Ada Devevlopers | Seattle Tenant Rep

The Challenge

Ada Developers Academy is a nonprofit, tuition free coding school for women that is aiming to “change the face of tech.”
In 2019, they hired a new CEO with big ambitions for growth and expansion
Their existing headquarters and classroom space were not conducive to their long-term goals; they needed a space that reflected their mission at an affordable price point while remaining near major technology companies in Seattle.
Rental rates and construction costs were at all time highs which put Ada in a tough position on how to stay in the downtown core.

Created internal surveys for students and staff to rank the importance of location, amenities in building and surrounding areas, access to mass transportation, general layout, etc.
Utilized heat map technology to compare various submarkets and how it would impact staff and student drive times or commute times on mass transit.
Targeted local ownership groups with in-house construction teams that would be excited to have a nonprofit like Ada within their portfolio.
Searched for second generation classroom space and options within existing universities/schools
Engaged architects and furniture vendors to nail down square footage parameters and floor plan design.

Identified a fantastic option at 5th & Jackson across from Union Station and King Street Station.
Negotiated a turn-key build out from the landlord on a 5 year lease term
Secured a Right of First Refusal option on contiguous space in the building to accommodate future growth.

In July 2021, Ada was a finalist and winner of a $10 million grant from Melinda Gates and the Equality Can’t Wait Challenge. The grant was earmarked for expansion locally as well as across the country.
In October 2021 we negotiated a turn-key build out for Ada to expand and take another floor at 5th and Jackson as they continue to build out their administration team.
With national expansion on the horizon, we are working with Ada to determine future markets for consideration.