(2013 photo, shortly after Youngstown Flats opened)
8:54 PM: Thanks to DC for the tip! The publicly funded Seattle Social Housing Developer is buying North Delridge apartment complex Youngstown Flats.They announced it just before 8 pm tonight, less than an hour ago:
Just a few moments ago, our Board voted to acquire Youngstown Flats in West Seattle. That will bring our total to ~350 social housing homes citywide by the time we close on the property – which we expect will happen in mid-December.
We’re excited about Youngstown Flats for many reasons. Like:
On average, each apartment is more than 800 square feet, and Youngstown offers nearly 50 two-bedroom apartments.
SSHD’s new ownership will potentially protect about 30 residents from economic displacement by offering them a permanent affordability program under the social housing model.
With our acquired buildings and recently announced construction project in the Central District, we’ve got social housing on the map in District 1, 3, and 7. We are excited to continue working toward a presence in every district in the city.
By the end of 2027, we expect to own more than 1,000 units of housing.
Youngstown Flats opened in 2013 at 4040 26th SW. SSHD was created by a city initiative in 2023. We’ll be following up to find out what’s next for Youngstown Flats and its current and future residents. “Social housing” is meant to include residents of multiple income levels, from low on up.
10:14 PM: In the agency’s news release, we learn the purchase price will be about$68 million, and:
…The building … is also close to the DragonFly Garden and Pavilion, a recreational space featuring walking trails and Longfellow creek, which is suitable for children.
There are 10 ADA compliant units at Youngstown Flats along with five accessible parking stalls.
SSHD also plans to offer current residents of Youngstown Flats many of the same benefits offered to residents at its first social housing apartment complex, Elara at the Market, near Pike Place Market.
SSHD plans, for example, to offer free, one-year ORCA passes to all residents. We also plan to get rid of junk fees and freeze rents for existing leases for two years, through December 2028. Though not immediate, over the course of the first year of our ownership, SSHD will end Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) charges at the property, saving residents on utility costs as well.
With the addition of Youngstown Flats, SSHD will own a total of almost 350 units, exceeding its housing pipeline goal for 2026 — spread throughout Districts 1 and 7. Earlier this month, SSHD announced its first construction project in the Central District, or District 3.
SSHD expects to announce additional acquisitions next year, which will bring permanently affordable, forever publicly owned housing to even more Seattleites. …
