The Jack achieves world's first SEAM Certification

The Jack, developed by Urban Visions, has achieved a Bronze level SEAM Certification under the Operations + Maintenance: Developer rating system — making it the first building in the world to earn this designation.

Located in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square, The Jack is a 175,000 SF mixed-use building that has set a precedent for what social equity certification looks like in practice.

A collaborative process

As SEAM's first trailblazer, Urban Visions navigated uncharted territory. The team 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 adopters.

With input from 1,043 community members — representing a 99% confidence level with a 3% margin of error — The Jack is closely aligned with the needs and aspirations of its neighborhood. This level of community engagement goes well beyond what is typical in commercial real estate development.

What this means for the industry

The Jack's certification demonstrates that social equity in commercial real estate can be measured, verified, and recognized through a rigorous third-party process. It validates the approach that SEAM has been developing since 2018: a framework rooted in social science, aligned with international standards, and designed to create accountability for the relationship between buildings and the people they affect.

For developers and owners considering SEAM Certification, The Jack provides a real-world proof point. The process is rigorous but achievable, and the community engagement it requires produces insights that strengthen both the project and its relationship to the surrounding neighborhood.

Professionals interested in leading certification projects can explore the SEAM AP credential.