Transit-Oriented Development Project

Overview

The City is working with King County Housing Authority (KCHA) on a mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) on a prime opportunity site to align with the Central Issaquah Plan vision.

This KCHA-led development, called "Trailhead," is viewed as a catalyst to increasing housing opportunities and affordable housing; increasing transit usage; creating a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment; and connecting to public amenities.

Location

Proposed Project Features

At least 155 units of affordable rental residential units, serving individuals and families from 40 to 60 percent of Area Median Income
As this project is intended to be mixed income, 185 market rate units are anticipated, with no less than 25% of total units will be market rate185
Up to 35,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, including 10,000 square feet to house medical services for low income community members.
Quarter acre public plaza
New street connecting Northwest Maple Street and Newport Way Northwest
Mid-block connection to Issaquah Transit Center
More information on the minimum requirements for the project features can be found in the Inter Agency Agreement with KCHA.

Timeline

November 2016: City issued Request for Proposals (RFP) for redevelopment
February 2017: Spectrum Development Solutions and King County Housing Authority (KCHA) selected as preferred development partners
June 2017: City purchased former King County Roads property, which will partially be used as a relocation site for CenturyLink
August 2017: Executed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) between City, Spectrum, KCHA and CenturyLink
November 2017: Annexation of King County Roads property
December 2017: Council adopted pilot Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) for project to provide additional affordable workforce housing units
December 2017: Project awarded $10 million from King County TOD Fund
December 2017: City issued/interviewed nonprofits to occupy "Opportunity Center" space to increase services to the community
May 2018: Open House focused on Opportunity Center component
June 2018: City Council directed staff to pursue medical, dental and behavioral user for the Opportunity Center
July 2018: Open House for proposed TOD
2018: Developer continues design of project
March 2019: Project Update at City Council Work Session
October 2019: Project Update at City Council Work Session
January 2020: Project Update at City Council Work Session
February 18, 2020: Council decision to utilize a portion of City-owned RV Park, replacement site design and negotiations between the development team, CenturyLink and the City will move forward. The agreement to transfer properties will be present for review and approval in Summer 2020.
February 2021: RV Park and Lumen replacement site design update at City Council Regular Session
April 2021: City Council discussion of updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) between City, Spectrum and KCHA.
2022: City helped facilitate sale of future TOD site between Lumen (property owner) and KCHA (TOD lead developer). Spectrum drops out of partnership.
November 15, 2022: Safety, Services & Parks Council Committee meeting discussed interlocal agreement with KCHA which requires them to include certain public benefits in the TOD project. Also discussed the possibility of relocating a cell tower from the future TOD site to Tibbetts Valley Park, enabling the sale of the future TOD site to KCHA.
December 5, 2022: City Council approved an interlocal agreement with KCHA and the Tibbetts Valley Park lease.
December 2022: Finalized sale of future TOD property from Lumen to KCHA
2022-2025: Construct TOD project buildings

What’s Next?

The City will continue to facilitate this complex project in order to achieve the City’s vision. There are multiple parties involved, including City and County government, private corporations, human services non-profits and the King County Housing Authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the City involved in this project?

This project puts to action many objectives stated within the City’s Strategic Plan, including:

Across the city there are a variety of public amenities, housing types, educational, and other services that contribute to a livable community - (GD4)
Housing affordability better meets the needs of individuals and families across the income spectrum to live and work in the community - (SE2)
The City facilitates connecting residents to human services organizations to help the community thrive - (SE3), specifically potential action: Facilitate non-profit organizations to locate or expand to provide needed services locally.

In addition, this project addresses many other goals of the City including those outlined in the Central Issaquah Plan, the Housing Action Strategy and the Human Services Strategic Plan. This public/private partnership leverages the opportunity to provide affordable and workforce housing adjacent to the Issaquah Transit Center.