The Jack, developed by Urban Visions, has set a groundbreaking precedent as the first SEAM Certified project in the world, achieving a Bronze level certification under the SEAM O+M: Developer certification. As SEAM's first trailblazer, The Jack provided invaluable implementation feedback that refined and improved SEAM's existing framework, scorecard, and processes. Its remarkable achievements demonstrate how bold leadership and a commitment to social equity can create lasting impacts on the built environment.
CHALLENGE
Amplifying Local Impact
Urban Visions, a key player in Seattle's real estate scene, has been instrumental in shaping the city's landscape for decades. With a deep understanding of Seattle's history and a vision for its future, they saw The Jack as an opportunity to make a significant impact on the city. Their challenge was to maximize The Jack's potential to benefit their local community in a meaningful way, and they were determined to do so in a way that aligned with Seattle's innovative spirit and future potential.
APPROACH
Implementing and Refining Social Equity Practices
Urban Visions approached The Jack project with a commitment to fully understanding the social equity principles defined in the SEAM Certification, which is based on international best practices and standards. In a spirit of collaboration, they worked with SEAM to implement these principles into their project, providing feedback on obstacles, suggesting process improvements, and contributing to refinements that enhanced the framework's usability and effectiveness.
The challenge was that comprehensively and holistically embedding social equity into real estate practices is still a novel concept in commercial real estate. In an industry accustomed to decades-old approaches, there were fears of resistance to change. Urban Visions' willingness to explore new methodologies and leverage their deep real estate experience was crucial in navigating this uncharted territory.
ACHIEVEMENTS
As the first SEAM Certified project in the world, The Jack sets a precedent for how social equity can transform real estate operations. Urban Visions collaborated with SEAM to refine 143 certification processes, enhance 262 elements in the SEAM Standard, and calibrate 46 scorecard activities, creating a framework that is now more actionable for future certifications.
Deep Engagement
With input from 1,043 community members—representing a statistically robust understanding of local priorities—The Jack is closely aligned with the needs and aspirations of its neighborhood. A grievance mechanism was introduced, providing an accessible and structured way for community members to address concerns related to the property.
Urban Visions empowered 12 team members, spanning five companies, to champion social responsibility practices and integrate equity principles into their roles. Beyond this, the organization adopted ten equitable policies that guide operations at The Jack and are implemented across Urban Visions' organization, embedding social responsibility into its DNA.
Safety Net
In its first year of operations, The Jack made a significant investment of $232,694 to hire additional security and off-duty police officers, creating a 'safety net' around the property. This proactive effort not only strengthens neighborhood safety but also sets a precedent for collaboration among other building owners in Pioneer Square and the Waterfront areas, demonstrating how collective action can amplify these benefits and contribute to a more secure and connected neighborhood.
Economic Impact
Economic opportunities remain central to The Jack's impact. 23% of suppliers represent underrepresented groups, and $691,932 is directed to these businesses. Inclusive design features further elevate the project's equity impact, benefiting 459 building occupants by creating spaces that are accessible and welcoming for all.
Human Rights
Upholding human rights is a cornerstone of The Jack's operations. Ethical sourcing practices guide 89% of supplier partnerships, and $734,390 is spent with responsible suppliers. These efforts contribute to a supply chain in which 86% of Tier 1 workers earn a living wage. Additionally, 100% of owner-employees on the property are paid above the living wage, underscoring Urban Visions' leadership in equitable labor practices.
OUTCOME
The Jack's SEAM Certification marks a turning point in how social equity principles can be embedded into real estate operations. Beyond achieving certification, the project demonstrates that adopting equitable practices creates value for both the community and the broader industry. By becoming the first SEAM Certified project in the world, The Jack exemplifies how real estate can support local communities while influencing systemic change.
Diverse Perspectives
The engagement of over 1,043 community members provided valuable and statistically significant input, representing a 99% confidence level with a 3% margin of error. This depth of outreach allowed Urban Visions to shape operations based on a representative understanding of the community's diverse perspectives.
Replicable Model
Urban Visions' investment in neighborhood safety highlights how targeted initiatives can serve as catalysts for broader impact. By allocating $232,694 in the first year of operations to a security "safety net," The Jack demonstrated how proactive measures can contribute to a more connected and secure neighborhood. This approach, coupled with collaboration among other property owners, offers a replicable model for fostering collective action in urban districts.
The project also underscored the importance of adaptability. As one of the first to implement SEAM Certification, Urban Visions navigated uncharted territory, identifying challenges and suggesting refinements that enhanced the certification framework for future adopters. Their experience revealed that overcoming resistance to change within long-standing industry practices requires both strategic vision and a willingness to innovate.
Urban Visions and The Jack inspire others to confidently pursue social equity goals by demonstrating what's possible. Their work highlights that integrating equity into real estate is not just achievable—it's transformative for communities, workers, and the industry itself.
The Jack isn't just a building; it's a blueprint for how real estate can create lasting, positive impact. The Jack shows that embedding equity into real estate operations is achievable and transformative. Urban Visions' work offers a path forward for any organization ready to embrace positive change and make real estate a force for good.
“There's this unique moment where we as developers need to focus on doing development that is representative of our communities. Our future has to be through creating healthy urban environments that people want to live in, work in, and are fair and equitable to all communities.”
--GREG SMITH, FOUNDER + CEO, URBAN VISIONS
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