For 65 years, Horizon House has been a place where residents shape their own lives and community. Now, we’re taking a bold step forward with our West Tower expansion—a 33-story addition that will transform our campus while staying true to everything that makes us unique.
Betting on What Makes Us Special
After five years of strategic planning, our board of trustees faced a critical question: How do we secure Horizon House’s future? They evaluated every option—joining a larger system, acquiring another community, or building somewhere new. Their answer? Bet on Horizon House.
The West Tower represents our commitment to what sets us apart: our resident-led culture, our dedication to serving both middle-market and higher-end residents, and our ongoing investment in the people who make this community extraordinary—all under one roof.
Making Room for Growth While Caring for Our Own
To build the new tower, we’re deconstructing our 51-apartment West Wing that overlooks Jim Ellis Freeway Park. But here’s what matters most: We committed to finding every West Wing resident a new home right here on campus. Over three years, we voluntarily gave up millions in potential revenue to ensure each resident could move into an apartment that felt comparable to what they were leaving behind. Because that’s what community means.
A Tower Designed for How You Want to Live
The new West Tower will be a 33-story independent living high-rise with 202 apartments, bringing our total independent living homes from 377 to 529. These aren’t just any apartments—they’re purpose-built for older adults, with sizes ranging from approximately 861 square feet to 2,206 square feet across 15 distinct one- and two-bedroom floor plans. This kind of thoughtful, urban senior living remains relatively limited in Seattle’s core, which is exactly why we’re creating it.
As of November 2025, just 69 of the 202 residences remain available, with the rest already reserved by future residents and current Horizon House residents choosing West Tower homes. The strong demand reflects what we’ve always known—people want urban senior living that offers both security and independence.
New Spaces for All to Enjoy
The West Tower isn’t just about new homes—it’s about enhancing life for every Horizon House resident. We’re adding new and renovated underground parking, Parkview Terraces, resident gardens, a garden lounge, multipurpose event spaces, and an all-new rooftop dining and lounge venue on the 33rd floor with sweeping views of the city and the Sound.
The tower podium will feature outdoor terraces with direct connection to Jim Ellis Freeway Park, deepening our long- standing relationship with one of downtown Seattle’s most iconic public spaces. It’s about blending indoor and outdoor experiences in a way that’s uniquely Seattle.
Preserving Our Mission, Securing Our Future
The West Tower serves as an “economic engine” that supports our long-term sustainability while preserving what we value most: socioeconomic diversity, our strong resident culture, and our independence as a Seattle-based nonprofit. It allows us to welcome more older adults into our community while keeping our middle-market mission strong.
Historic Financing Achievement
In October 2025, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission approved tax-exempt municipal bonds to finance the project. On November 12, 35 investors placed orders for approximately $600 million in bonds—the largest nonprofit senior living financing to date. This historic achievement provides the capital needed to construct the West Tower and related campus improvements.
A Strong Partnership Team
While this project is complex, we’re moving forward with confidence thanks to our strong partnership team and clear mission. Mithun, a 2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award recipient, designed the West Tower. Andersen Construction Company of Washington, LLC serves as design-builder and general contractor. Our partners also include Sawgrass Partners (development advisory), Ziegler (investment banker), and Vanir Construction Management, Inc.—a 60-year-old minority- and woman-owned firm—as Owner’s Representative.
Looking Ahead
We asked ourselves one big question: What does it take for Horizon House to thrive for the next 65 years? The West Tower is our answer. It allows us to welcome more older adults into our community, keep our middle-market mission strong, and continue investing in the people—residents and staff—who make Horizon House the wonderful community that it is.
Demolition of the West Wing begins in late 2025, with West Tower construction starting in 2026. We expect substantial completion in 2029, with first move ins planned for mid-2029 and stabilized occupancy projected in 2032.
This expansion represents more than growth—it’s about ensuring that for the next 65 years, Horizon House remains a place where residents lead rich, connected lives in the heart of Seattle. Where community happens because people get together and make it happen.
