The modern-day Pacific Apartments
For 45 years, Plymouth Housing has been one of Seattle’s most trusted leaders in providing permanent supportive housing. Among our most iconic buildings is the Pacific Apartments — a century-old landmark whose evolution reflects both the history of our city and Plymouth’s long-standing commitment to housing justice.
A century of change
Built in 1915 as a single-room occupancy (SRO) hotel – where tenants had private bedrooms and shared bathrooms – the Leamington Hotel and Apartments was designed to house travelers and transient workers. It was later designated as a Seattle Landmark.
By the 1980s, however, the building stood vacant and crumbling. As the city’s housing crisis accelerated, advocates sought to protect the site from ruin.
Historic image of Hotel Leamington
In the early 1990s, community advocates launched Operation Homestead, a peaceful occupation calling for the building to be preserved for low-income housing rather than luxury redevelopment. Their efforts helped bring attention to the urgent need for solutions and ultimately opened the door for Plymouth Housing to purchase the property in 1993.
Operation Homestead photo by Dana Schuerholz
What followed was an $8.5 million renovation that combined historic preservation with purpose. Plymouth restored the building’s architectural elements while transforming the interior into permanent supportive housing — a proven, cost-effective model that pairs high-quality housing with on-site services that empower residents to stabilize and thrive.
When the renovation was completed in 1995, a nearby resident described the change as “a classic case of metamorphosis — from caterpillar to butterfly.” The project earned the Washington State Historic Preservation Officer’s Award for Outstanding Achievement.
A legacy of resilience and renewal
Nearly 25 years later, as needs evolved and the pandemic highlighted the importance of privacy and comfort, Plymouth once again reimagined the Pacific Apartments. Partnering with ARC Architects and Rafn Company Construction, we replaced older single-room units with fully private studios and one-bedroom apartments, improved accessibility throughout, and refreshed community areas.
Our transformative, multi-year renovation, completed in 2025, modernized the space to improve resident experience while preserving iconic historic character that contributes to the beauty of Seattle’s downtown core — including stained glass and original masonry.
Historic charm remains throughout the renovated Pacific Apartments
Today, the Pacific Apartments provides stable homes and wraparound services to 87 people who have experienced homelessness. Residents have access to 24/7 staff support, case management, nursing, counseling, recovery programs, cultural activities, and opportunities to build community.
Plymouth staff member Stan Batten works with residents at the Pacific Apartments
A new chapter
More than a century after it was built, the Pacific Apartments remains a vital part of Plymouth Housing’s mission and Seattle’s story — a historic landmark transformed into a place of belonging, stability, and renewed opportunity.
One resident, Steven — a former small business owner who lost housing after health and financial setbacks — found stability and support here. Now in recovery and managing his finances independently, he reflects, “It took a long time to find happiness. But I’m getting my life back.”