Sound Transit recently issued a Notice of Intent to Award to MSC and our housing development partner, Shelter Resources Inc., to develop approximately 230 units of affordable housing on surplus property adjacent to their Federal Way Downtown Station.
“MSC is honored to be chosen for this project as we continue to advance our mission in building affordable housing in the South King County community. Everyone deserves a home and a sense of belonging. And with our partnerships, we will continue to lift up community to advance equity, justice, and joy,” said Kirsten York, MSC CEO.
Our proposal includes building approximately 230 homes across two buildings in a four-block area adjacent to the station. Over 90% of homes proposed are 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units, responding directly to the need for family-sized affordable homes in Federal Way. The housing units will be available for households meeting income eligibility of 60% AMI or below.
“We are thrilled about this new project and the opportunity to partner with community-focused organizations like Sound Transit, the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, the City of Federal Way, and others as we envision a vibrant Federal Way downtown. This will be a space that provides housing for families with easy access to transit, and also a community hub of resources, partnerships, and activities that supports a thriving community for all,” shares Amanda Santo, MSC COO.
In addition to housing, the ground floor of the development will contribute to station activity and the City Center vision of the City of Federal Way. A café led by Project Feast, a local non-profit that serves refugees and immigrants through food-focused programming; a commercial kitchen in partnership with FUSION, a Federal Way based nonprofit that provides safe, secure housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness and working toward self-sufficiency; and a childcare facility are all planned amenities.
The design and placement of the two proposed buildings will provide multiple pedestrian routes throughout the station area, connecting people to the Performing Arts and Events Center, Town Square Park, and the Federal Way Downtown Station.
“Shelter Resources Inc. is very excited to be working in partnership with Multi-Service Center (MSC) on another affordable housing effort in the City of Federal Way. The development site has optimum location advantages lying adjacent to the recently opened Sound Transit Link light rail station off SE 320th in the central business district of Federal Way. SRI and MSC’s recently completed Redondo Heights affordable project north of downtown Federal Way next to the Metro Redondo Park & Ride at SE 276th serves the community with 334 affordable family rentals, a food bank operated by MSC, and tenant supportive services. Our vision is to bring the same high quality living environment with affordable rents and needed services to the downtown core of the community, and work hand in hand with the City of Federal Way and Sound Transit to push a successful new project forward,” says Len Brannen, Shelter Resources, Inc President Emeritus.
Our next steps with this project are to negotiate key business terms with Sound Transit which will be brought to the Sound Transit Board for approval in 2026. Breaking ground and commencement of construction are planned for 2028.
Renderings by Perkins Eastman
