In March, CHS reported on the disappearance of construction cranes and design reviews for new projects on Capitol Hill.
However, there are exceptions, including a noteworthy development that is reshaping the skyline in the interconnected zone between Capitol Hill and First Hill.
Capitol Hill’s newest residential development, the Gridline Apartments, has reached near-full occupancy less than a year after opening its doors.
The two-building adaptive reuse project, developed by SRM Development, includes 178 units split between the West Building, which has 49 units, and the larger North Building, which contains 129 units.
This development offers a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, catering to a range of renters.
Gridline Apartments have grown up and around the neighborhood’s old Knights of Columbus building, resulting from an overhaul of the landmark-worthy structure that embraces the old while integrating new apartments.
The smaller West Building opened in November 2023 and achieved an impressive 95% occupancy rate in just about nine months.
Following this, the North Building, which opened in March 2024, reached stabilized occupancy by late January 2025, filling up in slightly over 10 months.
As of now, both buildings are approximately 97% occupied, highlighting the strong demand for housing in this area.
“We’re pleased with how quickly these buildings have filled,” said Mike Erickson of SRM.
“The location, amenities, and quality of the buildings have resonated with renters.”
Despite its success, the rise of the Gridline Apartments may have gone unnoticed due to its off-the-beaten-path location just off Capitol Hill’s Pike/Pine neighborhood and on the edge of First Hill.
The original plan is to retain the Knights of Columbus building as a commercial component of the project instead of converting it into apartments.
SRM Development paid $18.55 million for the 112-year-old clubhouse building and its surrounding parking lots after the local Knights chapter sold their valuable asset.
The last event held at the Knights’ home court took place in 2018, although a gym business temporarily utilized the space while SRM awaited the right moment for redevelopment.
Built in 1913, the original Knights of Columbus building has been thoughtfully preserved and renovated for commercial use.
Thanks to the Pike/Pine Conservation District’s regulations, this project was allowed additional height for retaining a historic “character structure.”
“Unlike other developments, Gridline will retain the entire historic structure, not just the street-facing façades,” the developers emphasized.
The commercial tenants for this piece of the project are yet to be confirmed, leaving some uncertainty about how this will unfold.
In line with Seattle’s Office of Housing Program 6 guidelines, 20% of the units at Gridline are designated as affordable housing for eligible lower-income households.
The remaining units are offered at market rates, with studios starting at $1,875, one-bedroom units ranging between $2,455 and $2,770, and two-bedroom units priced from $3,015 to $3,995.
Pricing varies depending on factors such as the floor level, unit size, and view.
The Gridline Apartments are designed to cater to a diverse community that includes young professionals, families, and artists, according to SRM.
The development incorporates MFTE (Multi-Family Tax Exemption) units to ensure accessibility for households with varying income levels.
“We aimed to create a welcoming space for everyone,” Erickson stated.
“Whether you’re new to the city or looking for a vibrant community, these buildings have something to offer.”
Conveniently located, residents of the Gridline Apartments can walk to grocery stores, restaurants, bars, schools, and hospitals.
The buildings showcase modern finishes, high-quality appliances, and amenities such as a rooftop deck that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Additional features include ample parking and on-site management to enhance residents’ living experience.
“The roof deck has been particularly popular,” noted Erickson.
“It’s a great space for residents to relax and take in the views.”
Unlike many mixed-use developments, the Gridline Apartments do not include street-level retail space in either building.
Nevertheless, the close proximity to nearby businesses and amenities provides residents with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
SRM Development, the firm behind Gridline, has a solid history of residential projects in Seattle.
Their portfolio includes the Astro Apartments near Seattle Center and the Lyric Apartments above Broadway.
“We prioritize building solid, high-quality structures,” Erickson affirmed, emphasizing that both the West and North buildings meet all safety and seismic requirements.
With both buildings now fully leased, the focus has shifted to maintaining the quality and community that have contributed to Gridline’s success.
The development team is optimistic that the apartments will continue to attract renters seeking modern, accessible housing in this evolving neighborhood.
Gridline Apartments is located at 1421 Harvard Ave.
Learn more at gridlineseattle.com.
image source from：https://www.capitolhillseattle.com/2025/04/with-the-knights-of-columbus-at-gridlines-core-harvard-aves-newest-residential-development-is-113-years-old/
