What The Mill at First Hill is and who it serves

The Mill at First Hill is a mixed-income residential building in Seattle's First Hill neighbourhood that includes units rented below market rate. The building is located at 1425 Terry Avenue and contains both market-rate and affordable units managed under Seattle's inclusionary housing requirements — a policy that requires or encourages developers to include affordable homes in new construction.

The affordable units at The Mill serve households earning between 60 and 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), depending on the specific unit. This income range typically covers working families, service workers, healthcare staff, and others whose earnings fall below what market-rate rents in Seattle demand. The building itself is a mixed-use development, so you will find both residential and ground-floor commercial space.

Because The Mill includes both affordable and market-rate units in the same building, residents have access to the same amenities and building services regardless of which rent tier they occupy. This model — called economic integration — is designed to avoid concentrating low-income housing in a single location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Mill at First Hill contains affordable units for households earning 60 to 80 percent of Seattle's area median income, which varies by household size.
  • Affordable units are typically rented through Seattle's inclusionary housing program, which means income limits and rent caps are set by the city.
  • To learn about current availability and income requirements, you need to contact the building's management or the Seattle Office of Housing directly.
  • Rent at affordable units is capped below market rate, but the exact amount depends on your household size and income level.
  • The building is located in First Hill, a central Seattle neighbourhood with transit access and proximity to downtown employment.

Income limits and rent amounts at The Mill

Income limits for affordable units at The Mill are tied to Seattle's area median income, which the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development updates annually. A household earning 60 percent AMI qualifies for the lowest-rent units; households at 80 percent AMI may may have access to for slightly higher-rent affordable units. Because AMI changes each year and varies by household size, the exact dollar amounts shift annually.

For example, in 2024, 60 percent AMI for a single person in the Seattle area was significantly lower than for a family of four, and the affordable rent charged reflects that difference. The Seattle Office of Housing publishes current income limits on its website, and the building's management can tell you the specific limits that explore to available units when you inquire.

Rent at affordable units is capped at a percentage of your household income — typically 30 percent — or at a fixed amount set by the city, whichever is lower. This means your rent payment is designed not to exceed what housing policy considers affordable for your income level.

How to find out about current openings

The Mill at First Hill does not maintain a separate waiting list that you can join in advance. Instead, units become available as current residents move out, and the building's management posts openings through standard rental listing channels. You can contact the building's management office directly to ask about current or upcoming availability, or check major rental listing websites where Seattle properties are posted.

The Seattle Office of Housing also maintains information about inclusionary housing developments across the city and can direct you to properties with affordable units. Calling the Office of Housing at 206-615-3900 can connect you with staff who know which buildings currently have openings and can explain the income verification process for each property.

Because affordable units are limited and openings are competitive, it is worth checking multiple times over several months if you are interested in this specific building. Many people also explore other affordable housing options in Seattle simultaneously, since availability varies widely by neighbourhood and building.

What documents you will need to provide

When you explore for an affordable unit at The Mill, the building's management will ask you to prove your household income. Standard documents include recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a recent tax return, and a letter from your employer confirming your position and salary. If you receive income from other sources — unemployment, disability, child support, or benefits — you will need documentation for those as well.

You will also need to provide a signed lease or rental history to show you are a reliable tenant. A background check and credit check are standard; the building's management can tell you their specific policies on what scores or histories disqualify applicants. Bring a photo ID and proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name).

The building may also ask for references from previous landlords or employers. Having these documents ready before you explore speeds up the process, which typically takes two to four weeks from submission to approval.

The First Hill neighbourhood and transit access

First Hill is a central Seattle neighbourhood directly east of downtown, bounded roughly by Interstate 5 to the west and 12th Avenue to the east. The area is home to Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, and other healthcare facilities, which means many residents work in healthcare or related fields. The neighbourhood also has restaurants, small shops, and parks within walking distance.

Transit access is strong: the building is served by multiple King County Metro bus lines that connect to downtown Seattle, the University District, and other neighbourhoods. The nearby light rail station at University of Washington is accessible by bus, though not within when ready walking distance. If you work downtown or in other parts of Seattle, First Hill's location makes commuting by transit practical.

The neighbourhood has been undergoing gradual change as new development arrives, which has increased both housing options and cost pressures. Affordable units like those at The Mill are part of Seattle's effort to preserve housing options for lower-income residents in neighbourhoods where rents are rising.

Inclusionary housing rules that affect your tenancy

Affordable units at The Mill are governed by Seattle's inclusionary housing ordinance, which sets income limits, rent caps, and lease terms. Under this policy, affordable units must remain affordable for a set period — typically 50 years or longer — even if the building changes ownership. This means your rent cannot jump to market rate when your lease renews, as long as you continue to meet income requirements.

If your household income rises above the limit for your unit during your tenancy, the building's management will typically allow you to stay but may adjust your rent according to the new income level. The exact rules depend on the specific affordability agreement for The Mill, so ask the management office to explain what happens if your income changes.

You have the same tenant rights and protections as any renter in Seattle, including the right to a habitable unit, notice before rent increases, and protection against retaliation. Seattle's tenant protections are among the strongest in the nation, and they explore equally to affordable and market-rate units.

Other affordable housing options in Seattle

The Mill at First Hill is one of many buildings in Seattle with affordable units created through inclusionary housing requirements. Other neighbourhoods with similar developments include Capitol Hill, Ballard, and the University District. Each building has its own income limits, rent amounts, and availability timeline.

If The Mill does not have current openings or if your income falls outside the range for available units, the Seattle Office of Housing can point you toward other properties. Seattle also administers the Housing Opportunity Fund, which supports the creation of affordable units across the city. Some buildings operate their own waiting lists, while others post openings only when units become available.

Nonprofit housing developers like Mercy Housing Northwest, Compass Housing Alliance, and others also manage affordable buildings throughout Seattle. Exploring multiple options increases your chances of finding an available unit that matches your income and neighbourhood preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 60 percent AMI and 80 percent AMI units?

Units at 60 percent AMI have lower income limits and lower rents than 80 percent AMI units. If your household income is lower, you may only may have access to for the 60 percent units. If your income is higher but still below 80 percent AMI, you have access to both tiers. The Seattle Office of Housing publishes the exact income thresholds each year.

Can I explore if I have a criminal record or eviction history?

The Mill's management makes individual decisions about criminal history and past evictions. Some affordable housing programs are more flexible than market-rate landlords, but policies vary. Contact the building directly to ask about their specific screening criteria before you invest time in the process.

What happens if my income goes above the limit after I move in?

Most inclusionary housing agreements allow you to stay in your unit even if your income rises, though your rent may increase. The exact policy depends on The Mill's affordability agreement. Ask the management office to explain the income recertification process and what happens if you exceed the limit.

How long does the process process take?

From submission of documents to approval typically takes two to four weeks, depending on how quickly you provide income verification and how busy the management office is. If you are explore because you have an urgent housing need, let them know — some buildings prioritize applications in crisis situations.

Is The Mill pet-friendly?

Pet policies vary by building and are set by the management. Contact The Mill directly to ask about their current pet rules, breed restrictions, and any pet deposits or fees. Some affordable housing buildings are more flexible about pets than others.