Summary:
King County has opened Copperleaf Northgate, a 235-unit affordable housing community located next to the Northgate transit station in Seattle. The development, which represents the largest affordable housing investment by King County, is designed to connect residents to transit, jobs, and services. The project comes as Seattle continues to face rising housing costs and displacement pressures, particularly for low-income residents and communities of color. Affordable housing near transit hubs like Northgate is increasingly seen as critical to helping residents remain in the city while maintaining access to jobs, education, and essential services.
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined housing developers and community partners Tuesday to celebrate the opening of Copperleaf Northgate, a 235-unit affordable housing community located next to the Northgate transit station in Seattle.
The seven-story development, created through a partnership between BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, represents the largest affordable housing investment by King County and is designed to connect residents to transit, jobs and services.
King County contributed $30 million in transit-oriented development funding and provided public land for the project through a long-term lease valued at approximately $12.85 million.
“This is the largest investment King County has made in affordable housing, and reflects our commitment to building a region where everyone has access to a safe, stable home,” Zahilay said. “I’m grateful to BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and our many partners for making Copperleaf possible. Together, we’re building housing that meets the diverse needs of our community and ensures more people have access to safe, stable housing connected to transit and opportunity.”
Copperleaf includes 211 units affordable to individuals, families and seniors earning up to 60% of area median income, along with 24 units reserved for households earning 30% to 50% of area median income who have experienced housing instability or homelessness.
The development comes as Seattle continues to face rising housing costs and displacement pressures, particularly for low-income residents and communities of color. Affordable housing near transit hubs like Northgate is increasingly seen as critical to helping residents remain in the city while maintaining access to jobs, education and essential services.
Projects like Copperleaf are intended to address those pressures by providing long-term affordability in high-demand areas, though demand for affordable units continues to outpace supply across the region.
Located adjacent to Sound Transit’s Northgate Station, the development provides access to light rail and multiple bus routes, expanding transportation options for residents across the region.
“At BRIDGE Housing, we believe that affordable housing is the foundation for healthy families and strong communities. Copperleaf Northgate reflects our 40-year commitment to provide quality housing and high-impact services in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with transit at residents’ doorsteps,” said Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “We are proud to partner with King County and Community Roots Housing to deliver a landmark community that supports upward mobility and long-term resident success.”
Community Roots Housing CEO Colleen Echohawk said the project represents a significant investment in both housing and neighborhood development.
“Copperleaf Northgate marks an important contribution to the enhancement of the Northgate neighborhood and the quality of life for hundreds of people,” Echohawk said. “It is our largest community to date, and its location next to the Northgate transit center makes it a true transit-oriented development expanding access to jobs, schools, and services for so many residents while meaningfully advancing our mission to create inclusive housing and foster thriving, just communities.”
Residents will also have access to on-site support services provided by Wellspring Family Services at no cost, along with amenities including a community room, outdoor courtyard, makerspace and bike storage.
“My family and I struggled for years to find a stable place to call home. Copperleaf Northgate is the answer we were looking for,” said resident Grecia Guzman Carranza. “This community is safe and peaceful. My kids are sleeping better, with more energy for school. Copperleaf Northgate has made a huge difference for all of us.”
The project is part of King County Metro’s transit-oriented development program, which aims to transform former park-and-ride lots into mixed-use communities with access to frequent transit service.
Officials said additional development is planned for nearby Northgate property in the coming years as part of broader efforts to expand affordable housing across the region.