El Centro de la Raza and Mercy Housing Northwest proudly introduce the Mount Baker Redevelopment Project, a mixed-use affordable housing community in South Seattle.
Located at the intersection of community, education, small business and transit, this transformative project envisions placemaking by prioritizing affordable housing and public spaces.
Together, El Centro de la Raza and Mercy Housing Northwest are creating 438 units of affordable housing adjacent to the Mt. Baker Light Rail Station in Seattle. This will be a community that reflects the voices and rich cultural tapestry of the Mount Baker neighborhood. Rooted in the shared principles of justice, equity, and partnership, this redevelopment project addresses housing affordability, enhances public spaces, and creates economic opportunities for residents and local businesses.
Community voices have been a cornerstone of the project’s planning, emphasizing input from diverse stakeholders to guide design and development. Previous phases have focused on understanding local needs and aspirations, reflected in plans for active ground-level uses, enhanced pedestrian safety, and culturally significant art installations. The vision prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and cultural vibrancy through features like well-lit pathways, raised crosswalks, and landscaped buffers. Special attention has been given to creating a public park and community hub that caters to both residents and visitors, offering resources such as an early learning center, community gardens, and spaces for cultural gatherings.
The project highlights a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inviting environment that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of the Mt. Baker neighborhood. Upcoming engagement opportunities, including an in-person public meeting, aim to further refine the plans with community input. Stakeholders continue to focus on creating a development that integrates with the surrounding area while addressing the needs of its diverse community.
We’re creating a community-centered development designed to meet the needs of Mount Baker families and neighbors. Here’s what we are planning:
- Affordable Housing: 438 units across two phases, featuring studio to four-bedroom options. Developed in two phases, 60% of the units will be family sized with 30% of units reserved for families at 30% or below of Area Median Income.
- Public Spaces: A 20,000-square-foot open space as the centerpiece of the development, fostering connection with the community and outdoor play and activities.
- Community Hub: 4,000-square-foot space for events, cultural programming, and services to support the residents and celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity.
- Community Capacity Building: University of Washington Rainier Valley Early Learning Center – 35,000 SF space for childcare, teaching, education, and support.
- Support for Local Businesses: 6000 SF Commercial spaces designed to uplift BIPOC-owned and locally-owned businesses.
- Climate Resiliency: Green design features include a cutting-edge 14.6 acre stormwater management and beyond-code environmental practices.
The project is scheduled to break ground in October 2026.
Be part of the journey! Join us at community events, learn more about the project’s progress, and share your input to help shape the future of Mount Baker Station.
Subscribe to receive updates on the Mt. Baker Redevelopment Project through our eNewsletter:
Project Newsletters:
Check back soon to view past project eNewsletters
- English: Newsletter (English)
- Spanish: Boletín (Español)
Past Community Engagement:
Learn More About:
- June 10, 2026- In Person Event
- On June 10th, the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project team met with Mt. Baker residents, small businesses, and community partners to provide updates and continue dialogue around the project’s progress. The team shared information from the General Contractor, Walsh Construction, on the upcoming start of demolition scheduled for June 22, 2026, and discussed plans to respond to community feedback and needs including managing traffic, noise, and parking impacts during construction. Event attendees were also updated on the project’s community centered art plan, featuring artists, some of whom are from the Mt. Baker neighborhood, whose work reflect the character and culture of the community. Here is a link to the Presentation.
- January 14, 2026 – In Person Event
- On Jan. 14th, the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project team met with residents and small businesses at Artspace Mt. Baker Lofts to share project updates and hear directly from neighbors about questions and priorities for the community. The conversation reflected the deep connection that artists, residents, and local businesses have to the neighborhood and the importance of keeping communication close and open as the project moves forward.
- November 5, 2025 – In Person Event
- On Nov. 5th, over 70 Mt Baker residents, project partners, workers, families, and neighbors showed up to learn about the Mt. Baker Station Redevelopment Project and its updates, ask questions, and make sure community voices continue to be anchored in the project. Our shared commitment to place-making, equity, and community design brought together voices from across the zip codes that crisscross Rainier Valley — neighbors who live here, work here, and care deeply about how the neighborhood grows.
- The event included project team which included 7 Directions, Hewitt, Runberg Architecture Group, Beacon Development and Mercy Housing, with some event attendees representing Artspace Mt. Baker, BrightSpark, Estelita’s Library and more.
- January 30, 2025 – In Person Event
- The event included a presentation of the project, which provided an overview of previous community engagement, preliminary proposals for key themes and site layout, and timeline of the engagement process. Community members were invited to share their thoughts on three main design topics: housing & building, outdoor space, community/commercial space & artwork design. We sincerely thank the community members for their valuable input.
- City of Seattle
- Mercy Housing
- Press Release: City of Seattle Selects Affordable Housing Partners for Mount Baker Redevelopment – Office of the Mayor
Contact Us:
Cindy Lopez, Housing Development Associate
- Office Number: (206) 957-4625
- Email: mbtodinfo@elcentrodelaraza.org
