Update

C40 received 12 submittals in response to the Request for Information (RFI) published in summer 2024. C40, WSDOT and the City of Seattle have completed the initial evaluation of all submittals, including convening a project review panel. Submittals were not ranked or scored, as the RFI phase was focused on generating ideas to support development of more clearly defined programming and site requirements in the subsequent procurement phases.

Pursuing long-term redevelopment of the WOSCA property includes a combination of procurement, land use planning and community engagement activities. The past year of activities, including the RFI process, have provided a unique opportunity to facilitate and broaden conversations about the future of the WOSCA property with community partners and interested teams.

Advancing to the next phase of the procurement process – the Request for Qualification (RFQ) phase – requires support and further action by the Washington State legislature related to Public-Private Partnership (P3) and funding. As a result of Senate Bill 5801 signed into law following the 2025 legislative session, the Washington State Department of Transportation was directed to develop proposed policies and guidelines to govern the use of public-private partnerships (P3) for transportation projects. This marks an important first step in revising existing statutes governing P3s in Washington state.

Since additional legislative engagement and approval are still required before advancing to the RFQ phase, we are updating the anticipated timeline for releasing an RFQ for the WOSCA property to mid- to late-2027.

The team will continue to engage with legislative leadership and community partners and expect to share an update on next steps later in the year.

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The former Washington and Oregon Shippers Cooperative Association “WOSCA” site comprises a nearly 5-acre parcel of vacant land that is ready for redevelopment following  nearly a decade of use as a construction staging area. It is uniquely positioned at the intersection between Seattle’s vibrant Puget Sound waterfront, the city’s professional sports stadiums that will host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, downtown neighborhoods, and Seattle’s industrial land base. A core component of the redevelopment will be a new headquarters facility for the Washington State Ferry (WSF) system, the United States’ largest ferry system. The proposal should provide a campus with a focus on maritime, industrial activities and supporting elements. The headquarters is expected to include additional maritime training facilities and could include public education or interpretive features, which will occupy a portion of the site. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will strive for exemplary co-development of the remainder of the site in collaboration with a partner. Opportunities include a sustainable mixed-use development in support of a vibrant stadium district and a more complete neighborhood; commercial or technology uses leveraging Seattle’s vibrant economy; or uses complementary to the historic residential neighborhoods nearby. 

Expected Land Use:
The proposal must include a new Washington State Ferry (WSF) headquarters. Teams are invited to propose other mixed-use developments on the remainder of the site to boost a resilient and thriving environment and a more complete neighborhood. The development should also aim at supporting downtown recovery, Seattle’s waterfront development and Port of Seattle's economic development through innovative activities and green services. It can include additional maritime training, skills, innovation facilities; event-related gathering and hospitality and neighborhood supporting uses and amenities. A wide range of creative development concepts is welcomed. 

Type of Property transfer intended: 
WSDOT intends to retain ownership of the land and the WSF headquarters facility. On-site co-development would occur on a long-term ground lease. The terms and duration conditions are open for teams to  propose. 

“Seattle is thrilled to partner with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to create an exemplary redevelopment of the WOSCA site. This site presents unique opportunities because of its connections to the maritime sector, our new world-class waterfront open spaces, and the stadium district where we will host 2026 FIFA World Cup games. Redevelopment of this site can play an important role in the reactivation of downtown, which is a high priority for Mayor Bruce Harrell." Deputy Mayor of Seattle, Adiam Emery 

"C40 offers an incredible opportunity to bring together innovative and creative minds from around the world to leverage and re-imagine dormant property in the heart of Seattle. It’s fitting that a parcel of WSDOT owned land will now be part of a global collaborative process to re-imagine this space for multiple uses. WSDOT looks forward to working with all of the partners and neighbours we serve in the Seattle area to best leverage this opportunity for an outcome that best serves us all.” Secretary of Transportation, Washington State Department of Transportation, Roger Millar