Africatown Community Land Trust leading the fight

In reversing gentrification, one building at a time

SEATTLE, WA – On Saturday, February 5th a rare mix of grassroots organizers and elected officials, bank representatives and non-profit leaders, artists and real estate developers joined together to celebrate the groundbreaking of Africatown Plaza in Seattle’s Central District.

Africatown Plaza is a $60 million dollar project led by Africatown Community Land Trust in partnership with Community Roots Housing, the new construction reflects the organization’s focus on Black land ownership, building generational prosperity and implementing community-led solutions to displacement in the historically Black neighborhood.

The seven-story, mixed-use development will provide126 units of affordable housing located in a previously redlined Central District that now commands a median home price of $840,000. Construction is being led by a joint venture between Absher Construction and MAD Construction, a Black-owned firm.

The building will also be home to a distinguished collection of visual art by local, national and international Black artists and provide space for community gatherings and a public plaza.

The Africatown Plaza project builds upon success at the Liberty Bank Building, creating a combined 241 units of affordable housing in a one-block radius. In October of 2021, ACLT purchased a full city block for future housing development and plans to open a restored and remodeled former Fire Station 6 as a community education and innovation center. Other initiatives include homebuyer's programs at two sites within the Central District.

About Africatown Community Land Trust

Africatown Community Land Trust was

formed to acquire, steward, and develop land assets that are necessary for the Black/African diaspora community to grow and thrive in place in the Central District and Greater Seattle. Learn more at africatownlandtrust.org.