Saint Mark’s is exploring the redevelopment of the Saint Nicholas property for affordable housing as a key strategy in the broader vision of the Cathedral’s mission and purpose to seek and serve Christ in all persons. 

The Vestry formed the Affordable Housing (AH) Committee to further assess the opportunity of affordable housing on campus. This work is guided by the Cathedral's commitment to Restorative Justice and Systemic Change, Intergenerational and Innovative Community, and Creation Care and Carbon Reduction and builds upon the Cathedral's longstanding leadership addressing housing insecurity in the City of Seattle.

This flier provides a brief summary of the project: Affordable Housing Summary Flyer (pdf). Check back to this page for updates.

TIMELINE

  • October 2025: Saint Mark’s receives $150,000 grant from Trinity Church NYC to develop community-based organization (CBO) model that will support the mission and vision of the affordable housing community. See article on Episcopal News Service.
  • May 2025: Saint Mark's signs a Memo of Agreement with affordable housing developer Redwood Housing.
  • February 2025: Committee recommends renewing the selection process of a development partner.
  • May 2024: Vestry approves continuing to explore affordable housing while shifting timeline of selecting a development partner.
  • March 2024: Vestry approves moving forward into phase to select a development partner.
  • January 2024:  Feasibility study works refines vision of two potential capacity studies on the site;  Vestry believes affordable housing is likely the highest and best mission-related use of the St. Nicholas site and that parishioners are highly supportive.
  • March 2023: Vestry unanimously approved recommendation to move forward with a “formal” feasibility assessment, based on outlined criteria, and engage the services of a development consultant.
  • Winter 2023: Initial exploratory phase includes 20+ interviews with community organization, establishing guiding criteria and outlining plan.
  • February 2023: Affordable housing discussed as part of ​strategic visioning at annual Vestry Retreat. 
  • September 2022: Formed the Affordable Housing ​Exploratory (AHE) Committee with Vestry, staff and ​parishioner representation for a focused exploration.

RESOURCES & ARTICLES

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Committee Chair: John Hoerster
Members: Karen Maeda Allman, Maria Do, Stone Fennell, Greg Hamm, Bethany Hoy, Re Knack, Scott Kovacs, Bryan Pansing, and Dean Steve Thomason
Consultant: Tory Laughlin Taylor

Questions? affordablehousing@saintmarks.org 

Housing Justice Ministries

Saint Mark’s is committed to addressing a spectrum of issues to respond to housing insecurity issues in Seattle. Click here to read about other housing justice ministries at Saint Mark’s.

Check out this brief (2.5-minute) video from Dean Steve Thomason: Engaging Mission, Exploring Affordable Housing on Campus.

F.A.Q. 

Why is Saint Mark’s exploring affordable housing?

The Vestry has identified affordable housing as a missional initiative worthy of Saint Mark’s consideration. The continued rise in the cost of buying and renting homes in Seattle has exacerbated a housing crisis. Growth in the private market housing sector does not address the needs of those with lower incomes. More housing is needed that will remain affordable to lower-income households for the long term.

The Vestry sees the possible redevelopment of the St. Nicholas property as a strategy serving the broader vision of the Cathedral’s mission and purpose to seek and serve Christ in all persons, to strive for respect and dignity for all people, and to build on our long-term commitment to address homelessness and hunger in the Puget Sound region.

If affordable housing is developed on campus, what is envisioned?

Neighborhoods matter to the fabric and well-being of families. This project tangibly creates an opportunity for many individuals and families to experience an affordable home closely connected to schools, transit, urban amenities, and green spaces.

The Affordable Housing (AH) Committee is looking to serve a multigenerational population at a variety of lower income levels. The AH Committee and Vestry envision the design would be fitting architecturally with campus, include initiatives to minimize carbon impact, and create opportunity for meaningful connection for residents, parishioners, and community members to interact as part of daily life including the intentional use of greenspace.

What is the plan for the St. Nicholas building?

Any change in building use would unfold over a period of a few years. The structure has aesthetic beauty, history, and personal connection for many, but also has major repair, maintenance, and operational challenges. The AH Committee is carefully assessing the costs and benefits of preserving the building, modifying the building, or pursuing new construction with the primary goals of safety for residents, sustainability, and financial viability.

How can I learn more?

Visit this page for updates, contact affordablehousing@saintmarks.org, or subscribe to the Cathedral’s newsletter here. (Check the "All-parish Announcements & Newsletter" box.)

Upcoming Special Parish Forum:

Affordable Housing Project Updates

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6:45–8:15 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall and online via Zoom

Join the Affordable Housing Committee to discuss key project milestones and meet some of the partners in our work. This forum will provide updates and insights from Redwood Housing, Saint Mark’s development partner, community engagement planning, and an opportunity to preview initial visioning for an innovative community-based organization model that will help guide the development of a housing community on campus. More details to come.

Learn more here and join the forum online using this Zoom link.

Program is free; optional community dinner at 6 p.m. ($8/adult; $25/family max.)

 

Past Events

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025

Special Parish Forum: Affordable Housing Project Update

At a special Cathedral Commons forum on May 21, Dean Thomason, Affordable Housing Committee Chair John Hoerster, and committee members announced that Saint Mark’s has signed a Memo of Agreement with national developer Redwood Housing to move forward with an affordable housing project on the cathedral campus. This multi-year partnership—projected for completion in late 2029—will prioritize sustainability, affordability, and community space, with Saint Mark’s retaining a key role in design and decision-making. The forum also shared updates on community engagement and funding efforts, including work with the City of Seattle and an application for a Washington State tax credit.

Slides for the presentation can be downloaded here and the complete video can be seen below:

10

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 2024

A Cathedral's Complicity in Redlining and Restrictive Covenants

A forum exploring the impact of Civil Rights history and racial segregation to consider how church communities, including Saint Mark’s, have a responsibility to honest face this and respond in just ways in our time. 

A complete video and other resources from this forum can now be found here.