From Layoff to Legacy: GardnerGlobal’s $50M Sarah Queen Project in Seattle
A Story of Resilience and Vision
The story of our CEO Jaebadiah Gardener continues to inspire. over a decade ago, during the turbulence of the Great Recession, Jaebadiah experienced a personal setback that would ultimately shape his life’s work. What once looked like a dead end has now become the foundation for a legacy.
Today, GardnerGlobal is at the helm of one of Seattle’s most significant Black-owned housing developments The Sarah Queen Project.
The Sarah Queen: More Than Housing
Rising from the historic grounds of Mount Calvary Christian Center in Seattle’s Central District, the Sarah Queen is a $50 million mixed-use development that embodies both cultural memory and forward-looking innovation.
112 apartment homes designed for diverse housing needs.
Street-level live-work and retail space, supporting entrepreneurs and local businesses.
Underground parking to support modern urban living.
This project isn’t just about constructing walls and windows — it’s about creating a community hub where culture, commerce, and housing coexist.
Honoring Legacy, Building the Future
The project’s name honors the spirit of resilience embodied by Jaebadiah’s grandmother, Sarah Queen Gardner, while also reclaiming space for Seattle’s historically Black community. In a neighborhood transformed by decades of displacement, the Sarah Queen represents both return and renewal.
Fostering Black Wealth & Community Power
For GardnerGlobal, development is not measured solely in square footage. It’s measured in generational wealth, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. By positioning the Sarah Queen as both a residential and commercial cornerstone, the project invests in long-term opportunities for Black families, entrepreneurs, and cultural contributors to thrive in the Central District once again.
From Layoff to Legacy
What makes this moment especially significant is the personal journey behind it. From a layoff during an economic collapse to becoming the CEO of a multimillion-dollar development firm, Jaebadiah’s story demonstrates the core GardnerGlobal philosophy: setbacks are teachers, and belief transforms them into stepping stones.
Closing Note for HQ
With press coverage in outlets like The Seattle Medium, GardnerGlobal’s mission continues to gain recognition. This moment not only validates the work but amplifies our message: we are not just building buildings.
We are building ecosystems of culture, commerce, and community that will outlast us legacies that stand the test of time.