The Seattle Social Housing Developer (SSHD) announced its first construction project ever on Friday, marking a milestone for the new public agency.
On Thursday night, SSHD’s Board unanimously approved the new construction project in the Central District, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
The construction site is home to two cabin like structures, which former speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives Frank Chopp built as a young man with his father. Chopp named one of the buildings “the Bird” because he thought it looked exactly like a bird taking off. This larger building has since been a home to Chopp’s daughter, family friends, and various tenants.
Chopp and his wife, Nancy, initially planned to build a small apartment complex on the site and live there themselves. Nancy said she decided to sell the land to SSHD after Chopp’s passing in 2025 because she knew her husband believed social housing was one way to address the affordability crisis in Seattle.
The Developer plans to build about 20 homes on the site, at least half of which will be two or three bedrooms. SSHD aims to build both small and large apartment buildings to fit peoples’ preferences and various stages of life.
SSHD’s current budget for this project is about $15 million for the total development costs, including land, design, construction and other soft costs but expects to have a more accurate budget in the next few months.
The Developer plans to build these homes to high environmental standards – Passive House standards. Our design also intends to explore Kelsey Essential Certification, which is considered one of the highest accessibility standards.
SSHD’s model calls for mixed-income housing. That means people from very low incomes to middle-income households will be invited to apply to the housing lottery for this property. We will also follow the City of Seattle’s Community Preference policy and guidelines, which will allow people with current and historical roots to the Central District to return to the neighborhood. The plan will be shaped by an affirmative marketing plan.
Although this marks SSHD’s first construction site, Elara at the Market is the agency’s first building. That building, steps away from Pike Place Market, has 150 units.
SSHD expects to announce a second acquisition before the end of year, and by next year, start construction on two land sites, including the Central District House. By the end of 2027, SSHD plans to own more than 1,000 homes. The ambitious pipeline is dependent on a successful low-interest bond issuance.