Collaborative real estate projects offer a way to develop communities while also supporting people. By pooling resources and expertise from multiple partners, these projects can create affordable spaces that meet the needs of both new and established creative entrepreneurs. Co-ownership by community organizations of arts facilities is key to building a more vibrant and inclusive landscape for artists and cultural workers.
This space was purchased in 2024 by three community organizations: Black & Tan Hall, Multicultural Community Coalition, and SEED. Together, we were awarded $3.2 million from the City of Seattle to purchase two adjacent buildings and another $2.5 million to restore and renovate the upper floors into permanently affordable workspace for artists.
The ground floors are home to two independently owned restaurants. The upper levels have the potential to house multiple arts organizations.
Our first phase of work will focus on restoring the building and reinforcing the structure. We will go through a community design process to determine the final layout and uses of the second story. Our next phase will be to remodel and furnish the upper floors for community use, based on the input gathered.
This project will prevent the displacement of two small businesses while opening up high quality, affordable arts space, supporting artists and the creative economy.
Across the globe, “creative clusters” are helping local economies grow. Clusters of creative spaces inspire collaboration and innovation and help build strong communities. Once established, these creative spaces attract additional economic and civic activities.
SEED believes Hillman City is well suited for a creative cluster. The neighborhood’s underused properties speak to historic challenges and also represent opportunities. It is easily accessible by public transit and is located within the Columbia Hillman Arts & Cultural District and the Rainier Valley Creative District. Our new Hillman Hub project has the potential to anchor the creative cluster.
Currently market-rate development is pushing creatives out of the community. Without an intentional effort to preserve, maintain, and ignite local arts and culture, market forces will go unchecked, reshaping places, erasing stories, and threatening community vitality.
We are working to build Black and Indigenous abundance, secure local ownership for artists and creatives, and keep creators here. We are exploring multiple models, like collective purchase and development, limited-equity co-ops, deed restrictions, and creative land trusts.
We want to ensure that development supports the creative economy, rather than displacing it.