Site Report 1 : The Deep Read

"A view of alley running through Block 16. University District (Seattle, WA). Taken on January 19, 2017. William Perry. Personal Photograph Collection."

"A street level view of the alleyway with Cafe Allegro. University District (Seattle, WA). Taken on January 19, 2017. William Perry. Personal Photograph Collection."

"Looking North along the "Ave" on Block 16, where several different ethnic restaurants can be found. University District (Seattle, WA). Taken on January 19, 2017. William Perry. Personal Photograph Collection."

"A panoramic photo of the Post Office at the corner of NE 43rd Street and University Way NE. University District (Seattle, WA). Taken on January 19, 2017. William Perry. Personal Photograph Collection."

     Block 16, located between NE 42nd Street and NE 43 Street, is a treasure trove of history nestled in the heart of the University District. The East side of Block 16 is directly across from The University of Washington while the Westside lines University Way NE with stores. Unique to other blocks in Seattle, Block 16’s ally is not only clean but also inhabited by a coffee shop and a Young Adult Shelter. I noticed while completing a full circle around the block, there is a storefront on every side of the street, which is really utilizing the space provided. The smells oozing from the restaurants and cafes is a melting pot of diversity. Over twelve restaurants and cafes are situated along the block, collectively spanning 4 different continental ethnicities of foods to the same block. The number of restaurants got me thinking, why are only three retail shops on this block, two bookstores, and one print shop?

      While studying the architecture of the buildings, I realized they ten different buildings on this block, all made out of different materials. Curious to see when they were built, I looked up each building’s record on King County Department of Assessments website and astonished by the results. La Paz Apartments, who’s spectacular brickwork is covered in thick ivy and the Grand University Temple United Methodist Church look to be the oldest buildings on the block, but they were built nearly a decade after the oldest building from 1908. A question arises, are these buildings original to the block or do they stand where previous buildings stood? One building, in particular, stands out from the others, Russell Hall Apartments. Built out of new tan and brown bricks, this apartment and retail building stands out more than any other on the block. After looking up more information about it on King County Department of Assessments’ website, I discovered it was built in 2009 and was the most recent construction project on block 16. Why did the contractors choose to build on this land over others and what was here before this building? The use of the land in block 16 is phenomenal. Including a post office, Church, a number of restaurants, and residential apartments, this block is in a perfect location for the University District. 

Conclusion:    University District can be considered one big organism. Each block plays a vital role in the growth of the neighborhood, whether it be economically or residentially. Block 16 is rare among blocks, as it is not only in a pristine location, but it holds an abundance of local business and housing. Another sign of success this block has is the longevity of the buildings. With the most of the block being close to, or over, 100 years old, these buildings have remained in use for the whole duration. Despite the constant come and go of shops and restaurants, block 16 will remain a vital part of the Ave. Before thinking every block is the same in the U District, remember that there is a lot of value in knowing the history if the city you're living.