Construction has officially begun on one of Bellevue’s largest affordable housing projects, a development led by BRIDGE Housing that will provide 234 apartments in the city’s Spring District. The community will include two mid-rise buildings, with forty units specifically designated for residents with developmental disabilities.
A groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of the project, with Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, representatives from Amazon, and other local leaders in attendance.
The transit-oriented development is located on land provided by Sound Transit and is within walking distance of a new light rail station on Sound Transit’s 2 Line. The project aims to provide housing for residents earning below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), addressing the region’s growing need for affordable living options.
“This new community exemplifies BRIDGE Housing’s dedication to addressing the affordable housing crisis in high-need areas like Bellevue and across the West Coast,” said BRIDGE Housing President and CEO Ken Lombard. “We are grateful to work alongside committed partners at the city, county, and state levels, as well as business leaders like Amazon, to make this project a reality.”
According to a press release, the development is made possible through a combination of public and private funding sources. Amazon, a major supporter, contributed through its Housing Equity Fund, while additional funding was provided by the Washington State Department of Commerce, King County, the City of Bellevue, ARCH, Citi as the construction lender, JLL as the permanent lender, and the National Affordable Housing Trust as the tax credit investor, among others.
Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the importance of tackling the housing shortage, stating, “Affordable housing is a top priority for my administration. We are actively working to make it easier, faster, and more cost-effective to build homes. This groundbreaking demonstrates our commitment to that goal.”
Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson shared that sentiment, highlighting the city’s dedication to expanding housing opportunities. “The demand for affordable housing continues to grow, and we are meeting this challenge through creative solutions and essential partnerships. We are fortunate to collaborate with BRIDGE Housing and Amazon to increase housing accessibility in Bellevue,” she said.
King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who also serves on the Sound Transit Board, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “This site is a testament to creativity, flexibility, and a shared vision. Thanks to the commitment of all partners, we’ve been able to balance necessary transit infrastructure with our broader goal of creating a vibrant, transit-oriented community. This new housing will bring people from all income levels together while providing easy access to regional opportunities through light rail.”
The development will offer a range of unit sizes, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, and include on-site support services provided by Wellspring Family Services and Open Doors for Multicultural Families, ensuring that residents with developmental disabilities have the resources they need to thrive.
The project is expected to be completed within the next two years.
Architecture firm GGLO designed the buildings, Expel Pacific is serving as the general contractor, and Avenue5 will provide property management services.
Where in Spring District? Should have included a photo of maps