Lexington Concord Building: Seattle's Major Affordable Housing Redevelopment Guide

The Lexington Concord building is undergoing one of the most significant affordable housing transformations in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. This redevelopment project by YWCA Seattle represents a major step forward in addressing the city's housing crisis, doubling the number of families served while creating modern, safe living spaces. If you're tracking urban development, affordable housing initiatives, or the evolution of Seattle's Belltown area, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Lexington Concord building project from groundbreaking to completion.

Project Overview: What Is the Lexington Concord Building?

The Lexington Concord building is a seven-story apartment complex located at 2402 2nd Avenue in Seattle's vibrant Belltown neighborhood. Currently managed by YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish, this property has long served as critical affordable housing for low-income households in the area. The existing structure is being completely redeveloped to dramatically expand its capacity and improve living conditions for residents.

The redevelopment isn't just a renovation — it's a full teardown and rebuild designed to address the growing demand for family-sized affordable housing in downtown Seattle. The location puts residents within walking distance of parks, public transit, employment centers, and shopping districts, making it an ideal site for workforce housing.

Key Project Facts at a Glance

Construction Timeline and Phases

The Lexington Concord building redevelopment follows a carefully planned timeline that minimizes disruption while maximizing efficiency. Understanding the construction phases helps community members, prospective residents, and stakeholders know what to expect over the coming months.

The demolition phase is expected to begin during the summer months, with new construction ramping up in the fall once the site is cleared. The approximately 22-month construction window reflects the complexity of building a modern, seven-story residential structure in a dense urban environment. By targeting August 2028 for completion, YWCA Seattle aims to have the new Lexington Concord building ready for move-in before the end of summer that year.

It's worth noting that construction timelines for urban projects can shift due to permitting, weather, supply chain issues, or unforeseen site conditions. Community reports suggest that Belltown residents should expect typical construction noise, temporary street closures, and increased truck traffic during active building phases.

Design and Unit Breakdown

One of the most exciting aspects of the Lexington Concord building redesign is the focus on family-sized apartments. Unlike many affordable housing projects that primarily offer studio and one-bedroom units, this development prioritizes two- and three-bedroom configurations. This design choice directly addresses a critical gap in Seattle's affordable housing inventory — the shortage of larger units that can accommodate families with children.

Unit Mix Comparison

By doubling the site's impact through more units and larger floor plans, YWCA Seattle will be able to serve significantly more individuals than the current building accommodates. The Lexington Concord building's redesign reflects a broader trend in affordable housing policy toward recognizing that families need appropriately sized living spaces, not just any available unit.

The seven-story design makes efficient use of the urban footprint while incorporating modern building standards for energy efficiency, accessibility, and safety. Being situated near parks and transit adds tremendous quality-of-life value for residents who may rely on public transportation and outdoor recreation.

Key Partners Behind the Project

The Lexington Concord building redevelopment involves several key partners bringing specialized expertise to make this vision a reality.

These partnerships combine decades of experience in affordable housing development, urban construction, and community-focused design. Truebeck Construction, serving as the general contractor, brings particular strength in managing complex urban builds where logistics, neighborhood coordination, and timeline management are critical.

SMR Architects' involvement ensures that the Lexington Concord building will meet modern aesthetic and functional standards while respecting the character of the Belltown neighborhood. Their design approach balances density goals with livability, creating spaces that residents can truly call home.

Funding Sources and Financial Structure

The Lexington Concord building project is made possible through a combination of public funding sources and tax credit programs specifically designed to support affordable housing development.

This layered funding approach is typical of major affordable housing projects in Washington State. The Housing Levy represents Seattle voters' direct investment in solving the housing crisis through dedicated revenue. The state Housing Trust Fund adds another critical layer of gap financing. Finally, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits — allocated by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission — enable the project to attract private capital investment while maintaining affordability restrictions.

For community members interested in how affordable housing gets built, the Lexington Concord building serves as an excellent case study in how public-private partnerships can create meaningful housing solutions.

Community Impact and Benefits

The redevelopment of the Lexington Concord building extends far beyond the construction site. This project represents a significant investment in Seattle's most vulnerable populations, particularly women and families experiencing housing insecurity.

Community Benefits Summary

By doubling the number of units while increasing apartment sizes, YWCA Seattle is fundamentally reimagining what this site can offer the community. The Lexington Concord building will continue its legacy of serving low-income households but with dramatically expanded reach. This is particularly important in Belltown, where market-rate development has driven up housing costs and displaced many lower-income residents.

The project also creates construction jobs during the 22-month build period and will generate permanent property tax contributions once completed. Affordable housing developments like this one help maintain economic diversity in rapidly gentrifying neighborhoods.

How to Stay Informed or Get Involved

For those interested in tracking the Lexington Concord building project or learning more about leasing opportunities when the building opens in 2028, several resources are available.

As the project progresses, YWCA Seattle will likely provide updates through their official channels about construction milestones, community meetings, and eventually the application process for new residents. Prospective tenants should monitor the YWCA Seattle website for announcements regarding waitlists and eligibility requirements.

Community members who want to support affordable housing initiatives can also advocate for continued funding through the Seattle Housing Levy and state-level housing programs that make projects like the Lexington Concord building possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Lexington Concord building be completed?

The Lexington Concord building is anticipated to be ready for lease by August 2028. Demolition of the existing structure begins in summer 2026, with new construction starting in fall 2026 and lasting approximately 22 months.

How many units will the new Lexington Concord building have?

The redeveloped Lexington Concord building will feature 83 units of primarily two- and three-bedroom family-sized apartments, significantly expanding the site's capacity to serve low-income households.

Who is eligible to live in the Lexington Concord building?

The Lexington Concord building serves low-income households, with a focus on women and families. Specific income requirements and application details will be available closer to the building's completion through YWCA Seattle.

Where exactly is the Lexington Concord building located?

The Lexington Concord building is located at 2402 2nd Avenue in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, near parks, public transit, employment centers, and shopping.

How is the Lexington Concord building project funded?

The project is funded through a combination of the City of Seattle Housing Levy, Washington State Department of Commerce Housing Trust Fund, and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission.