties to the Central District in remaining in or returning to the community, supported by an affirmative marketing strategy.
While this project represents SSHD’s initial ground-up construction site, the agency’s portfolio already includes Elara at the Market, a 150-unit building near Pike Place Market.
SSHD anticipates announcing a second acquisition before the end of the year with construction expected to start next year on two land sites, including the Central District project. The press release outlined plans to own over 1,000 homes by the end of 2027, contingent upon a successful low-interest bond issuance.
Learn more about The Seattle Social Housing Developer at seattlesocialhousing.org
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