Sound Transit Federal Way TOD is moving forward after the agency selected a development team for projects next to the Federal Way Downtown Station. In a Sound Transit news release, the agency said it issued a notice of intent to work with Multi-Service Center (MSC) and Shelter Resources Inc. (SRI) on surplus property adjacent to the station.

Sound Transit Federal Way TOD: 230 affordable homes planned
Photo: Sound Transit

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The proposal calls for approximately 230 affordable homes across two buildings, totaling approximately 570 bedrooms. Sound Transit said over 90% of the housing would be two-, three-, and four-bedroom units—aimed at meeting demand for family-sized affordable housing in Federal Way.

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Federal Way Downtown Station plans and ground-floor uses

Alongside the housing, the development includes ground-floor uses intended to activate the station area. Sound Transit officials said the plan includes a café led by Project Feast, a local nonprofit that serves refugees and immigrants through food-focused programming.

The concept also includes a commercial kitchen in partnership with FUSION, a Federal Way-based nonprofit that provides housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness, plus a child care facility.

Sound Transit Federal Way TOD and the Link extension timeline

Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine said affordable housing helps build “vibrant communities that help people thrive,” and described the proposal as part of the transit-oriented development program along the Federal Way Link extension. More background on the agency approach is available via Sound Transit’s transit-oriented development program.

Sound Transit said the design, placement, and massing of the two buildings are intended to create pedestrian routes through the station area, connecting the Performing Arts and Events Center, Town Square Park, and the Federal Way Downtown Station. The project also builds on the City of Federal Way’s progress toward the region’s City Center vision.

Agency staff will now negotiate key business terms with MSC and SRI, with the expectation the agreement will be brought to the Sound Transit board for approval in 2026. MSC and SRI aim to break ground on the project in 2028.

Partners behind the affordable housing development

Multi-Service Center is a South King County nonprofit that addresses the causes of poverty and homelessness through comprehensive services, including developing and operating affordable housing in King County and Pierce County.

Shelter Resources Inc.’s affordable housing development portfolio includes more than 6,000 units across the Pacific Northwest. Sound Transit said MSC and SRI have more than two decades of experience working together to develop affordable housing in the Puget Sound region. The selection was also covered by Metro Magazine.

Sound Transit’s transit-oriented development program aims to foster vibrant, livable communities around transit by creating opportunities for development and affordable housing near stations.

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