On April 21, 2026, Copperleaf Northgate held its grand opening, delivering 232 affordable apartments steps from one of the nation’s largest and newly expanded transit systems — now connecting residents not only to Seattle but also to the Eastside.
Jointly developed and owned by BRIDGE Housing and Community Roots Housing, the seven-story Copperleaf community is designed to unite quality affordable housing with high-capacity transit and expand access to jobs, education, resources, and opportunity across the region. Built on land provided by King County Metro and valued at $12.85 million, this project also reflects King County’s ongoing investment in transit-oriented development.
At the celebration, we were honored to be joined by project partners and community leaders, including King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski, and BRIDGE Housing’s CEO Ken Lombard. To all who joined us, thank you.
“Copperleaf Northgate marks an important contribution to the enhancement of the Northgate neighborhood and the quality of life for hundreds of people,” said Colleen Echohawk, CEO of Community Roots Housing. “It is our largest community to date, and its location next to the Northgate transit center makes it a true transit-oriented development — expanding access to jobs, schools, and services for so many residents while meaningfully advancing our mission to create inclusive housing and foster thriving, just communities.”
A regionally connected community
Copperleaf’s opening coincides with a major regional transit expansion, the opening of the 2 Line connection across Lake Washington.
“Copperleaf Northgate demonstrates what we can build for the community – creating affordable housing on the doorstep of the region’s very best in frequent and fast bus and light rail service,” said King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “Residents are our riders, and by bringing together affordable transit options and housing, we are lowering costs for people. This project is the cornerstone of King County Metro’s transit-oriented development program and with this crucial step and momentum, we are adding much-needed affordable housing and delivering the first piece of the public’s vision for the Northgate Station area.”
Community Roots is committed to connecting communities to opportunity through equitable transit-oriented developments. In 2020 Station House opened, adding 110 brand new affordable homes two blocks from the Capitol Hill light rail station. In 2023, Pride Place opened its doors on Broadway and E. Pine St., immediately outside of the Seattle streetcar line. Both projects were built on surplus land previously owned by Sound Transit. Our next transit-oriented project is slated to open in 2027, which will bring a new mixed-use campus home to 87 affordable apartments and YouthCare’s Constellation Center to the heart of Capitol Hill.
To learn more about Copperleaf Northgate, visit our website.
