Introduction

     Before knowing the history in block 16, I thought it was just like any other block. Housing the small coffee shop in the alley with the weird and a small magazine shop, I have realized this rectangle is more than a block in a city, it is the city. With many of the buildings built in the early 20th century, brilliant craftsmanship was put into building these buildings. Several different styles of masonry can be seen among various buildings, creating a distinct trait the University District has to offer. Despite city planners not expecting the size of which the U district would grow, these buildings have gifted this neighborhood a strong foundation economically and residentially. Despite this block's unique character, it serves as a good summation of how urban development took place in Seattle. In the early 20th century, churches served as community centers, which aided in the growth of residential neighborhoods in the surrounding area. Block 16 exemplifies gentrification from both the past and present. In the alleyway behind the University Temple, new steps are being taken to commercialize this alleyway to make the community a safer place. Considered a very dynamic neighborhood, the U District has block 16 to thank for the constant push for gentrification and progression.