Redevelopment of Seattle’s Urban Industrial Environment with Affordable Housing: Increasing Affordable Housing on the National Guard Armory Site

Abstract

Among the attempts of solving the ever-worsening homelessness and housing crises found in most major cities across the United States, the idea of post-industrial land redevelopment has yet to set ablaze due to various reasons. The preservation of urban industrial zones in the most central locations of cities as well as the outdated practice of non-cumulative zoning, where one use is allowed per exclusive zone, are keeping developers at bay from the coveted lands. This paper reviews the need for affordable housing, barriers to development on industrial land, and design tactics for mixed-use developments to then analyze a potential site for development in Interbay, Seattle, Washington. The Interbay Project report is assessed for its approach to the development opportunity, focusing on the inclusion of affordable housing units and potential hindrances to development. An alternative development plan is proposed following the analysis of literature and case studies to capitalize on a rare development opportunity.