By Chardonnay Beaver
On Saturday afternoon, dozens of community members gathered at the grand opening of Africatown Plaza.
The Africatown Plaza brings affordable housing to the heart of the Central District. The apartment building, located at 23rd and Spring Street features 126 affordable rental apartments available to families making 30-60% of the area median income. The ground floor and outside space will host a public art project curated to honor the legacy of Black families in the Central District. The plaza will also include retail space for local black-owned businesses and a community space for use by residents – according to the Africatown Community Land Trust projects profile.
Community Roots Housing and Africatown Community Land Trust partner in managing the Africatown Plaza.
It’s no secret that a Black exodus has occurred in Seattle, and more specifically the Central District. The Africatown Plaza grand opening marks a decade-long effort to counter gentrification and ensure that Black people and culture remain a sustainable part of our city’s future. Africatown Community Land Trust President and CEO, WyKing Garrett says that the Africatown Plaza exemplifies both “power and proof.”
Power that’s realized when the community unites, and proof that their staff and board are working towards the betterment of Black people in Seattle for generations to come.
Africatown Plaza provides a variety of apartment spaces, which include:
Studio apartments (400 square feet – 439 square feet)
Rent: $1163 for households at 50% AMI or below
One bedroom (546 square feet)
Rent: $1491 for household at 60% AMI or below
Two bedroom apartments ( 714 square feet – 743 square feet )
Rent: $1785 for household at 60% AMI or below
Three apartments (1,091 square feet)
Rent: $2037 for household at 60% AMI or below
To learn more about Africatown Plaza, visit africatownplaza.org
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