Count Down to Demolition! (respectfully): The Excitement Builds for the Sarah Queen Project
A New Chapter for Seattle’s Central District: Excitement Builds for the Sarah Queen Building
At Gardner Global, we are honored to share the next big step in our journey—a project that not only represents progress but also celebrates the deep legacy of community and culture. The Sarah Queen building is more than a development; it’s a tribute to Black women, entrepreneurship, and the enduring spirit of Seattle’s Central District.
Slated for completion by the end of 2027, this eight-story mixed-income housing development will offer 125 to 130 homes, including studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom apartments. True to our values, we’re dedicating a significant portion of the units to affordable housing, ensuring that longtime residents can continue to call this vibrant neighborhood home.
The anticipation is growing, and we can’t wait to see how this project will shape the future of the Central District while honoring its remarkable past.
Honoring Legacy and Family
The Sarah Queen building is deeply personal to us. Named after Gardner Global’s founder Jaebadiah Gardner’s grandmother, Sarah Queen Gardner, the project is inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit, her faith, and her unwavering dedication to her community.
“My grandmother was a churchgoing woman whose legacy of perseverance still inspires me to this day.”
From its thoughtful design to its cultural mission, every detail of this building is a reflection of her influence and the rich history of Black women and the Black church in the Central District. It’s our way of ensuring that her story—and the stories of so many others—remain a part of the community’s future.
Building Opportunity, Not Just Structures
At Gardner Global, we believe development is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about uplifting people. The Sarah Queen project is a prime example of this philosophy in action.
We’re committed to prioritizing Black contractors, architects, and businesses in every phase of this project. By doing so, we’re ensuring that the economic opportunities created by this development stay within the community. This is more than a construction project; it’s a chance to empower our neighbors, create jobs, and foster equity in an industry that has historically left marginalized communities behind.
Affordable Housing with Impact
Affordable housing is one of the most pressing needs in the Central District, and it’s at the heart of what we’re building with the Sarah Queen project. Many of the studios and one-bedroom units will be offered at rates that make sense for families of varying income levels, allowing us to address the ongoing challenge of displacement in this community.
But we’re not stopping there. Across the street, we’re already planning a second development: a 100% affordable housing building. Together, these two projects represent our commitment to investing in the Central District and creating a future where everyone has a place to belong.
Keeping the Community at the Center
One of the things that makes the Sarah Queen building so special is the excitement it has sparked throughout the Central District. We’ve worked hard to keep the community involved and informed every step of the way, ensuring that this development reflects the values and aspirations of those it’s meant to serve.
“It’s important for us to stay connected with the people who make this neighborhood what it is.”
This project is about more than a physical space—it’s about creating a legacy that uplifts, includes, and inspires.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for the respectful demolition of the Mount Calvary Christian Center and move closer to breaking ground on the Sarah Queen building, we feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunity to preserve the essence of the Central District, gratitude for the people who have supported us, and gratitude for the chance to bring this vision to life.
For us, the Sarah Queen building is a labor of love. It’s where legacy and progress meet, where history informs the future, and where the Central District’s vibrant spirit will continue to shine for generations to come.
This is just the beginning. We’re not only building a structure; we’re building a community, a vision, and a brighter future for Seattle.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.