A planned commercial development in Interbay that included a hotel and pickleball courts is now slated to become the site of Seattle’s first micro-shelter project under Mayor Katie Wilson’s homelessness response plan.
Wilson announced in a recent community briefing that the site at 1551 W. Armory Way, just north of Whole Foods, will turn into a micro-shelter village for people with behavioral health needs. The site was previously proposed in 2024 for a 144,000-square-foot project featuring a hotel, 19 pickleball courts, restaurant and bar space, and nearly 200 parking stalls.
Tiny home villages, such as those operated by Low Income Housing Institute, typically consist of small, wood-built structures that function more like cabins and are designed for longer-term stays, with a greater sense of stability and community. In contrast, micro-shelters developed by Pallet are smaller, modular units made from composite panels and designed for rapid deployment, often as a more temporary, emergency shelter option with shared facilities and shorter stays.
The shelters will consist of individual units measuring about 70 square feet, are designed for single adults. The units will include shared bathroom and hygiene facilities.
Services at the site will be provided by Immanuel Community Services, including case management, mental health care and substance use treatment.
The proposed micro-shelter project on Armory Way isn’t the first time a site has been linked to both pickleball plans and temporary housing. Further along 15th Ave W, the Salmon Bay tiny home village (3435 15th Ave W) operated in the interim before Pickle at the Palms broke ground.
The Interbay location sits a few parcels away from the existing Interbay Village (1601 15th Ave W) operated by the Low Income Housing Institute.
According to Mayor Wilson, additional shelter sites are expected to be announced in the coming weeks and will be distributed across the city.
Photo: Google Image Capture Sept 2025