Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Nona Raybern, Office of Housing
206-684-3811
nona.raybern@seattle.gov
Karen O’Connor, Seattle Parks and Recreation
206-233-7929
karen.oconnor@seattle.gov
A combined community center and affordable housing development will address housing needs and create vibrant shared spaces in Lake City
SEATTLE – The City of Seattle’s Office of Housing (OH) and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) are excited to announce the selection of Mercy Housing to lead the redevelopment of the former Lake City Community Center. This innovative project will rebuild the community center, which was closed following a fire in 2023, and integrate it with 94+ affordable rental homes that are uniquely family focused, with a large designation of 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units serving residents whose incomes are up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This combined development effort will create a vibrant and inclusive space that serves the diverse needs of the Lake City neighborhood.
This collaboration between OH and SPR marks a groundbreaking effort to align City resources to address affordable housing demands and enhance community programming in Lake City. By combining a shared community center and housing under one roof, this redevelopment represents a creative and effective response to the challenges of housing affordability while ensuring residents have access to vital community services and spaces.
“Building One Seattle means creating opportunities for people to live and grow together in spaces that are affordable, accessible, and welcoming,” said Mayor Bruce Harrell. “By combining affordable housing with a state-of-the-art community center, we’re redefining how our neighborhoods can serve future generations while supporting community and culture. We are excited to work with Mercy Housing and are confident in their expertise to bring this vision to life. The Lake City redevelopment represents what’s possible when we take creative and unified action to meet our city’s housing and community needs.”
Project Priorities
The redevelopment of Lake City Community Center will prioritize the following goals to ensure the new space meets the needs of the local community:
- Offering diverse housing options that welcome people of all backgrounds, incomes, and cultures.
- Designing safe, inclusive spaces for families and multigenerational users, with health and accessibility in mind.
- Seamlessly blending affordable housing and a community center into a shared structure and operational plan.
- Ensuring easy connectivity to transportation and essential services, supporting residents’ mobility and well-being.
The new development will also honor the site’s legacy as a multicultural and multigenerational hub for fostering community connections. By working collaboratively, OH, SPR, and Mercy Housing aim to deliver significantly expanded community programming and affordable housing options to combat displacement pressures and strengthen neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
The Development Team will work closely with Seattle Parks and Recreation staff to design the community center, with guidance from a Project Advisory Team (PAT)—a group of committed Lake City community members representing a range of ages, experiences, and organizational affiliations.
The redevelopment of the Lake City Community Center reflects the City’s commitment to creating a vibrant and connected Seattle. This innovative project will combine housing, services, and shared spaces to create a place where residents can thrive.
For more information on the Lake City Community Center redevelopment project, please visit the Lake City Community Center Redevelopment.
What People Are Saying
Joe Thompson, Mercy Housing Northwest, President
“Mercy Housing Northwest is honored and humbled to be selected as the developer for the new Lake City Community Center/affordable housing development. As we work to return this gathering point to the Lake City neighborhood, we want to recognize city and neighborhood leaders who envisioned this as a prime opportunity to center housing affordability.
The need for affordable homes for families in Seattle is greater than ever. By focusing the affordable housing and services for families at risk of displacement and co-locating above a beautifully and thoughtfully designed community center, the development is sure to be the heart of the neighborhood for all residents of Lake City. We want to thank the City of Seattle and local leadership for the opportunity.”
Councilmember Cathy Moore, Seattle City Council District 5
“The selection of Mercy Housing as the developer for the new community center that combines affordable, family-sized housing and a full spectrum of community programs and services is an exciting step forward in the revival of our beloved community center. I look forward to working with Mercy Housing to realize this wonderful opportunity for so many in our great Lake City community.”
Maiko Winkler-Chin, Seattle Office of Housing, Director
“Home isn’t just where you live, it’s where you build community. This development is important because we can work with community to incorporate those elements that make these future apartments feel like home. We’re excited at this opportunity to work in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and Mercy Housing in finding creative solutions to address Seattle’s pressing housing needs.”
AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Superintendent
“Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited to be an integral part of this innovative public project. We look forward to working with the Development Team, the Office of Housing, and the community to create a new community center for northeast Seattle. We have a great opportunity to create a space that will foster a healthy, vibrant community in Lake City. We look forward to hearing from the community at upcoming events we will be hosting over the next year on what amenities they would like to see in their new community center.”
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