Federal Way Downtown Station TOD

Renderings by Perkins Eastman

Project facts

• Location: Federal Way, WA
• Site area: ±6 acres across 4 blocks
• Current use: Vacant
• Status: Planning
• Development partner(s):
  • Sites 1 and 2: Multi-Service Center and Shelter Resources Inc.
  • Sites 3 and 4: None selected
• Program:
  • Sites 1 and 2: The proposed project includes up to 233 units that serve households earing up to and between 30% and 60% area median income.
  • Sites 3 and 4: To be determined

Sound Transit is partnering with the City of Federal Way to envision transit-oriented development (TOD) on approximately six acres of land next to the Federal Way Downtown Station. The area around the Federal Way Downtown Station is part of the City of Federal Way’s plans for their City Center. Together, Sound Transit and the City of Federal Way look forward to fulfilling the vision for a compact, mixed use, mixed income, and walkable urban center.

Development updates

In December 2025, Sound Transit issued a Notice of Intent to Award to the Multi-Service Center (MSC) and Shelter Resources Inc. (SRI) team to develop approximately 230 units of affordable housing on surplus property adjacent to the Federal Way Downtown Station. 

Federal Way Downtown Station Sites 1 and 2 Development Updates

MSC and SRI propose building approximately 230 homes across two buildings with approximately 570 bedrooms. Over 90% of homes proposed are 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units, responding directly to the need for family-sized affordable homes in Federal Way. 
MSC and SRI propose complementing their residential program with a café led by Project Feast, a local non-profit that serves refugees and immigrants through food-focused programming; a commercial kitchen in partnership with FUSION, a Federal Way based nonprofit who provides safe, secure housing and support services to families experiencing homelessness and working toward self-sufficiency; and a childcare facility. These non-residential uses are proposed for the ground floor of the development and will contribute to station area activation.

Renderings by Perkins Eastman

The proposed development builds on the City of Federal Way’s progress towards realizing their City Center vision. The design, placement, and massing of the two proposed buildings provide multiple pedestrian routes throughout the station area, connecting people to the Performing Arts and Events Center, Town Square Park, and the Federal Way Downtown Station. Staff will now begin negotiating key business terms with MSC and SRI, which are anticipated to be brought to the Board for approval in 2026. MSC and SRI aim to break ground on the project in 2028.

Federal Way Downtown Station Sites 3 and 4 Development Updates

Planning and analysis for sites 3 and 4 is ongoing and will determine the future development and offering strategy. 

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