After five years of paperwork, Master Use Permit issued for five-story Capitol Hill Safeway redevelopment

Seattle's City Council issued a Master Use Permit for the long-anticipated redevelopment of the Safeway grocery store at 15th and John, allowing for the construction of a mixed-use complex featuring two five-story buildings. The project, led by Greystar and Weber Thompson, will comprise approximately 330 market-rate apartments, retail spaces, and an underground parking facility for over 300 vehicles. After years of planning and an appeal from the Aquarian Foundation, which argued the development conflicted with their church's character, the Hearing Examiner dismissed the appeal in March. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2024, with an expected opening in 2026. The land has been under Safeway's ownership since it was acquired for less than $1 million in 1993 and has remained relatively unchanged.

This redevelopment comes amid significant industry changes, including a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which may influence the grocery landscape in Seattle. CHS has reached out for updates on the timeline for demolition and construction, which remains unclear. The Master Use Permit has a maximum lifespan of six years, indicating a pressing timeline for the developers.