Site Report 1: A Deep Read

After receiving my block assignment, I visited my block in order to get a better understanding of what was currently there. My block is located relatively in the center radius of the popular University District Area; bordering between busy 45^th street and slower 47^th street; as well as being accompanied by 12^th Avenue and a one-way street—11^th Ave—on its sides. Buildings cover most of the area on the block. Starting north on 12^th Ave and 47^th Street, there is a new 6-story apartment complex spanning almost half of the block’s area called AVA U District. This apartment building is very clean, visually appealing, and modern. The complex spans both avenues, breaking at the alleyway. Following the complex south, it appears there are a few storefronts on the sidewalk, including a PureBarre Gym, and CorePower Yoga establishment. Continuing south on 12^th Avenue, there is a new hotel building called the Residence Inn which includes the recently opened restaurant, Tavern on the corner of the block. Following 45^th west towards 11^th Ave, there is another building that has a small restaurant, ShareTea, and a Washington State Employees Credit Union branch store. Traveling north on 11^th avenue, there is a small parking lot with a bus stop in the middle of the block as well as two older and small buildings that have been blocked off with a city public notice for demolition.  Unfortunately, the public sign has been heavily vandalized so the new additions to the site are currently unknown. Then at the final corner of 47^th and 11^th avenue, the AVA apartment building reappears with a new 7-Eleven store.

While visiting my block, I tried to observe my surroundings. One key finding was that there is has relatively no green space except for some walkway shrubs and trees on 12^th Avenue. Another observation was that my block has more vehicle and human traffic on 12^th Ave and 45^th street than on 11^th Ave and 47^th Street. I was intrigued that there were no churches, parks, or gas stations on my block, however, after studying adjacent blocks, I realized all three of these amenities are in short proximity to my block. There is a church directly across from the apartment building on 12^th avenue, a gas station a block west of 11^th avenue and 45^th street, and a park a few blocks north from 47^th street. I am surprised by the lack of traditional residential housing on my block and in the vicinity. All around my block are newly built apartment buildings. These observations led me to a few questions, specifically: What buildings were here before? Was this block always retail and residential? Or does it have an industrial past? Due to recent construction and planning, what new additions will be added to this block in the following years? I would like to explore this anomaly by researching public building and city records of the University District to find out what buildings, people, and businesses, and environmental features were present on my block years ago.