BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing Open 235-Unit Affordable Apartments in Seattle's Northgate

BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing on April 21, 2026, celebrated the grand opening of Copperleaf Northgate, a 235-unit affordable apartment community in Seattle's Northgate neighborhood. The seven-story, transit-oriented development marks King County's largest affordable housing investment to date.

Financing and Land Contribution

King County contributed $30 million in transit-oriented development funding through its Housing Finance Program, administered by the Department of Community and Human Services. In addition, King County Metro provided approximately one acre of land — valued at roughly $12.85 million — under a 75-year lease at $1 per year. The land previously accommodated 185 transit parking spaces. A development agreement between King County, Community Roots Housing, and BRIDGE Housing was executed in 2021.

"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 a safe, stable home connected to transit and opportunity."

Additional funding support came from the Seattle Housing Authority, Bank of America, and the Community Preservation Corporation. Bank of America provided construction financing and tax credit investments. Walsh Construction served as general contractor, and Ankrom Moisan Architects designed the building.

Affordability Structure and Unit Mix

Of the 235 apartments at Copperleaf Northgate, 211 units are affordable to households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI), spanning studios through three-bedroom floor plans. An additional 24 units are designated as systems-connected housing, reserved for households earning between 30% and 50% AMI who have experienced housing instability or homelessness. Wellspring Family Services will provide support services to all residents at no cost.

Community Roots Housing is also providing all residents over 18 with free transit passes — covering light rail, bus, and ferry service — for up to three years. Building amenities include a community room with kitchen and media lounge, an outdoor courtyard, makerspace, laundry on every floor, extensive bike storage, and full-time maintenance staff. A ground-floor daycare center and commercial space are slated to open in late 2026.

"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.

Financing Partners

The Community Preservation Corporation participated in the project's financing. David Galst, Director of Agency Originations at CPC Mortgage, highlighted the development's community impact. "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," Galst said. "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."

"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," said Jim Morehead, Bank of America Seattle president. "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."

Transit-Oriented Development Context

Located adjacent to Sound Transit's Northgate Station, Copperleaf residents have access to two Link light rail lines and nine local and regional bus routes operated by King County Metro. The project is part of King County Metro's Transit-Oriented Development Program, which has converted former park-and-ride lots into mixed-use communities at sites including Thornton Place in Northgate, Velocity at South Kirkland Park and Ride, the Village at Overlake Station, and Metropolitan Place in Renton. King County Metro is preparing to seek development on its remaining five acres of nearby Northgate property in the coming years.

"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."

"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."

Developer Profiles: BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing

BRIDGE Housing is a nonprofit owner, developer, and manager of affordable housing on the West Coast. Founded in 1983, the organization has participated in the creation of more than 23,000 affordable homes across California, Oregon, and Washington, with a total development cost of $6.8 billion. Its current portfolio totals more than 15,500 apartments, with more than 8,000 additional units in development and acquisition pipelines. In King County alone, BRIDGE Housing has more than 1,200 units open or under development.

Community Roots Housing is a Seattle-based nonprofit that owns and operates over 1,800 units across 44 apartment buildings in Seattle and White Center, serving over 2,400 residents. Copperleaf Northgate is the organization's largest community to date. Nearly 1,000 additional apartments are in development, predevelopment, or slated for rehabilitation by Community Roots Housing.

"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.