The Company
Samis Land Co is a real estate company that owns and manages property across Seattle, including some of the city’s most historic buildings. The Samis portfolio holds commercial, agricultural, recreational and timber properties in Grant County and Western Washington.
Founded in 1946 by Sam Israel, the company today is owned by the Samis Foundation, a non-profit organization established to support Jewish education locally and various initiatives in Israel. Sam’s vision was for his real estate to be an endowment to fund a legacy of charitable works for generations to come.
Today, Samis offers premium office, retail and residential space in Pioneer Square, Belltown, and the Central Business District. For more information about leasing opportunities, please contact us.
Our Founder
Our founder, Sam Israel, immigrated to Seattle in 1919 from the Island of Rhodes, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. With only an elementary school education, Israel became a successful businessman, operating several shoe repair stores in downtown Seattle. Over time he invested his small business profits in real estate around the city and state.
Known for his bold personality and strong opinions, Israel never wavered in his belief that real estate would hold its value above all other investments. He had especially great confidence in the future of Seattle and believed in the enduring value of its historic neighborhoods and buildings long before the tech boom that transformed the cityscape.
Sam Israel left behind a wonderful legacy in the form of the Samis Foundation, which today supports Jewish education and organizations across Seattle, in Washington State, and the State of Israel.
Samis Foundation
The Samis Foundation was established to ensure that Sam Israel’s most enduring legacy would be his support for philanthropic causes. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted over $100 million to more than 150 organizations prioritizing Jewish education, intensive, immersive Jewish experiences for youth in Washington state, and initiatives in Israel.