Site Report 4
Over the next few years, there is going be lot of development and renovations occurring in the University District and potentially on the block between 45th and 43rd St and Roosevelt Way and 9th street. Historically, the block has always been a multipurpose, highly trafficked block with service, housing, and commercial buildings on it. The current state of the block today is similar to its historical uses but has greatly expanded on the housing area with the construction of new, denser buildings. The block today serves as an all-purpose hub for housing, services, shopping, and parking. The multipurpose buildings on the block allow for commercial buildings on the ground floor to cater to the high traffic along the block and uses the majority of the space of the upper stories as apartments.
From the history of the block and development over time it is clear that being adjacent to highly trafficked roads contribute to the success of commercial buildings located on the block. Additionally, the location of the block along major arterial roads means that residential transportation is much more convenient for both public and private means of transportation. The highly trafficked location of the block means that it is a priority for urban development. As a result, the plans for the street and sidewalk of Roosevelt way and 43rd St have already been completed.
The location of the block is in the core of the University District, which is where the greatest changes is predicted to occur. With the planned addition of the new light rail station, adjacent to campus, and home to several existing highrise buildings and large development sites, the Core is the area best suited to accommodate growth (Urban Design, 16). Of about a dozen locations marked for potential highrise development sites in the University District, the adjacent parking lots on the block was highlighted on an aerial survey to be both likely for redevelopment and large enough to allow for a highrise under the proposed zoning (Urban Design, 30). The primary stakeholders affected by the development of the University District are the business owners and students. Over 40,000 students attend the UW and 38,000 people work on campus and in local businesses (Existing Conditions Report, 6). This development is attractive given the shortage of housing in the area relative to the current demand (Existing Conditions Report, 41). This new development parallels the broader trends of cities building denser to fulfil the increasing population and property value in cities. The increase in property value is leading many developers to seek to use their land in the university district to build newer, denser, buildings.
The Seattle Department of Planning and Development mapped the areas within a 5 and 10 minute walk from the light rail construction planned for NE Brooklyn Ave and NE 43rd St. The potential highrise location on the block would be within a 5 minute walk of the planned light rail station according to the map (Existing Conditions Report, 7). This creates an even greater incentive and value for the development of high density residential building to be constructed in place of the current surface level parking and car dealership lots. This is most likely the only significant redevelopment that will occur on the block in the upcoming years. All of the buildings on the block are relatively new and the sidewalks along the main streets have been renovated within the past decade, and consequently will be remaining unchanged for a while. The blocks relative location and adjacent streets will continue to influence the development as it has since the establishment of block, satisfying both commercial and residential demands with the growth of the city.
Overall, examination of a single block in the Seattle University District can give insight into how cities develop overtime. From the exploration of the block we can examine how urban changes occurs, and what factors lead to urban development. From the research into the history of both the block and the city it all comes down to people. A city could not be what is without being an attractive, strategic option for people and businesses to be located. City development relies on the mutual cooperation between workers, businesses, and the government. Each can greatly influence how the city is developed and all are needed for a functioning city. Despite the benefit that cities bring to its residents, it also has its problems. The natural environment must not be ignored both within and surrounding the city. The environmental impacts of urban development must be acknowledged and dealt with in a way that is best suited for the long term sustainability of the area. The historical development and evolution of the city can give insight into the patterns of development and provide useful information in how to best design cities for the future.
Works Cited
"Historic Preservation." Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. City of Seattle, n.d. Web. 15 Feb. 2017.
Nielsen, Roy G. UniverCity: the city within city, the story of the University District. Seattle: U Lions Foundation, 1986. Print.
Tobin, Caroline and Sodt, Sarah. University District Historic Survey Report. Rep. no. Caroline Tobin and Sarah Sodt. Seattle: Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Historic Preservation Program and U District Arts & Heritage Committee, 2002. Print.
University District Urban Design Framework existing conditions report. Rep. Seattle: The Department of Planning and Development, 2012. Print.
U District Urban Design. Rep. Seattle: Office of Planning and Community Development, 2016. Print.