SEED has been showing up for community in Southeast Seattle for 50 years. Our story began in 1975. Responding to years of underinvestment in Seattle’s South End, a council of over 30 organizations came together and formed SEED to create programs to uplift the community.
Early on SEED was guided by the need for walkable communities that include safe and affordable homes, good jobs, and access to arts and culture for everyone. Over the years, SEED has developed affordable apartments for nearly 2,000 residents, preserved spaces for arts and culture, and helped revive the historic Columbia City business district. This holistic approach encompassing housing, arts, and economic development continues to guide our strategic plan and our day-to-day work.
Partner with us in 2025 to honor our roots and spark another 50 years of centering community in Southeast Seattle. Your sponsorship of our 50th Anniversary events will support more than 45,000 community members with affordable living and creative entrepreneurship. Learn about becoming a sponsor.
View the 50th Anniversary photo album
SouthEast Effective Development is founded in 1975
The City of Seattle adopts the Southeast Seattle community development plan; allocates Federal and local funds to SEED to manage economic development projects
SEED leads local property owners in forming a Local Improvement District and establishing the Columbia City Historic Landmark District
SEEDArts presents several seasons of free jazz concerts at Seward Park, with performances by luminaries including Ernestine Anderson
SEED purchases and renovates its first apartment building at 3904 Martin Luther King Way South
SEED develops Rainier Valley Square – 104,000-square-foot shopping center, creating over 150 local jobs
SEED capital projects include rehabilitation of two community centers, including El Centro de la Raza, redevelopment of two health clinics, and accessibility improvements to sidewalks and playgrounds
SEEDArts forms SouthEast Seattle Arts Council, which brings new programs to the community including metal arts classes and a foundry at Cleveland High School
SEEDArts partners with Native American artist Marvin Oliver on installation of “Spirit of Washington” in Columbia Park, just one example of public art projects
Homeownership program is launched, which later spins off as HomeSight
SEED develops six more buildings – ensuring affordability of over 500 apartments in the South End
EPA funding secured and National Phoenix Award received for reclaiming contaminated land at the seven-acre Rainier Court site; construction begins on the first two apartment buildings at the site
SEED purchases the Fifth Church of Christ building – creating the South End’s first performing arts venue, Rainier Valley Cultural Center, now called Rainier Arts Center
Rainier Valley Youth Theatre program runs from 1996 through 2007, involving hundreds of local kids
SEEDArts public art installations include “Rainbow Valley” mural on Darigold building, mosaics in Columbia City, and sculptures in Hillman City
SEEDArts purchases a permanent space for the Columbia City Gallery artists’ collective
Columbia Gardens – the third building at Rainier Court – is completed, creating affordable homes for seniors and families with limited incomes, community space for residents, and commercial space for local business
SEED opens the Claremont near the Mt Baker light rail station; the organization’s portfolio grows to more than 1,000 affordable apartments
SEEDArts receives Governor’s Arts Award and installs public art projects throughout Rainier Court and other South End public spaces
SEEDArts Summer Series launches in Columbia Park, presenting free outdoor events for the community
SEEDArts Studios opens in Hillman City, creating affordable workspaces for local artists
SEED completes major renovations at Lake Washington Apartments
The Spokane opens as the fourth building at Rainier Court, with 81 affordable apartments for seniors and people with disabilities
SEED responds to the COVID pandemic with rental assistance and connections to culturally appropriate healthcare; resident services program expands
SEEDArts facilitates the creation of the City designated Columbia Hillman Arts & Cultural District and the State designated Rainier Valley Creative District
SEED incubates KVRU 105.7 FM, a hyper-local low-power FM radio station, then transfers it to community ownership
SEEDArts and partners purchase the Hillman Hub, a new anchor for the creative community, fighting displacement in the South End