Site report 3
Script
Block twenty is located between Roosevelt Way and 11th Ave NE. The block is split in half with an alley dividing the two portions of the block. Zoning maps from 1923 indicate that the block was divided into Second Residence District on the right, and Business District on the left. Looking at modern zoning maps, these zoning regulations have not changed, however the height restrictions increased from 65 feet in 1923 to 80 in 1947. Parcel records show that the residential buildings have changed hands many times in recent years, and the prices have increased steeply as the area gained more popularity and traffic.
Because the block is divided, the residential side affected what businesses appeared on the commercial half. During the 30s and 40s, the shops along Roosevelt included Stewart Gordon Auto Repair & Battery, Super Auto Rebuild Garage, a beauty salon, and Ace Janitor Service. With the increase in zoning heights and the end of The Great Depression, these businesses and vacant lots were soon bought out by private investors so that taller, more profitable buildings could be erected. For example, the largest plot of land was acquired by a company called Nootka and combined with the parcel below it to construct the University Inn, Portage Bay Café, and The Portage Bay Grange. All these pieces of land changed hands in 2008 in a 21-million-dollar sale to University Inn LLC.
Being on Roosevelt Way, the block is on the oldest section of road in University district. It was the main road from lake union up the hill in the 1800s. Its value was increased by the railroad which ran a few blocks below. With the construction of University bridge in the 20s, and the economic boom of the 50s, Roosevelt way became a major shopping lane, with commercial zoning designations on either side. As the areas popularity and traffic increased, new roads were added after the completion of the University Bridge. These developments meant that roads were rerouted. A portion of block 20 was cut away to construct Eastlake Ave NE, which is the main road coming off of the bridge. Eastlake Ave also went over a preexisting road which meant that a new overpass was constructed to avoid the creation of an intersection.