King County Executive Zahilay and partners celebrate the opening of Copperleaf, a new 235-unit affordable housing community in Northgate
King County’s largest affordable housing investment, developed by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, offers 235 units of high-quality affordable housing and amenities in a central Northgate location, steps from the Northgate Station
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and community members today celebrated the grand opening of Copperleaf Northgate (Copperleaf), a new transit-oriented affordable housing community with 235 apartments in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood. The project reflects King County’s ongoing investment in transit-oriented development, including the contribution of public land and $30 million in transit-oriented development funding to help bring the project to fruition.
“This is the largest investment King County has made in affordable housing, and reflects our commitment to building a region where everyone has access to a safe, stable home,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay. “I’m grateful to BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing, and our many partners for making Copperleaf possible. Together, we’re building housing that meets the diverse needs of our community and ensures more people have access to safe, stable housing connected to transit and opportunity.”
Jointly developed and owned by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, the seven-story Copperleaf community is designed to connect affordable housing with high-capacity transit and expand access to jobs, education, and services across the region.
“At BRIDGE Housing, we believe that affordable housing is the foundation for healthy families and strong communities. Copperleaf Northgate reflects our 40-year commitment to provide quality housing and high-impact services in a vibrant, walkable neighborhood with transit at residents’ doorsteps,” said Ken Lombard, President and CEO of BRIDGE Housing. “We are proud to partner with King County and Community Roots Housing to deliver a landmark community that supports upward mobility and long-term resident success.”
“Copperleaf Northgate marks an important contribution to the enhancement of the Northgate neighborhood and the quality of life for hundreds of people,” said Colleen Echohawk, CEO of Community Roots Housing. “It is our largest community to date, and its location next to the Northgate transit center makes it a true transit-oriented development—expanding access to jobs, schools, and services for so many residents while meaningfully advancing our mission to create inclusive housing and foster thriving, just communities.”
Located next to Sound Transit’s Northgate Station, residents of Copperleaf have easy access to two Link light rail lines and nine local and regional bus routes operated by King County Metro.
“My family and I struggled for years to find a stable place to call home. Copperleaf Northgate is the answer we were looking for,” said Grecia Guzman Carranza, a 40-year-old former childcare worker who lives at Copperleaf with her husband and two teenaged sons. “This community is safe and peaceful. My kids are sleeping better, with more energy for school. Copperleaf Northgate has made a huge difference for all of us.”
A transit-oriented community with regional access
The opening coincides with regional transit expansion that includes improved connectivity between Seattle and the Eastside. King County Metro’s Transit-Oriented Development Program has completed several projects to transform past park-and-ride lots into pedestrian-oriented mixed-use communities adjacent to fast and frequent bus – and now also Link light rail – service. These include Thornton Place in Northgate, Velocity at South Kirkland Park and Ride, the Village at Overlake Station and Metropolitan Place in Renton. Metro is preparing to seek development on its remaining five acres of nearby Northgate property in the coming years.
Homes designed for a range of incomes and needs
Copperleaf puts 211 apartments within financial reach for individuals, families, and seniors, earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). An additional 24 systems-connected apartment units are reserved for 30% to 50% AMI households who have experienced housing instability or homelessness. Wellspring Family Services will provide support services to all Copperleaf residents at no cost.
Apartments range from studios to three bedrooms and feature modern kitchens, wood-style flooring, and scenic views. The energy-efficient and pet-friendly building also includes a community room with a kitchen and TV/media lounge, an outdoor courtyard, makerspace, full-time maintenance staff, laundry on every floor, and extensive bike storage. Community Roots Housing is also providing all residents over 18 with free transit passes for light rail, bus, and ferry service for up to three years.
A ground-floor daycare center and commercial space are also slated to open in late 2026.
Expanding access to affordable housing
King County’s Housing Finance Program, under the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), contributed $30 million in transit-oriented development funding to this development. Under a 75-year, $1 per-year lease, King County Metro also provided land valued at approximately $12.85 million for the development. In 2021, King County entered into a development agreement with Community Roots Housing and BRIDGE Housing to redevelop approximately one acre of the Northgate property, which previously provided 185 transit parking spaces.
BRIDGE Housing is a key affordable housing developer on the West Coast with more than 15,000 units, including over 1,200 units open or under development in King County. Seattle-based Community Roots Housing owns and operates over 1,800 units across 44 apartment buildings in Seattle and White Center, providing safe, affordable apartments to over 2,400 residents. Nearly 1,000 more apartments are in development, predevelopment, or slated for rehabilitation by Community Roots.
Copperleaf also received funding support from the Seattle Housing Authority, Bank of America, and the Community Preservation Corporation. It was designed by Ankrom Moisan Architects, with Walsh Construction serving as general contractor.
What partners and officials are saying
“Our goal is to create affordable housing that works for the full diversity of our community. That means building homes that are inclusive and pairing them with services that support residents’ stability and well-being, while also contributing to the broader neighborhood. Copperleaf Northgate is a strong example of that work in action,” said Dr. Susan McLaughlin, Acting Director of King County’s Department of Community and Human Services.
“Copperleaf Northgate demonstrates what we can build for the community – creating affordable housing on the doorstep of the region’s very best in frequent and fast bus and light rail service,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Residents are our riders, and by bringing together affordable transit options and housing, we are lowering costs for people. This project is the cornerstone of King County Metro’s transit-oriented development program and with this crucial step and momentum, we are adding much-needed affordable housing and delivering the first piece of the public’s vision for the Northgate Station area.”
“Copperleaf Northgate is a welcome addition to our community, enabling financially burdened households to live in a desirable North Seattle neighborhood,” said King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, whose district includes Northgate. “The County is proud to have supported a project that offers residents access to modern housing, neighborhood amenities, and convenient public transit.”
“Copperleaf is more than a beautiful new affordable residence for 235 Seattle households; it’s a community hub that strengthens Northgate’s connection to all of Seattle,” said David Galst, Director, Agency Originations at CPC Mortgage. “CPC is honored to have participated in the development of a project that creates so many opportunities to improve lives and build a stronger Seattle.”
“Seattle’s affordable housing challenges and the solutions we build are deeply rooted in the tenets of stability, dignity, and community belonging,” said Jim Morehead, Bank of America Seattle president. “At Bank of America, we see it as our responsibility to listen and show up as a partner delivering financial solutions like construction financing and tax credit investments. Projects like Copperleaf Northgate show the power of public/private partnerships and what’s possible when we collaborate with organizations like BRIDGE Housing, Community Roots Housing and City of Seattle agencies to deliver intentional solutions to help solve our city’s affordable housing challenges together.”
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About King County Metro and the Department of Community and Human Services
King County, WA is home to more than 2.3 million residents Through its Housing and Community Development Division, under the Department of Community and Human Services, the County is a national leader in addressing housing affordability and homelessness, investing in affordable housing, behavioral health, and programs such as Health Through Housing to expand access to stable housing. King County Metro operates one of the nation’s largest transit systems, connecting communities to jobs and services while advancing climate and mobility goals. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dchs and kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro.
About BRIDGE Housing
BRIDGE Housing Corporation is a leading nonprofit owner, developer, and manager of high-quality affordable housing on the West Coast, with a mission to strengthen communities and improve lives. Founded in 1983, BRIDGE Housing has participated in the creation of more than 23,000 affordable homes in California, Oregon, and Washington, with a total development cost of $6.8 billion. Its current $5 billion portfolio totals more than 15,500 apartments that are home to nearly 34,000 residents, with more than 8,000 additional units in the development and acquisition pipelines. For more information, visit bridgehousing.com.
About Community Roots Housing
Everyone has the right to a quality, affordable home. At Community Roots Housing, this truth drives our work. By embracing community-led development and engaging in deep-rooted partnerships, we’re fostering vibrant, equitable communities where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and welcoming homes. Today, with over 40 apartment buildings and nearly 2,400 residents, we continue our commitment to build community with and for people. Learn more at communityrootshousing.org.