BOOKS: ‘High Point: The Inside Story of Seattle’s First Green Mixed-Income Neighborhood’

Just published – a book about West Seattle’s biggest redevelopment project, the years-long makeover of High Point. The author spent almost a decade working there and sent us the announcement:

How did a rundown public-housing project become an award-winning poster child for a green, mixed-income neighborhood? A new book, “High Point: The Inside Story of Seattle’s First Mixed-Income Green Neighborhood” answers that question.

Author Tom J. Phillips spent nine years directing the redevelopment of one of Seattle’s largest public housing projects, the 120-acre High Point neighborhood. The book chronicles the undertaking of what was a visionary and highly risky experiment and the strong leadership, grit, and determination that was required along the way to make the vision a reality.

A federal grant of $35 million kickstarted this $550 million master-planned community. High Point debuted several ground-breaking healthy and green features, including the country’s largest natural drainage system and 60 “Breathe Easy” homes for children with asthma, capturing the attention of forward-thinking local governments and developers across the country. …

Ron Sims, former King County Executive and Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, provided the foreword of the book, in which he noted, “This\ book will inspire others to act upon their dreams.”

You can read more about the book and author here, or take a video tour of some High Point highlights – produced by local journalist/historian Clay Ealshere.

P.S. Phillips tells WSB that Paper Boat Booksellers in Morgan Junction (6040 California SW) will have autographed copies later today.

2 Replies to "BOOKS: 'High Point: The Inside Story of Seattle's First Green Mixed-Income Neighborhood'"

  • Mp September 4, 2020 (9:42 am)

    I’d like to see a book about the original housing project…it seems to have been forgotten

  • Samantha September 5, 2020 (7:09 pm)

    Exactly!!!! 

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