Byrd Barr Place Transfers First Right of Refusal to AfricaTown Community Land Trust
Historic agreement strengthens the long-term preservation of one of Seattle's most significant Black landmarks while advancing community stewardship for future generations.
SEATTLE, WA {July 22, 2026)— Byrd Barr Place officially transferred the First Right of Refusal for the historic Liberty Bank Building to AfricaTown Community Land Trust on Sunday, strengthening the long-term preservation of one of Seattle's most significant Black historic sites and helping ensure its future remains guided by the community whose vision brought it to life.
The agreement represents a major milestone in the Liberty Bank Building's 58-year history and reinforces a shared commitment to preserving the legacy of the site that once housed the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi. Through the transfer, AfricaTown Community Land Trust gains the first opportunity to steward the property should it become available in the future, helping ensure future decisions about one of Seattle's most iconic Black landmarks remain connected to the community it was created to serve.
Board members, project partners and one young community member gathered outside the Liberty Bank Building to witness the historic signing, marking the next chapter for a building that continues to symbolize Black entrepreneurship, community investment and equitable development in Seattle’s Central District.
Originally established in 1968, Liberty Bank expanded access to banking, homeownership and economic opportunity for Seattle's Black community during an era of discriminatory lending practices. Today, following a $32 million community-led redevelopment, the Liberty Bank Building provides 115 permanently affordable homes while preserving one of Seattle's most enduring symbols of Black history, resilience and community investment.
“When I came to Byrd Barr Place three years ago, I learned about the partnership between Byrd Barr Place, AfricaTown Community Land Trust, and Community Roots Housing in reimagining and repurposing the Liberty Bank Building,” said Dr. Angela Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of Byrd Barr Place. “We know that there’s a three-legged stool that created this space for the community to live and thrive. Byrd Barr Place now has the opportunity to transfer our First Right of Refusal on the property to AfricaTown and move into the position of Second Right of Refusal. We’re not concerned about being in that position because we know that AfricaTown is ready to continue leading in this community and caring for the people who are housed here.”
“This is a very historic moment, another step in our journey of collectively securing a future for our Black community that has called the Central District in Seattle home for over 140 years. Making sure we have sustainability in mind and understanding that community and organizations are here, working together collaboratively to move toward a vision of a vibrant Black community in Seattle.” said WyKing Garrett, President & CEO, AfricaTown Community Land Trust. “In our collective collaboration to ensure the people’s well-being here in this building, Byrd Barr Place plays a very essential role in terms of the basic needs. All of these pieces are critical to a thriving community. We always say that one house doesn’t make a village. The vision of AfricaTown is a thriving Black community rooted in the beauty and brilliance and the best of our history and present. It means that many organizations, many businesses, many families and many individuals are having success. That’s the only way we can have a vibrant Black community.”
The ceremony also spotlighted an upcoming feature-length documentary produced by The Elite Collective in partnership with Byrd Barr Place. Directed by Carlos Imani and narrated by TraeAnna Holiday, the film chronicles the Liberty Bank Building's remarkable 58-year journey, from the founding of the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi to its transformation into a nationally recognized model of community-led redevelopment. Sunday's historic signing now serves as the documentary's concluding chapter.
"This documentary preserves more than the history of a building,” said Carlos Imani, Director & Executive Producer, The Elite Collective. “It preserves the voices, vision, and leadership of the people who made this moment possible."
Liberty Bank Building by the Numbers
1968 — Liberty Bank opens as the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi.
$32 Million — Community-led redevelopment investment.
115 — Permanently affordable homes created through the redevelopment.
58 Years — From Liberty Bank's founding to the historic transfer advancing long-term community stewardship
About Byrd Barr Place
Byrd Barr Place has served the Seattle community for decades, providing essential services including energy assistance, food access, advocacy, and community-
centered programming. Rooted in a legacy of civil rights leadership, Byrd Barr Place continues to champion equity and opportunity for all Washingtonians.
About AfricaTown Community Land Trust
AfricaTown Community Land Trust is a Black-led community development organization committed to preserving land, culture and economic opportunity in
Seattle's Central District through equitable development, affordable housing and community ownership.
About The Elite Collective
The Elite Collective is a creative production company dedicated to preserving history through documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling that elevates
communities, culture and legacy.
SEATTLE, WA {July 22, 2026)— Byrd Barr Place officially transferred the First Right of Refusal for the historic Liberty Bank Building to AfricaTown Community Land Trust on Sunday, strengthening the long-term preservation of one of Seattle's most significant Black historic sites and helping ensure its future remains guided by the community whose vision brought it to life.
The agreement represents a major milestone in the Liberty Bank Building's 58-year history and reinforces a shared commitment to preserving the legacy of the site that once housed the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi. Through the transfer, AfricaTown Community Land Trust gains the first opportunity to steward the property should it become available in the future, helping ensure future decisions about one of Seattle's most iconic Black landmarks remain connected to the community it was created to serve.
Board members, project partners and one young community member gathered outside the Liberty Bank Building to witness the historic signing, marking the next chapter for a building that continues to symbolize Black entrepreneurship, community investment and equitable development in Seattle’s Central District.
Originally established in 1968, Liberty Bank expanded access to banking, homeownership and economic opportunity for Seattle's Black community during an era of discriminatory lending practices. Today, following a $32 million community-led redevelopment, the Liberty Bank Building provides 115 permanently affordable homes while preserving one of Seattle's most enduring symbols of Black history, resilience and community investment.
“When I came to Byrd Barr Place three years ago, I learned about the partnership between Byrd Barr Place, AfricaTown Community Land Trust, and Community Roots Housing in reimagining and repurposing the Liberty Bank Building,” said Dr. Angela Griffin, Chief Executive Officer of Byrd Barr Place. “We know that there’s a three-legged stool that created this space for the community to live and thrive. Byrd Barr Place now has the opportunity to transfer our First Right of Refusal on the property to AfricaTown and move into the position of Second Right of Refusal. We’re not concerned about being in that position because we know that AfricaTown is ready to continue leading in this community and caring for the people who are housed here.”
“This is a very historic moment, another step in our journey of collectively securing a future for our Black community that has called the Central District in Seattle home for over 140 years. Making sure we have sustainability in mind and understanding that community and organizations are here, working together collaboratively to move toward a vision of a vibrant Black community in Seattle.” said WyKing Garrett, President & CEO, AfricaTown Community Land Trust. “In our collective collaboration to ensure the people’s well-being here in this building, Byrd Barr Place plays a very essential role in terms of the basic needs. All of these pieces are critical to a thriving community. We always say that one house doesn’t make a village. The vision of AfricaTown is a thriving Black community rooted in the beauty and brilliance and the best of our history and present. It means that many organizations, many businesses, many families and many individuals are having success. That’s the only way we can have a vibrant Black community.”
The ceremony also spotlighted an upcoming feature-length documentary produced by The Elite Collective in partnership with Byrd Barr Place. Directed by Carlos Imani and narrated by TraeAnna Holiday, the film chronicles the Liberty Bank Building's remarkable 58-year journey, from the founding of the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi to its transformation into a nationally recognized model of community-led redevelopment. Sunday's historic signing now serves as the documentary's concluding chapter.
"This documentary preserves more than the history of a building,” said Carlos Imani, Director & Executive Producer, The Elite Collective. “It preserves the voices, vision, and leadership of the people who made this moment possible."
Liberty Bank Building by the Numbers
1968 — Liberty Bank opens as the first Black-owned bank west of the Mississippi.
$32 Million — Community-led redevelopment investment.
115 — Permanently affordable homes created through the redevelopment.
58 Years — From Liberty Bank's founding to the historic transfer advancing long-term community stewardship
About Byrd Barr Place
Byrd Barr Place has served the Seattle community for decades, providing essential services including energy assistance, food access, advocacy, and community-
centered programming. Rooted in a legacy of civil rights leadership, Byrd Barr Place continues to champion equity and opportunity for all Washingtonians.
About AfricaTown Community Land Trust
AfricaTown Community Land Trust is a Black-led community development organization committed to preserving land, culture and economic opportunity in
Seattle's Central District through equitable development, affordable housing and community ownership.
About The Elite Collective
The Elite Collective is a creative production company dedicated to preserving history through documentary filmmaking and visual storytelling that elevates
communities, culture and legacy.