DEVELOPMENT: Apartments proposed for church-owned site at 4401 42nd SW

(King County Assessor’s Office photo of 4401 42nd SW)

ORIGINAL REPORT, THURSDAY: An early-stage proposal is in city files for what would be the third apartment building on the west side of one block of 42nd SW in The Junction, between Genesee and Oregon. A site plan and pre-application documents are in the system for 4401 42nd SW, the West Seattle Christian Church-owned ex-school building that has in past years had a variety of community uses including artists’ studios and the West Seattle Helpline‘s clothing bank Clothesline.

Proposed for the site, which was upzoned to 55′ by HALA Mandatory Housing Affordability, is a five-story building with 72 microapartments (Small Efficiency Dwelling Units) and five live-works, plus underground and surface parking. The documents filed online say parking would total 36 car spaces and 80 bicycle spaces. The church-owned house to the south is not part of this project; we reported last December that townhouses and live-work units are planned there (4411 42nd SW).

ADDED FRIDAY: WSCC pastor Worth Wheeler has responded to our question about the Clothesline’s future: “We have been working closely with West Seattle Helpline for a few months now on providing a seamless transition for their Clothesline operation to another building on our campus. The church is looking forward to a continuing partnership with the Helpline that provides ample space for their needs and keeps their vital work right here in the Junction, close to the transportation hub that is indispensable for so many of their clients. West Seattle Helpline will likely make an announcement in the coming weeks and months about this transition.” Helpline executive director Erin Dury Moore confirmed that, adding, “We look forward to continuing our partnership with West Seattle Christian Church, and their dedication to our Clothesline.”

10 Replies to "DEVELOPMENT: Apartments proposed for church-owned site at 4401 42nd SW"

  • David May 16, 2019 (3:43 pm)

    I suppose that they will get away with paying no taxes since this is church owned property…

    • WSB May 16, 2019 (8:39 pm)

      I don’t know whether the church will maintain ownership through the project – I have an inquiry out with that and some other questions, awaiting reply.

      • KM May 16, 2019 (8:52 pm)

        What about taxes on the profits if they sell the property?

  • BJG May 16, 2019 (6:02 pm)

    Glad to know the church will benefit. West Seattle Christian Church invested well in nearby properties. This is not different from other developments on the block, but has a bit more parking. Thanks for that.

  • thee May 16, 2019 (8:43 pm)

    The only way this gets worse is if they don’t pay taxes on the deal.

  • Sad former church member May 16, 2019 (9:15 pm)

    This breaks my heart. That church was such a resource for the community using it’s buildings to provide outreach to the community and before that preschool and a private school. So much good from that organization and now it’s all about the $$. Such a shame. 

    • JN May 19, 2019 (2:03 pm)

      Unfortunately, church organizations are not exempt from making difficult decisions. With the preschool/school in particular, I know that declining enrollment necessitated the hard choice to shut it down. I was lucky enough to attend WSCC for years, but when you’re hemorrhaging funds you’ve got to cut some things loose to continue outreach and be prepared for the future. West Seattle Christian Church is still heavily involved in the community (see the continued dedication to helping the Clothesline amid myriad other contributions). 

  • gorillita May 16, 2019 (10:06 pm)

    It breaks my heart too.  West Seattle Helpline’s “Clothes Closet’ program finally found a good, spacious location.  I hate to see this valuable community asset have to secure a new location and move again.<sigh>

  • WS Realtor May 17, 2019 (9:47 am)

    A church is not exempt from paying excise tax when they sell a property.  King County excise tax is 1.78%.  I look forward to the continued good works the church will be able to do in the community with the sale proceeds.   No shame here!

  • WSB May 17, 2019 (10:06 am)

    I will add to the story above but WSCC’s pastor just replied to my inquiry from yesterday saying they expect to move the Clothesline to another building on their campus. – TR

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