The City of Bellevue has selected Bellwether Housing to build affordable housing and community space on city-owned land in the Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) District. The project supports the city’s plan to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood near the light rail.
The selection follows a request for proposals issued in February for the development of affordable housing on surplus city property. The city received ten proposals and chose Bellwether Housing for its strong alignment with Bellevue’s housing and sustainability goals.
The project contributes to the city’s goal of creating or preserving 5,700 affordable homes over the next decade.
Located just east of downtown, next to Eastrail and the 2 Line light rail station, the site will include at least 127 affordable homes, with options for families earning between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. Plans also include a ground-floor community partnership with a Bellevue-based youth services organization and environmentally sustainable design features.
According to the City of Bellevue’s Office of Housing, the project marks an important step in increasing affordable housing options and building a connected, complete community in Wilburton.
“As Bellwether expands our work throughout the Puget Sound region, we’re excited to bring affordable family homes to Bellevue for the first time,” said Susan Boyd, CEO of Bellwether Housing. “Every family deserves the stability of an affordable home close to jobs, schools and transit, and this new building is an important step toward that goal.”
Bellwether Housing, a nonprofit based in Seattle, has provided affordable housing in the Puget Sound region for 40 years. The organization manages homes for about 5,000 residents and focuses on developments near transit, schools, and community services.
The city is negotiating a long-term site lease with Bellwether Housing, with construction expected to be completed by 2030.
The Wilburton Transit-Oriented Development District was created in July 2024 through a Comprehensive Plan amendment. The district’s vision focuses on sustainable growth, combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to create a balanced urban community in Bellevue.
