Big Redevelopment Opportunity Pops Up in Seattle

This unique redevelopment opportunity is possible because the Washington National Guard plans to abandon a 25-acre property in Seattle, with a mandate to achieve the "highest public benefit" for taxpayers as a result of the redevelopment.

1 minute read

May 12, 2019, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


The Washington National Guard is vacating a 25-acre property north of the Magnolia bridge, and the public is already considering ideas for redevelopment on the site.

According to an article by Joshua McNichols ,the potential of the site is nothing short of a new neighborhood: "The property is so big, it could form the center of a new neighborhood north of Expedia's new Seattle campus."

Members of the public gathered at a public meeting on Wednesday to brainstorm "blue sky" ideas for the site. Ideas included a community sport facility, a place for pet shelter volunteers to walk dogs, and "a gigantic homeless camp with thousands of tiny homes." Another public meeting is planned for May 15.

Building a dense, urban neighborhood on the site would require zoning, but according to McNichols, that prospect is made more likely by a planned Sound Transit light rail line that is likely to run along the property.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in KUOW

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

May 1 - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

May 1 - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

May 1 - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.