Officials celebrate groundbreaking of Constellation Center and hope for affordable housing and jobs in the heart of Capitol Hill

The Constellation Center, a groundbreaking $37 million initiative in Capitol Hill, aims to merge affordable housing with a youth education and skills training facility. Construction is currently in progress, following a ceremony that honored the late State Rep. Frank Chopp, a key advocate for the project. Community Roots Housing is set to develop 84 affordable apartments, specifically designed for youth transitioning out of homelessness. Next door, YouthCare plans to convert the historic Booth Building into a 24,000-square-foot center focused on education, workforce training, and mental health support.

Local officials highlighted the project’s importance in addressing critical city-wide needs and fostering community empowerment. Chris Persons, CEO of Community Roots Housing, emphasized that this is not just about building apartments; it’s about creating a model for effective interventions. The collaboration among multiple Public Development Authorities demonstrates a robust commitment to tackling homelessness and providing skills training. As Seattle continues to face housing challenges, the Constellation Center stands as a beacon of hope for the city’s most vulnerable youth.