The University of Washington and nation’s largest hedge fund real estate firm Greystar are teaming up to remove hundreds of trees in student housing.
The UW has decided to redevelop Blakeley and Laurel student housing villages — instead of taking on the work themselves, they have leased the land out to South Carolina private equity real estate developer Greystar: a landlord behemoth that has been accused of illegal rent raises, and price-gouging.
Blakeley and Laurel Village have hundreds of trees that add to the livability and climate resilience of the people who live there. Even though Greystar initially promised to keep most of these trees, they’ve now decided to raze them — tree removals are happening next week, and will be done by November 17, 2025.
These complexes are exactly where we should be keeping trees: student renters by definition have less agency and time over the places they live, and are less likely to be able to afford AC and are more likely to be walking instead of driving.
Trees make these places more walkable, cooler in the summer, improve air quality and less prone to flooding. And Greystar already said they can build the same housing and keep the majority of these trees.
To: president@uw.edu, parker8@uw.edu, jej@uw.edu, kimdinh@uw.edu, nicolb@uw.edu, rachelno@uw.edu, envdean@uw.edu, jpaxson4@uw.edu, rworden@uw.edu, saloneh@uw.edu, jlh22@uw.edu, balta@uw.edu, jodi@permitcnw.com, chad.winters@greystar.com, info@greystarseattleoutreach.com
Subject: Save Blakely & Laurel Village Trees
Dear Greystar Development and UW leaders,
Please pause plans to remove mature trees at Blakeley and Laurel Village. These trees make student housing cooler in summer, improve air quality, reduce flooding, and make the area more walkable and livable for residents who often can’t afford air conditioning or cars.
Greystar stated, “We aim to retain and integrate exceptional groves of trees into the project design.” That promise can and should still be honored — the same housing can be built while keeping most of these trees.
We urge you to revise project plans to preserve these vital trees and clearly communicate how tree retention will be prioritized.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
UW Student / Alumni (if applicable)
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