SEATTLE, WA – On Saturday, February 5th, a rare mix of grassroots organizers and elected officials, bank representatives and non-profit leaders, artists and real estate developers joined together to celebrate the groundbreaking of Africatown Plaza in Seattle’s Central District
Led by Africatown Community Land Trust in partnership with Community Roots Housing, the new construction reflects the organization’s focus on Black land ownership, building generational prosperity, and implementing community-led solutions to displacement in the historically Black neighborhood.
Africatown Plaza is a seven-story, mixed-use development that will provide 126 units of affordable housing located in a previously redlined neighborhood that now commands a median home price of $840,000.
The building will be home to a diverse collection of visual art by local, national, and international Black artists and provide space for community gatherings and a public plaza.
The $60 million project has hired a joint venture between Absher and Black-owned general contractor MAD Construction to lead the construction. Black subcontractors will be providing a significant portion of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.
“It’s 140 years since 1882 when William Grose bought the 12 acres from Henry Yesler and made this a Black community, so we’re continuing on that legacy in making space for the Black community to grow and thrive.”
-K. Wyking Garrett, CEO and President of Africatown Community Land Trust
The Africatown Plaza project builds upon Africatown Community Land Trust’s success at the Liberty Bank Building, creating a combined 241 units of affordable housing in a one-block radius. In October of 2021, ACLT purchased a full city block for future housing development and plans to open a restored and remodeled former fire station as an innovation and business development center. Other initiatives include homebuyers programs at two sites within the Central District.
““As someone who grew up in the Central District, I know how important it is to protect livability and combat displacement in our neighborhoods. The new Africatown Plaza will bring vitally needed community-led affordable housing, commercial, and cultural space to Seattle.”
-Bruce Harrell, Mayor of Seattle
The Africatown Plaza project builds upon Africatown Community Land Trust’s success at the Liberty Bank Building, creating a combined 241 units of affordable housing in a one-block radius. In October of 2021, ACLT purchased a full city block for future housing development and plans to open a restored and remodeled former fire station as an innovation and business development center. Other initiatives include homebuyers programs at two sites within the Central District.
About Africatown Community Land Trust
Africatown Community Land Trust was formed to acquire, steward, and develop land assets that are necessary for the Black/African diaspora community to grow and thrive in place in the Central District as well as support other individuals and organizations in retention and development of land. Learn more at africatownlandtrust.org
