Site Report 2

The earliest topographic map I could locate was a U.S. Geological survey of the topography of Seattle dated to 1893. This showed an elevation on block 20 of about 140 feet at the northern end and just under 125 on the southern end where it slopes down towards Lake Union. As can be seen in the illustration, the only current road on my block which existed then is modern day Roosevelt Way. The area immediately around my block was undeveloped at the time of the survey, but the road leading up the hill made future development inevitable. While looking at maps of the area I found no indication of foliage or canopy coverage in the area. However, a textual survey of the area took place in 1855, which provided more insight into what the area was like prior to Euro-American settlement.  

According to the 2002 University District Historic Survey Report, there was a good deal of information from the original 1855 survey that has been preserved. The confirms original findings that the topography of this section of University District has remained largely unchanged through the years. There is a gentle slope to the roads in the area, which accounts for significant changes in altitude as you travel up Roosevelt, but not so steep that it justified regrading. This sloping potentially had benefits as it provided natural drainage during heavy rains. 

According to the 1855 survey, there was record of massive red cedars and canopy coverage in the area. In addition to an abundance of trees, there were berries and large numbers of wild animals. This ecosystem was supported by a network of streams running through along the University District and ending in Lake Union. This made the area habitable for Native people who lived on near Portage Bay; there was a large encampment near present day Brooklyn Ave. (Tobin, 2002)

The habitability of the land made it an obvious site for settlement; the accessibility of roads, fresh water, and lumber made it an ideal place to live. This led to greater growth in the region and within a few decades the land around Roosevelt was entirely developed, this meant that the slope was not too steep for carts and horses to travel. However, what made the largest impact on the influx of people was the rail road. The train was primarily for transporting goods, predominantly lumber, across the bodies of water surrounding the area. This allowed for greater population mobility and income. Logging allowed for further land development, but also reduced the canopy coverage in many areas of the hill. By 1905 the face of University District was almost bare and devoid of trees. 

In present day, block 20 shows the result of clear cutting and development in the University District. There are about twenty little decorative trees on the entire block. They are all in planters and designated areas for aesthetic purposes. The elevation change on the block is noticeable, and walking along Roosevelt Ave it was interesting to see how the slope remained fairly constant. There is newer construction on that road, completed in the last two years, so it is possible they did slight regrading to smooth out the angle. The only signs of nature on the block are a massive bramble bush and grass growing on the island portion of the block, bisected by Eastlake Ave. The bush stands many feet tall and towers over people. It was by the only house on the block, in a portion of broken sidewalk, which leads me to assume it is the result of neglect. One question I have about this bush is if it is a distant relative of the berry bushes that the Native people once ate from. The gassy island is a section of the block that was split off when Eastlake was built, this isolates the small triangle of concrete. The only purpose it serves is as a bus stop and unofficial parking lot. Because it is not part of the main block and pedestrian traffic it has been forgotten and now grows massive amounts of grass. both plants illustrate the powerful ways that nature can quickly reclaim urban spaces if they are not maintained.