Sound Transit picks firm for Capitol Hill Station TOD project

Sound Transit yesterday named Gerding Edlen Development Co. of Portland, Ore., as developer for a new project near the future Capitol Hill light-rail station in Seattle.

The company's proposal for a mixed-use, transit-oriented development (TOD) project at the station ranked highest among four in a competitive procurement process, Sound Transit officials said in a press release.

The company plans to develop two acres of housing and retail space near the station.

Gerding Edlen would construct 418 apartments in four buildings in the area, with 86 units designated as permanent affordable housing. Thirty-eight percent of the apartments will be rented below the market rate for 12 years, officials said.

All buildings will meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards, at a minimum, and all buildings are expect to have a net-zero energy consumption by 2030.

"This development will be a neighborhood asset for decades to come," said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, who serves on Sound Transit's board. "As a centerpiece of the Broadway business district, with affordable housing, a farmers market and a daycare, this proposal envisions a community for all to enjoy."

Sound Transit received submittals from 14 developers and invited nine of those firms to submit detailed proposals, with four complying.

Development of the Capitol Hill Station is part of a 3.1-mile University Link light-rail extension that's slated for completion by early 2016. The line, which will run entirely underground, is currently $150 million under budget and months ahead of schedule, Sound Transit officials said.