A dynamic, multidisciplinary urban community
The University of Washington is creating a new urban district that will merge education and student life with cutting-edge research and action to solve the critical challenges facing the people of Seattle, Washington state, the Pacific Northwest — and the world.
Portage Bay Crossing, on the west side of the UW campus in Seattle, will be a place where students and faculty experts across multiple fields — including public health, engineering, life sciences, social work, public policy, and the arts and humanities — partner with trailblazing public and nonprofit institutions, private companies, and the Seattle community to harness the UW’s culture of entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and positive impact.
This is a long-term commitment; the University will develop Portage Bay Crossing in partnership with the private sector over the next several decades. This new district will also provide new options for how the University uses its campus space.
At a glance
69-acre urban campus
19 new buildings
Public freshwater shoreline
30-year development plan
“To meet the needs of our community, including our neighbors, alumni, supporters and fans, we are working to create a truly welcoming campus where people live, play, work and learn.”
The benefits of bridging the campus and city
Community, innovation and knowledge all thrive on collaboration. Portage Bay Crossing will harness the University’s vibrant student life and abundant offerings to build bridges between the campus and the wider community. Bringing together experts from across multiple fields and sectors will spark meaningful partnerships and world-changing solutions. And the district’s thoughtful, intentional synergy of arts, culture, academia, retail and gathering spaces will encourage interaction among varied groups, benefiting everyone who lives, works and visits here.
The campus community
UW students, faculty and staff will gain valuable experience through research collaborations with a broad array of cross-campus and external partners right on their doorstep. Bringing diverse perspectives, skills and ideas together in one place will also enhance the scale of the UW’s interdisciplinary education, research and outreach activities.
Industry and government
Portage Bay Crossing will serve as an incubator of new businesses, technologies, research-informed policies and practices, and more. Corporate and governmental partners can take advantage of these new opportunities, get involved in teaching and research programs, and benefit from the University of Washington’s impressive pool of talented students with top-notch training and education.
The public
All communities will be welcome at Portage Bay Crossing. As well as offering a vibrant arts presence and increased retail amenities, it will invigorate the U District with renewed communal spirit. Expanded green space and a new freshwater shoreline with bike and waterfront trail connections will provide a pleasing respite for cyclists, walkers and boaters.
Project update
Due to significant shifts in the broader economy, changes in the university funding landscape and evolving market conditions in Seattle since the project’s selection in 2021, the University of Washington and Wexford Science & Technology have jointly decided not to move forward with the development of the Brightwork (W27) building at Portage Bay Crossing at this time.
We deeply appreciate the dedication, time and effort invested by all stakeholders in shaping a compelling vision for this project. While this specific development will not proceed as planned, the UW remains committed to fostering innovation and will continue to monitor market conditions and evaluate the long-term potential of Portage Bay Crossing.
Wexford remains steadfast in its vision of combining the UW’s cutting-edge research with commercial tenants to create a dynamic and collaborative ecosystem adjacent to the university campus and look forward to future opportunities to advance this mission in alignment with the UW.
Feb. 28, 2025
Honoring the peoples of this land
The University of Washington acknowledges the Coast Salish peoples of this land, the land which touches the shared waters of all tribes and bands within the Suquamish, Tulalip and Muckleshoot nations.
We also acknowledge and honor the Tribal nations across Washington state and the many Indigenous peoples from across the country who live and work in Seattle and its surrounding areas.