New Things to Know About Seattle for 2025
1. One Seattle Growth Plan
Mayor Bruce Harrell has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy aimed at accommodating one million new residents over the next two decades. Key highlights include:
- Housing Capacity: Increasing zoning capacity for over 330,000 new housing units
- Neighborhood Centers: Designating 30 new neighborhood centers to support housing near transit and amenities
- Transit-Oriented Development: Focusing on expanding housing along frequent transit routes
- Affordability Goals: Lowering housing costs and preventing displacement
2. Major Infrastructure Projects
Transportation Improvements
- I-5 Revival Project:
- Massive reconstruction from Yesler Way to Northgate
- Active work zones for nine months each year from 2025-2027
- Pausing during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- East Link Light Rail:
- 6-mile route connecting South Bellevue to Microsoft headquarters
- Enhancing regional transportation connectivity
3. Significant Construction Developments
Residential Projects
- Seattle House:
- Location: Belltown (2300 6th Avenue)
- Two 45-story twin buildings
- Completion: December 2025
- Amenities: 50,000 sq ft of curated spaces including a wellness center, pet spa, and experimental kitchen
- Sloane Residential Tower:
- Location: Former Elephant Car Wash site near Space Needle
- 45-story apartment complex
- 442 units
- First residential skyscraper to start construction on West Coast in 2024
Commercial Developments
- Dexter Yard:
- Location: South Lake Union
- 522,486 sq ft of office and lab space
- Two 15-story towers
- Focus on life sciences development
- The Net:
- 36-story skyscraper in downtown Seattle
- 807,600 sq ft of rentable space
- Emphasis on tenant wellness and sustainability
4. Waterfront Transformation
- 20-Acre Waterfront Park:
- Connecting Pike Place Market to waterfront
- New green spaces and pedestrian improvements
- Enhanced public access to Elliott Bay
5. Urban Development Initiatives
- Zoning Changes:
- Allowing corner stores in residential areas
- Updating tree planting requirements
- Incentives for office-to-residential conversions
Conclusion
Seattle is undergoing significant transformations in 2025, focusing on sustainable growth, housing affordability, and urban revitalization. These developments promise to reshape the city's landscape, improve infrastructure, and create more vibrant, livable communities.
Stay Informed:
- Public information session on November 6th at Madison Middle School
- Online input available for zoning plans
Citations:
[1] https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2024/10/23/seattle-unveils-ambitious-growth-plan-accommodate-one-million-residents
[2] https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/downtown-seattle-traffic-i-5-project
[3] https://www.commercialsearch.com/news/top-projects-that-will-reshape-seattle/
[4] https://www.showmyproperty.tv/five-big-projects-under-construction-in-the-seattle-multifamily-market/
[5] https://harrell.seattle.gov/2024/10/16/mayor-harrell-releases-details-of-one-seattle-comprehensive-plan-update/
[6] https://wsdot.wa.gov/about/news/2024/learn-about-long-term-i-5-lane-reductions-seattle-2025-2027-during-online-open-house
[7] https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/10/17/updated-seattle-growth-plan-adds-five-neighborhood-anchors-bigger-fourplexes/
[8] https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/10/15/seattle-breaks-ground-on-west-coasts-first-residential-highrise-of-2024/