MLK Family Mixed-Use Tops Out - 148 Apartments & Early Learning Center

LIHI is pleased to announce the topping out of MLK Family Mixed-Use.  MLK Mixed-Use and Early Learning Center at 7544 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S., Seattle is a new multifamily construction project located close by the Othello light rail station in Rainier Valley, Seattle. This 6-story building will provide 148 units of affordable housing for families and individuals and an early learning center operated by Refugee Women’s Alliance (ReWA). The building will include 29 studios, 74 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and 31 three-bedroom units. 

The housing will serve families and individuals at risk of displacement earning up to 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income. One unit will be set aside for a live-in manager unit.  On-site amenities will include a large community room, play area for children, fitness center, resource room, and an outdoor courtyard. The ReWA early learning facility located at street level will include six classrooms for over 100 infants, toddlers and preschoolers. The property’s zip code of 98118 is considered the most racially diverse in the city.

Construction is expected to be completed by August 2025.

Before construction of MLK Mixed-Use began, Othello Tiny House Village stood on the site for 7 years providing shelter for homeless families and individuals. LIHI built Henderson Village in nearby Rainier Beach as a replacement for Othello Village. 

Said LIHI Executive Director Sharon Lee, “In leasing the new building we will provide preference to existing and historic residents of the neighborhood to counter rising rents and displacement. The property’s proximity to light rail will provide our residents ample employment opportunities throughout the region.  Thank you to our many financing partners and ReWA for making this mixed-use development a reality.”

The Architect is Runberg Architecture Group. The Contractor is Walsh Construction Co. The building size is 152,221 SF and the lot size is 34,888 SF. 



Financing for MLK Family Housing includes: City of Seattle, WSHFC, National Equity Fund, JP Morgan Chase, Wyncote Foundation NW, Amazon Housing Equity Fund, KeyBank, and Federal Community Project Funding sponsored by Rep. Adam Smith.