Sound Transit | Federal Way Transit-Oriented Development

Shape community priorities for transit-oriented development near the Federal Way Downtown Station

Project overview

Sound Transit is expanding Link light rail from Angle Lake to Federal Way. The 7.8‑mile extension includes three stations in Kent Des Moines, Star Lake, and downtown Federal Way.

Learn more about the Federal Way Link Extension project.

We are partnering with the City of Federal Way to support transit-oriented development on approximately six acres of land next to the future Federal Way Downtown Station. These sites offer an opportunity to fulfill the community’s vision for a vibrant city center with direct access to transit.

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What is TOD?

Transit-oriented development (TOD) supports vibrant neighborhoods with direct access to regional transit. Bringing affordable housing, retail, and community space near transit expands connections to opportunities for all. We strive to be part of the housing solution by creating and supporting opportunities for development and affordable housing near our stations.

Learn more about Sound Transit’s transit-oriented development program.

Trees, rockery and plaza steps are shown in the foreground. Apartment buildings and a street sit in the background.

TOD sites can include public space for the community to enjoy.

Large buildings sit in the background of a street showing trees and open areas for walking.

These projects offer affordable housing that is steps from Sound Transit services.

An image showing an overhead view of light rail next to apartment buildings.

Locating housing next to transit connects people to opportunities.

Three people are walking on a street towards an apartment building. Trees are lined outside of the building.

TOD projects have included childcare programs, community and social services, and retail within walking distance of transit.

Cars and buses are driving through an intersection. A transit center (Federal Way Transit Center) sits in the background of the intersection.

Existing TOD near the Federal Way Transit Center provides energy efficient housing for seniors within walking distance to transit, services, and more.

Groups of people are gathered in a courtyard lined with trees and areas for sitting. Patio lights hang over the groups of people in the courtyard. Residential apartments are located all around the areas where people are gathered.

TOD can feature all-ages playgrounds, retail spaces, and public plazas, providing services for transit-oriented communities.

Building on the community’s vision for the future of Federal Way

The City of Federal Way has been engaging the community for over two years to develop a collective vision for future growth and update their Comprehensive Plan. This input is informing broader station area and neighborhood planning to create a livable, vibrant, and well-connected community. Informed by what they’ve heard from the community, the City of Federal Way is working to create a City Center that is a source of pride; a place in which the natural environment thrives, businesses prosper, abundant housing options meet diverse needs, the community is socially engaged and feels a sense of belonging, and getting around is convenient and safe.

Learn more about the City’s process to envision the future of Federal Way.

Transforming the City Center and creating a downtown that is the civic heart of the city will need redevelopment of existing properties, creation of civic spaces, and a reimagination of how people get around downtown.

The Federal Way Downtown Station TOD project will support this vision by bringing a keystone transit-oriented development project that will be part of Federal Way’s City Center neighborhood.

Learn more about the City of Federal Way’s Regional Growth Center

The Regional Growth Center (RGC) with Downtown at its heart, has emerged as a dynamic and thriving hub for the City due to a sustained commitment in public investment and private, mixed-use redevelopment. With an eye to better balancing the land uses in the area, the City has taken action to incorporate more housing into its RGC. A variety of moderate and higher density housing developments, including renter and homeownership options, are located within an easy walking distance from the centrally located transit station. These features compliment the employment-based uses already prevalent in the area. Safe, convenient, and attractive pedestrian networks that connect transit, residences, services, and entertainment, with art and culture are hallmarks of the RGC. Public spaces and amenities, like plazas and parks, as well as quality building design have become key elements of Federal Way’s RGC. Recognized by the densest development in the City, it seamlessly integrates with the region by sustainable and reliable bus and light rail transit. The urban environment is enhanced with lush landscaping, parks, plazas, public art installations and community events that celebrate local community identity and local diversity.

What has the City of Federal Way heard from the community?

Desire for a walkable area.
Interest in mixed-use development, locally owned businesses, homeownership options, and affordable housing.
Desire for a Downtown neighborhood that reflects and celebrates local history, cultural diversity, and the vibrancy of Federal Way.
Increased green spaces, parks, and community gathering spaces.
Increased entertainment options, such as live music, art galleries, night markets, cultural institutions, and family-friendly entertainment.
Interest in permanent space for a public market and farmers market.
Emphasis on safety, security, and increased lighting.

Next Steps

Our public input survey was open between May 29, 2024 and June 18, 2024. Thank you for being part of shaping priorities for transit-oriented development near the Federal Way Downtown Station area. Your feedback will help to inform our preliminary development strategy and upcoming conversations with potential partners. Sound Transit will continue to provide opportunities to engage with this project as the plans continue to develop.

We will summarize what we heard from the community, along with information collected during technical and market studies, and engage the Sound Transit Board of Directors later this year. Their input and direction will result in a development and offering strategy for a future request for proposals. Through that competitive process, Sound Transit will select a partner to develop the site once the land is available at the end of light rail construction.

We will continue to share updates and engage the community and stakeholders throughout this process. Sign up for Sound Transit’s transit-oriented development email updates to stay informed on next steps and opportunities to stay involved.

Timeline and milestones

Light rail station voter approval (2016)

Light rail station planning (2012–2019)

Light rail station design and construction (2019–2026) We are Here

Light rail construction complete and open for service date (2026)

Downtown Station TOD development strategy and community engagement (2024) We are Here

Downtown Station TOD project construction, following open for service date

Downtown Station TOD project opens, following ~18 months of construction

Federal Way Downtown Station
Transit-Oriented Development

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