SEATTLE – The City of Seattle receives a VISION 2050 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) for Four Amigos - Beloved Community.
Led by El Centro de la Raza, the Four Amigos project is a transformative redevelopment of an underutilized site. The six-story development provides 87 affordable homes for families, featuring a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, and co-locates vital community services within a single, integrated space.
A central component of the project is the José Martí Child Development Center, a 7,000-square-foot multicultural, bilingual early learning facility with four classrooms and an outdoor play area. The property was built in partnership with the Church of Hope on their former site. The church is now located in a 2,600-foot space on the ground floor of the building.
The building name honors civil rights leaders Roberto Maestas, Bernie Whitebear, Bob Santos and Larry Gossett – the Four Amigos or Gang of Four.
Designed by SMR Architects, the building incorporates culturally significant art by local Latinx artists, reflecting Afro-Latino, Indigenous, and Mestizo heritage. This artistic expression celebrates the diversity of the Latinx community and fosters a strong sense of place.
Miguel Maestas, Interim Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza
“We’re proud to celebrate the Four Amigos-Beloved Community as a model for how affordable housing can provide holistic support to residents. Rooted in values of equity and inclusion, this mixed-use affordable housing development was created with the community, for the community. Four Amigos combines housing, a child development center, and a new space for the Church of Hope, in one supportive, welcoming space. It’s an example of how we can build vibrant, resilient communities where families thrive.”
Josh Brown, Executive Director of Puget Sound Regional Council
"This project is a model of equitable, inclusive development. It aligns with VISION 2050 by combining affordable housing, childcare, and community space in a walkable neighborhood, while honoring cultural identity and environmental sustainability."
The project used a cost-efficient MEP design/build strategy led by Walsh Construction Co. It also integrates durable materials and sustainable design elements such as solar panels, a rain garden and EV charging stations.
By intentionally co-locating housing, a childcare center, a church and office space, the Four Amigos development supports the well-being of its residents and neighbors by providing a model for connected, inclusive and forward-looking community development.
The VISION 2050 Awards celebrate progress to enhance the region’s communities and natural environment while advancing equity and opportunity for all. The awards recognize innovative work in the region to create a better future for the central Puget Sound.
The award was presented at the Seattle Waterfront Overlook Walk on July 21.
Partners on the project included El Centro de la Raza, City of Seattle Office of Housing, City of Seattle Office of Human Services, City of Seattle Economic Development Initiative, City of Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, King County, Washington State Department of Commerce, Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Enterprise Community Partners, Heritage Bank and Impact Capital, Amazon Housing Equity Fund, José Martí Child Development Center, Church of Hope, Washington Community Reinvestment Association, Walsh Construction Co., Beacon Development Group and SMR Architects.
VISION 2050 is the region’s plan for growth. By 2050, the region's population will reach 5.8 million people. The region’s cities, counties, Tribes, ports, agencies, businesses, and communities have worked together to develop VISION 2050 to prepare for this growth and serve as a guide for sustaining a healthy environment, thriving communities and a strong economy.
