SEATTLE – Amazon and Seattle-based C&A Development are teaming up to tackle one of the city’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. On June 9, 2026, they broke ground on The Pointe at Thomas Apartments in Capitol Hill, a project that promises 67 affordable homes for families earning between 40% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This initiative aims to create long-lasting housing stability in a city where the average home price hovers around $960,000, making homeownership an elusive dream for many.
"This project serves the people who power this city—teachers, health care workers, and everyday professionals—allowing them a chance to live in the communities they contribute to," said Cliff Avril, co-founder of C&A Development and a former NFL player. With homes remaining affordable for the next 99 years, The Pointe at Thomas represents a tangible step towards alleviating the critical housing crisis within the area.
The project showcases the strength of strategic partnerships in solving urban housing challenges. C&A Development combines community ties and innovative vision with Amazon’s housing fund, which has committed $6.7 million in below-market financing. Seattle Credit Union (SCU), serving as the senior lender, is providing an additional $11.4 million in construction capital—critical funds that help make this project financially sustainable. “When working families can afford to live near excellent transit, jobs, schools, and community resources, it transforms their daily lives,” stated Senthil Sankaran, managing principal of Amazon’s housing fund.
Before breaking ground, the initiative was bolstered by a Washington State Department of Commerce grant that helped cover pre-development costs. This early financial support strengthens the project’s viability, making it an appealing model for other similar endeavors.
The Pointe at Thomas also emphasizes sustainability through compliance with Built-Green 4-Star Standards, featuring environmentally-friendly amenities like a green roof and heat pump water heaters. Located just two blocks from light rail service and other essential amenities, this development promotes a car-free lifestyle, aiming to reduce carbon emissions in line with modern sustainability goals.
“Affordable housing is community infrastructure. It becomes personal infrastructure when a family has a stable home, a budget they can plan around, and a real path forward,” comments Michael Cruz, Interim President and CEO of Seattle Credit Union. This sentiment resonates firmly within the business sector, where a stable workforce can drive economic growth.
As part of its commitment to community welfare, C&A Development is collaborating with the Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic (OBCC), offering employees, patients, and their families priority access to available units. Furthermore, discussions with transit authorities are underway to provide discounted transit passes for residents, which could facilitate easier access to jobs and essential services.
Amazon’s broader commitment to affordable housing can’t be overlooked. The company has already earmarked over $900 million to create and preserve more than 10,000 affordable homes across the Puget Sound region, a move that impacts over 22,000 residents.
While the project showcases promise, small business owners might want to consider the challenges that accompany significant developments like The Pointe at Thomas. Construction delays, rising material costs, and pre-development financing complexities can all pose risks. However, engaging in community-oriented projects could solidify a company’s reputation, potentially attracting a customer base that prioritizes social responsibility.
For small businesses that relate closely to their communities, The Pointe at Thomas may serve as a beacon of opportunity and collaboration. Partners like C&A Development and Amazon not only address housing shortages but also foster economic stability by nurturing a workforce that can thrive locally.
In a city grappling with escalating living costs, projects like The Pointe at Thomas provide small business owners with valuable insights into the intricate but essential connections between affordable housing and community well-being. The official announcement on Amazon’s press release can be found here.
Image Via BizSugar
