The long‑anticipated redevelopment of the former Alki Lumber site is entering its final pre‑construction phase, marking the most significant movement on the project since the Sweeney family sold the lumber business in 2021 but retained the land for redevelopment.

City records show that the two‑building mixed‑use project — now branded collectively as the Sweeney Blocks — has cleared its major design hurdles and is awaiting final construction approvals. The eastern building, located at 4406 36th Ave SW, received its land‑use approval late last year, while the western building along Fauntleroy Way SW is in the final stages of technical review.

Together, the projects will replace the century‑old lumberyard with roughly 300+ apartments, 10,000–12,000 square feet of retail, and 150+ underground parking stalls, reshaping a key gateway into the West Seattle Triangle.

A Project Years in the Making

The Sweeney family, one of West Seattle’s longest‑standing business families, began exploring redevelopment options in 2019. Early concepts envisioned nearly 500 units across two large structures. Those plans were scaled back through multiple rounds of design review, resulting in a more modest pair of 7–8 story buildings with stepped massing, widened sidewalks, and a stronger pedestrian presence along Fauntleroy.

Architects Ankrom Moisan and Northwest Studio have emphasized wood textures and heritage references in the façade, a nod to the site’s industrial past.

Where the project stands now

✔ Land‑use approvals

The eastern building has full land‑use approval. The western building’s land‑use decision is expected soon, pending final corrections.

✔ Construction stormwater and shoring plans

Engineering documents — including excavation, shoring, and stormwater control plans — have already been filed, signaling that the project is preparing for ground‑disturbing work.

✔ Demolition readiness

The lumberyard buildings remain standing but inactive. Demolition permits are expected to be issued shortly after the final land‑use decision is published.

✔ No appeals filed (so far)

As of February 2026, no appeals have been filed against the eastern building’s approval. If the western building clears the same hurdle, the project will be free to proceed without delay.

Likely Timeline (Based on Current City Processes)

Spring 2026

• Final land‑use decision for the western building

• Demolition permits issued

• Site fencing and pre‑construction mobilization

Summer 2026

• Demolition of Alki Lumber structures

• Excavation and shoring begin

• Utility relocation and street frontage work

Late 2026 – 2027

• Vertical construction on the eastern building

• Western building follows several months behind

2028

• First building opens to residents

• Retail spaces begin leasing

• Streetscape improvements completed

2029

• Full project completion

• Both buildings occupied

• Sweeney Blocks becomes a fully active mixed‑use district

This timeline aligns with typical durations for two large, sequentially built mixed‑use structures in Seattle, assuming no appeals or major permitting delays.

A Transformational Corner for the Triangle

Once complete, the Sweeney Blocks will join the nearby Maris, Broadstone, and Avalon developments in reshaping the Fauntleroy/Avalon corridor into a dense, transit‑oriented district. With RapidRide access, new retail frontage, and hundreds of new homes, the project is expected to significantly alter the character of the area long dominated by industrial and auto‑oriented uses.

How the buildings will look

Here's a side‑by‑side breakdown of the East Building (36th Ave SW) and the West Building (Fauntleroy Way SW) — the two major components of the Sweeney family’s redevelopment of the former Alki Lumber site.

1. Sweeney Blocks East — 4406 36th Ave SW

Overall Form

• 7 stories

• Rectangular massing with stepped upper floors

• Designed to transition toward the residential area to the east

Architectural Style

• Warm wood‑inspired cladding

• Vertical rhythm in façade panels

• Large windows emphasizing light and transparency

• Subtle industrial cues referencing the lumberyard history

Street Presence

• Primary frontage along 36th Ave SW

• Wide sidewalks with landscaping pockets

• Ground‑floor retail bays sized for neighborhood‑scale businesses

• Pedestrian‑oriented lighting and seating zones

Program

• ~150–170 apartments

• 5,000–6,000 sq ft of retail

• Below‑grade parking accessed from the alley

Design Highlights

• Recessed residential entry with canopy

• Wood‑tone soffits and trim

• Modulated façade to break up massing

• Bike storage and internal amenity spaces

2. Sweeney Blocks West — 4440 Fauntleroy Way SW

Overall Form

• 7–8 stories

• Larger footprint than the East building

• Stronger urban edge facing Fauntleroy

Architectural Style

• Bolder, more contemporary expression

• Mix of metal panels, textured concrete, and wood accents

• Larger massing broken into three visual “blocks”

Street Presence

• High‑visibility frontage along Fauntleroy Way SW

• Designed to anchor the Triangle’s commercial corridor

• Retail bays oriented toward transit riders and commuters

• Streetscape improvements including new trees and widened sidewalks

Program

• ~130–150 apartments

• 5,000–6,000 sq ft of retail

• Underground parking with a slightly larger garage than the East building

Design Highlights

• Strong corner expression at Fauntleroy & 36th

• Deep window recesses for shadow play

• Public‑facing plaza elements

• Potential for café or food‑service tenants

How the Two Buildings Work Together

Shared Themes

• Wood‑inspired materials referencing the site’s lumber history

• Pedestrian‑friendly ground floors

• Retail that activates both 36th Ave and Fauntleroy

• Similar height and massing for a cohesive district

Complementary Differences

• East Building: Softer, more residential, neighborhood‑facing

• West Building: Stronger, more urban, transit‑facing

Circulation & Access

• Both buildings use alley access for parking

• Pedestrian entries are street‑facing

• Retail wraps the corners to maximize visibility