FOLLOWUP: No, the Alki Lumber move does not signal imminent redevelopment construction

| Development | Triangle | West Seattle news

As reported here on Monday, Alki Lumber is moving from West Seattle to South Park, in a move that’s been in the works since the lumberyard’s founding family, the Sweeneys, sold the business four years ago. However, this does not mean the Sweeneys’ big two-building mixed-use redevelopment project for the lumberyard property [map] is imminent. We heard back today from family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney, who confirmed that they continue to await more favorable conditions, and also mused that the move means the end of an era:

The Sweeney Blocks projects are still in the same holding pattern as before. As you mentioned, it’s not a positive environment for development right now so we continue to wait for economic factors to improve with the hope of breaking ground just as soon as possible. But no specific date is on the table. With the Alki Lumber move to South Park, we hope to find some additional short-term tenants to fill our lots. We are using our imagination — a summer food truck court maybe?

Obviously we will miss Alki and it’s been emotional to see the shelves and racks vacating. I’m pretty sure some of that material even predates my dad when he took the helm in 1962!

As noted in our Monday coverage, the Sweeney Blocks project is planned for more than 500 apartments with ground-floor retail, and both parts of the project passed Design Review (as we reported here and here) about the same time the lumberyard was sold. The lumberyard’s owner, Marine Lumber, says the new South Park location is 558 S. Kenyon.

Dysfunction February 24, 2026 (4:37 pm)

So these 2 buildings won’t be built and occupied for 3 years at best. For all those complaining nonstop about a major housing crisis here and the need for “density” (not sure exactly what density means as West Seattle is packed as is), building more isn’t being played out in actual construction. From what I see, there isn’t much on the docket breaking ground here soon in larger buildings. The private sector decides when it is worthwhile to build, and now isn’t it. Who knows when it will be. My understanding is there are a decent amount of vacancies in Seattle, so that is influencing developers along with all the other financial reasons for not building in Seattle. And the city, for all of its pearl clutching on the housing issue, needs to look in the mirror and realize it’s a turn off to build here right now because of city policies. I hope the environment here isn’t conducive to developers for a long time. These buildings are apartments. People should be wishing for condos, where people can get in the game of gaining equity in their housing instead of a growing peasant class

900 February 24, 2026 (4:37 pm)

To clarify: the Sweeny Family sold the lumber business but continues to own the properties and will be the owner/landlord of the new buildings when they are completed?

Derp February 24, 2026 (5:51 pm)

This city should buy the lot and turn it into an RV and mini homes lot. Perfect spot, grocery just up the street, all kinds of transit.

NW Mama February 24, 2026 (6:18 pm)

Yes! We would support a food truck court! Preferably with one that also had a beer garden!

West Seattle Mad Sci Guy February 24, 2026 (9:27 pm)

That rogue taco truck that keeps moving around would finally have a home (Tacos la Asadita?). They actually have popped up a few times recently across the street from this lot in what I think was the old Pep boys parking lot.
- Lauren February 25, 2026 (6:55 am)
  
  They keep moving because they don’t have permits

Villagegreen February 24, 2026 (7:11 pm)

“it’s not a positive environment for development right now so we continue to wait for economic factors to improve with the hope of breaking ground just as soon as possible.”

Makes me wonder if we’ll have to endure a decade of abandoned property (albeit with the possibility of a food truck) like we did with the ‘big hole’ back in the day (where the LA Fitness and apartment complex is now)?

WSB February 24, 2026 (7:39 pm)

“The Hole” was a unique situation. Other projects were proceeding. Not so now.
https://westseattleblog.com/2010/12/judge-orders-foreclosure-sale-for-site-of-the-hole/
- West Seattle Mad Sci Guy February 24, 2026 (9:16 pm)
  
  Curious what conditions are poor right now. The uncertainty of whether they will build the Avalon light rail? Cost of materials? Rental market?
  - WSB February 24, 2026 (10:30 pm)
    
    I have not talked to them about their specifics but one huge factor affecting development in general is financing/interest rates.
    - Daniel February 25, 2026 (3:45 pm)
      
      Finance/interest rates on one end, but also commercial real estate is kinda in a bad spot nationalwide right now, even for existing properties.
  - North Admiral Cyclist February 25, 2026 (5:43 am)
    
    Besides interest rates (which are not that high in a historical context, but are much higher than rates in recent years), there has been quite a bit of negative economic news lately. Such as, major tech layoffs, down turn in container/bulk port operations due to tariffs, reduced influx of Canadian tourism, etc. Plus, this development would compete with others in the city built near already established light rail stations.
  - helpermonkey February 25, 2026 (9:50 am)
    
    Imminent war? The economy collapsing? Could be many things.

bolo February 24, 2026 (7:15 pm)

“As you mentioned, it’s not a positive environment for development right now so we continue to wait for economic factors to improve with the hope of breaking ground just as soon as possible.”

With the insatiable ongoing extreme demands for more housing, how can there not be a positive environment for development? What other conditions are needed? I keep hearing it’s supply and demand. Is there not really demand?

Frog February 24, 2026 (7:48 pm)

Casual talk about affordable housing in Seattle always has this big disconnect. New construction is not affordable to most people, because of the cost of new construction. There is no extreme or insatiable demand for market-cost newly constructed housing (now that big tech companies have stopped hiring high-salary workers and shifted more to laying them off). The insatiable demand is only for government-subsidized housing, and only a lucky few will ever get it.
- bolo February 24, 2026 (10:06 pm)
  
  “There is no extreme or insatiable demand for market-cost newly constructed housing…”
  OK, seems logical. Does that mean the new upzoning and urban villages plans will actually have no measurable effect? Folks got all upset over nothing?
  
  Disclaimer: I am not a developer, city planner, real estate professional, speculator, etc. In fact I admit deficiency in these noble aspects. Just trying to clear the cognitive dissonance in my head after hearing repeatedly:
  Seattle desperately needs more housing.
  More market-rate housing will free up more affordable housing down the chain.
  Infill, upzoning, etc. is necessary.
  More supply satisfies demand means lower prices.
  
  Something doesn’t add up.
  
  What is the real reason they can’t build on the upcoming vacant property?
  - Frog February 25, 2026 (5:22 am)
    
    Answer part 2: the market is somewhat different for rental vs. condo/townhouse housing. Rental housing needs to “pencil out” financially before anyone will build it. That means the expected revenue, given the current market rents, needs to cover all the expenses and yield some profit. Market rents in Seattle are quite high, to state the obvious, so it’s scary that they still aren’t high enough to make new major apartment projects pencil out at the moment. Market rents need to actually go higher before projects like this get built. So roll your eyes and forget about affordable housing. Financials of rental development are uniquely difficult in Seattle because of 1) uniquely high construction costs for various reasons; 2) the requirement to set aside some percentage of units for subsidized low cost affordable housing; and 3) tenant protections that mean a significant number of tenants won’t actually be paying.
  - HS February 25, 2026 (7:51 am)
    
    I imagine it’s financial. Interest rates are high, building materials are high with unpredictable costs due to tariffs, etc. On a big project those factors will put a project on hold. Just because more housing is needed doesn’t mean it’s financial feasible to create it.

Leftoftheleft February 24, 2026 (7:43 pm)

That is a perfect location for a tiny house village and/or RV lot. It’s close to transit, grocery stores, bars/restaurants, and social services. Bringing our un-housed neighbors closer to our city centers and communities will help get them out of homelessness. No one chooses this life and it’s up to society to aid them in rehabilitation. We have so many parks and public spaces that could be instantly turned into tiny home living. Do better Seattle Elected Officials… no one should be homeless in this wealthy city. #taxtherich

wscommuter February 24, 2026 (7:54 pm)

You do understand this is privately owned property … so the family which owns it can (and should) develop it as they choose to. I’m curious as to how you get to putting homeless facilities there. Please do explain.
- Lauren February 24, 2026 (9:47 pm)
  
  It’s always funny to me when people say something like “but how would this work??” Human beings have invented every single system we’ve ever lived with, including our current one. We can make it however we want! We are infinitely creative creatures who can do just about anything if we set our minds to it.
Firefighter February 25, 2026 (4:09 pm)

Unfortunately the assertion that no one wants to be homeless is just not true. Last statistics I saw (a year ago now) in response to yet another “community” driven “homeless camp cleansing” activity was that about 50 to 55% of the unhoused strongly opposed being housed by any means, by their personal choice alone. What part of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” does not include living without a permanent residence?

Just wondering February 24, 2026 (8:23 pm)

Will there be parking provided for the 500 apartments?

WSB February 24, 2026 (10:30 pm)

300+ spaces.
SlimJim February 25, 2026 (9:43 am)

Would love to see that area have 2 hr parking only. That would work for most shoppers and prevent the developers from making it essentially full-time parking for apartment residents. Developers and the city *claim* many, or most, who live there won’t need or have cars. Let’s see them put their money where their mouth is.
- k February 25, 2026 (10:55 am)
  
  I would love to see 2- to 4-hour parking be the default for every free parking zone, and allow paid parking for longer. I would like to see RPZ permit fees increase dramatically. It’s time to put responsibility for car storage where it belongs–on car owners. Not the city.
- Foop February 25, 2026 (5:00 pm)
  
  This is an awful classist take.

Developer February 24, 2026 (10:07 pm)

Isn’t this where two 8 story apartment buildings are going to be developed?

WSB February 24, 2026 (10:37 pm)

As noted in the story, yes, two buildings totaling 500+ apartments are planned theree, and that’s the “redevelopment construction” that is still not “imminent.”

22blades February 25, 2026 (2:58 am)

1987 Real Estate Crash.2000 Dot Com Crash.2026 AI Crash?As Alan Greenspan said: “Irrational exuberance”. On the other hand, the backside of those crashes can yield some real affordable housing….. if you still have a job. It wouldn’t surprise me if it becomes another decades long empty whirlpool like 5220 California Ave.

Lorrie February 25, 2026 (7:25 am)

What’s happening with the planned Husky Deli building?

WS Res February 25, 2026 (6:34 pm)

Have you heard about Trump’s tariffs?

wetone February 25, 2026 (8:47 am)

Wouldn’t be surprised if they are holding off to see if/what ST does in near future and/or if there has been any talks about purchasing of properties for ST use. Would be great place for big multi Transit hub with very large parking garage and what is truly needed if ST is to have any success along with access for all to use. It seems the commercial properties have had some interesting things going on if you look at acquisitions and values in this area since the first ST talk started. As far as more housing units needed, people I know in the business say there is no shortage of units available. It’s the rental cost, city of Seattle has chased most the ma/paw landlords away that held the more reasonable rents and large investment groups control the market today. Same as most new builds in neighborhoods today where city is allowing all the multiple housing units to be built. Impacts will have irreversible effects and future costs to all in many ways ;(

enginerd February 25, 2026 (10:26 am)

If private development as an apartment building does not seem feasible, perhaps a publicly funded development to support light rail could make sense. Seems like a good spot for a Link transit station with parking garage. Perhaps could even serve as the Avalon stop?

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