Architecture

Four residents sit in a L couch in a lounge well-lit by natural light.

The Case for Converting Vacant Offices to Congregate Housing

A new study found co-living congregate housing could spur conversions of vacant offices, which are much costlier to convert to conventional housing. It could also return Seattle to its affordable single-room occupancy roots.

Builders Continue Pivot to Housing in Downtown Bellevue

In shift away from office and toward housing growth, Downtown Bellevue's development pipeline has seen nearly 4,000 additional homes proposed and more than two million square feet of office space abandoned in just the last couple of years. Once built, the pipeline of 14,000 homes would more than double the population of downtown.

Seattle Architects Unveil Designs for Social Housing Ahead of February Vote

New renderings, created by Neiman Taber Architects, present a vision for voters of what publicly-funded social housing would look like in Seattle. A dedicated funding source for social housing is on the ballot in February via Prop 1A.

Seattle Breaks Ground on West Coast’s First Residential Highrise of 2024

As a new 45-story apartment tower goes up at the Elephant Car Wash site, Seattle is building apartments at a rapid pace – but a slump may be on the way.

Harrell Officials Downplay Impact of Permitting Staff Cuts

City officials have insisted that the staff cuts for SDCI in next year's budget will not impact permit approval times. Staff are not convinced.

Seattle Council Streamlines Development Downtown with 3-Year Design Review Bypass

New housing, hotel, and research science developments in Seattle's downtown core will be exempt from the onerous design review process for three years. Only Councilmember Cathy Moore voted against the proposal.

St. Marks Pauses Project Adding 119 Affordable Homes on Campus

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral officials cited multiple headwinds against development for delaying plans for housing and renovation of the historic Nicholas School on their North Capitol Hill campus.

Downtown Design Review Moratorium Gets Mixed Reception from Seattle Council

New developments downtown would get an exemption from design review for three years under a proposal from Mayor Harrell. But first he must win over the Seattle City Council.