Site Report 4
Aerial view of a green street plan for 42nd street. January 2015, University District Green Streets Concept Plan 2015
Since the early development of Latona, the block between 8th and 9th Ave from 42nd St. to 40th St. has remained a mainly residential block. Originally populated with middle class families, the construction of multi-family buildings, and the expansion of the UW, have turned it into a block occupied with both families in the few single family homes left on the block, and many college students living in apartment complexes. The block is located in the Southwest Quadrant of the U-District, and In the 1998 University Community Urban Center Approval and Adoption Matrix, the area is described as “somewhat separated from the rest of the University community by the Roosevelt commercial corridor and the University bridge.” (University Community Urban Center Approval and Adoption Matrix 5). The main goal for the quadrant in 1998 was to increase the appeal of the area through upgrades to basic infrastructure and added some more green space. One of the main ways they wanted to accomplish this goal was through adapting 42nd street to be a green street with many trees and protected parking lanes. In 2015, plans for this green street were drawn up, however they have yet to be implemented.
Building development in the West Edge prior to 1980. Page 33 University District History and Existing Conditions Report 2014.
Building development in the West Edge from 1980-2000. Page 33 University District History and Existing Conditions Report 2014.
Looking at maps found in the history and existing conditions report, there has been little development on the block since 1981, and none since 2000. The lack of new construction on the block goes along with the 1998 plan which also states that “the vision for this quadrant is one where existing trends will continue.”(University Community Urban Center Approval and Adoption Matrix 5). According to the Urban Design Final Recommendations from 2016 the new zoning rules will rezone the block from Lowrise Multifamily Residential to Midrise Multifamily Residential. Although, according to the report, the area should remain simply residential as odd roadways would make any commercial use difficult. As has been seen in the past, the report also states that the redevelopment in the area should remain relatively small. Seattle Department of Planning and Development 42).
A building design from Captiol Hill that could be applied in the west edge of the U-District, including this block, that could attract students and families. Page 42 University District Urban Design Final Recommendations 2016.
A map from the University District History and Existing Conditions Report 2014 showing the residential structure in the U-District. Page 40, University District History and Existing Conditions Report 2014.
While this block is currently home to both families and college students, its proximity to the expansion of UW around NE Campus PKWY makes it a prime location for development that caters to college students. The 2016 recommendations report says that the midrise multifamily rezone will allow new buildings to be constructed that may have shared kitchens and living spaces. The report also provides an example of a building on Belmont Ave E on Capitol Hill, replacing an older multi-family complex. Buildings like this, and the idea of shared kitchen and living spaces is a configuration that could appeal to many college students looking to live close to the University. Development like this would ultimately benefit the student centered U-district, by providing more affordable housing within walking distance of the light rail station and the UW. While this area was mainly populated by families in the 20th century, the expansion of the UW has caused the student population on this block to grow, new zoning rules will allow this block continue to provide affordable and convenient housing to students.