University of Washington Gets Approval for Major Expansion

With several stipulations, Seattle City Council has signed off on the university's plans for up to 6 million square feet of new construction, including high-rises.

1 minute read

December 22, 2018, 9:00 AM PST

By Philip Rojc @PhilipRojc


University of Washington

cpaulfell / Shutterstock

A ten-year vision to accommodate another 7,000 students and staff, the UW's expansion plans call for 6 million square feet of new construction. Seattle City Council has approved the plan this month, Daniel Beekman writes, after preliminary approval in September. 

The plan includes an "innovation district" made up of "high rises there where students and researchers can partner with companies, governments and nonprofits to start new projects and businesses." Towers as tall as 17 stories may rise in the vicinity of the medical center.

City Council approval came with a stipulation that "the university must have no more than 12 percent of students and employees commute by driving alone by 2028," strengthening the university original proposal of 15 percent.

Another condition previously required the university to build at least 450 units of affordable housing for low-wage employees. The UW subsequently agreed to do so as long as the construction was treated as voluntary. One councilmember, Kshama Sawant, approved the plan but called 450 units a "paltry number when you consider the actual need."

Monday, December 10, 2018 in The Seattle Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Two people on bikes riding down paved Burke-Gilman bike trail in King County, Washington on a sunny day.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network

The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

5 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Small green ADU cottage in lush backyard in San Jose, California.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits

The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

6 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Large oak tree in meadow with sun filtering from behind it in Angeles National Forest.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods

Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.

7 hours ago - ASLA The Dirt