Sound Transit issued a notice of intent to work with Multi-Service Center (MSC) and Shelter Resources Inc. (SRI) to develop approximately 230 units of affordable housing on surplus property adjacent to the Federal Way Downtown Station.

MSC and SRI propose to build approximately 230 homes across two buildings, totaling approximately 570 bedrooms. Over 90% of the proposed housing is two-, three-, and four-bedroom units, addressing the need for family-sized affordable homes in Federal Way.

MSC and SRI also propose complementing their residential project with a café led by Project Feast, a local non-profit that serves refugees and immigrants through food-focused programming; a commercial kitchen in partnership with FUSION, a Federal Way-based nonprofit that provides housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness; and a child care facility, said Sound Transit officials. These non-residential uses are proposed for the ground floor of the development and will help activate the station area.

“Affordable housing plays a vital role in creating vibrant communities that help people thrive," said Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine. “With this project, we continue to advance our transit-oriented development program along the Federal Way Link extension and further our mission of connecting more people to more places and opportunities.”

Federal Way Developments

The proposed development builds on the city of Federal Way’s progress toward realizing the region’s City Center vision. 

The design, placement, and massing of the two proposed buildings provide pedestrian routes throughout the station area, connecting people to the Performing Arts and Events Center, Town Square Park, and the Federal Way Downtown Station. Agency staff will now begin negotiating key business terms with MSC and SRI, with the expectation that they will be brought to the Sound Transit board for approval in 2026. 

MSC and SRI aim to break ground on the project in 2028.

About Sound Transit’s Partners

Multi-Service Center is a nonprofit organization based in South King County that addresses the causes of poverty and homelessness through comprehensive services. Their work includes developing and operating affordable housing in King County and Pierce County. 

Shelter Resources Inc.’s affordable housing development portfolio includes over 6,000 units across the Pacific Northwest. 

Multi-Service Center and Shelter Resources Inc. have over two decades of experience working together to develop affordable housing in the Puget Sound region.                                               

Sound Transit's transit-oriented development program fosters vibrant, livable communities around transit by creating opportunities for development and affordable housing near our stations.