Site Report 3: The Audio Tour

Intro:      I believe block 16's history is unique when compared to other blocks in the University District. From the start, block 16 was planned to be in one of the most powerful locations in the area. Sitting just across the street from the University of Washington and playing a key role in the economic foundation of the Ave, this plot of land will always be a functioning part of the neighborhood. With the block supporting many of the local businesses in the area, I believe this block 16 is a great summation of the University District's persona. With a large portion of the buildings being over 100 years old, a large list of businesses have aided in the history of economic success, which is still on this block today. Although the U District is expected to see a surge in its population over the next two decades, projects such as the Alley Activation Plan will keep block 16 from falling to future gentrification. 

Audio report: 

       Block 16 is nestled in between the World Renowned University of Washington, along 15th Street NE, and University Way NE, also known as the “Ave”. With residential housing filling the block in the late 1880s and early 1900s, Block 16 has been sitting on highly sought after land ever since the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. The University Temple was a prominent building in the early 1900’s not only because it was a center of religion, but how it sored over all the other buildings around it. The Ave also went under renovations as it was paved in 1909. Not before long, the houses along Columbus Avenue, now University way NE, were torn down and replaced with into one to two story shops. One building specifically located on the Southwest corner of block 16 has had an interesting history on the Ave. Initially serving as a post office, the store was bought by Beatrice Kutz in the 60’s which led to the formation of the bookstore “Puss N’ Books”. It was rumored to be named after the several overweight cats who populated the store. Then, in 1970, the building became the “ID”, a bookstore which was known for its left-wing political views. On May 5th, 1970 the I-5 came to a stand still when over 5,000 students and teachers marched along the interstate, protesting the Vietnam War. In order to disperse the people, the Seattle Police maced the crowds, resulting in herds of people running back to the ID bookstore to have their eyes cleansed with water. Keeping the trend of bookstores alive, Magus books is currently located in the building along with Bull Dog News. Although the original post office for the University district was on the southwest corner, a new post office was built in 1937 at the corner of University way and NE 43rd Street. Despite the numerous houses that were on Block 16 in the early 20th century, it has a mere three residential buildings, which hold approximately 70 people, according to city-data.com. Block 16 was also the original Starting point for the University District Street Fair which ran along University Way and to this day is the longest running street fair in the country. Locations like this are what give the University District its unique personality. Just as Block 16 went through major changes in the yearly 1900’s, I foresee another rise of gentrification in the near future for block 16.

 Conclusion:     Although gentrification is destined to occur within block 16, I believe it will primarily be through business gentrification. Just has it has occurred in the past, businesses will come and go, which only resolidifies the value seen in this plot of land. Just a block away from the future Sound Transit Light Rail Station, opening in 2021, the European-style Alley will be a great location for decongesting busy streets and attracting small businesses. I believe this alley will become an iconic sight in the University District, representing the unique and lively heritage within the U District. Plans like the U District Alley Activation are prime examples of what can be achieved when the Department of planning and Development and public share a common goal. The timeline for city blocks vary, while some blocks fall to gentrification, taking away the identity of the block, block 16 thrives in gentrification, becoming more and more embedded to the University District as time goes on.