Overview
The University of Washington’s Housing & Food Services (HFS) is advancing the UH4 housing project, a major initiative to expand affordable student and family housing and enhance childcare capacity. The project is being delivered in partnership with Provident Group – SH II Properties LLC, a nonprofit affiliate of Provident Resources Group Inc., with Greystar serving as developer and property manager.
UH4 includes new housing at Blakeley Village and Laurel Village, along with recently completed improvements at Radford Court and Nordheim Court. Together, these efforts advance the University’s priorities of affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in student housing.
Project Status
As of November 1, 2025, Blakeley Village and Laurel Village have been fully vacated, and the University has turned both properties over to Greystar to begin construction.
All student families previously residing in these communities who were eligible and interested have been successfully relocated to Radford Court, where they continue to have access to affordable apartments that align with low-income housing rent levels at the King County 50 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) threshold.
In addition, childcare operations formerly located at Laurel Village have transitioned to a temporary facility that has been well received by families, ensuring uninterrupted childcare services during construction.
Construction activities for the new Blakeley and Laurel housing developments are proceeding in alignment with City of Seattle permitting and arborist requirements and with ongoing community engagement commitments.
Project Benefits
Affordable and Sustainable Housing
- The project increases affordable housing supply for both students with families and singe students.
- Rental rates are expected to remain consistent with similar HFS housing, with UW providing input to the nonprofit ownership structure’s rate setting.
- The 45-year ground lease (through 2070) ensures long-term stability and affordability for UW students and families.
- The UH4 partnership also supports broader campus housing renewal efforts, including the replacement of Haggett Hall and planned renovations to Hansee and McMahon Halls.
Tree Preservation and Environmental Stewardship
- The tree plans were developed with arborist evaluation and City of Seattle oversight, reviewed through an open process including public meetings, online open houses, and engagement with the City–University Community Advisory Committee (CUCAC).
- All vegetation work complies with City-approved permit requirements, arborist recommendations, and replanting requirements.
- Blakeley Village: 152 trees inventoried; 76 approved for removal; 152 new trees required for replanting → 228 total post-construction (150 % of current inventory).
- Laurel Village: 143 trees inventoried; 90 approved for removal; 180 new trees required for replanting → 233 total post-construction (163 % of current inventory).
- Tree retention at the site borders were given priority because of their aesthetics and buffer between communities.
Expanded Student and Family Housing
- Laurel Village will provide 341 apartments for students with families, more than doubling previous capacity, including 33 units reserved at 50 % AMI (in addition to 127 units at 50% AMI level at Radford Court)
- Blakeley Village will be redeveloped into 1,000 single-student beds, designed similarly to Nordheim Court and offering comparable rent levels.
- Apartments are prioritized for UW students, with UW faculty and staff eligible when student demand is met.
Enhanced Childcare Access
- The Laurel Village childcare center will expand capacity by 53 additional slots, increasing total capacity to 106 children.
Partnership Model
- The project uses a nonprofit, tax-exempt financing structure, reducing market pressure on rents and preserving long-term affordability.
- UW participates on a property review board with Provident and Greystar to provide input on rental rates, property budgets, and resident experience.
- The model builds on the successful approach that delivered Radford Court and Nordheim Court in 2000.
UH4 Properties
