The research process for learning about the history of block 71 and the history itself has unearthed many urban trends and developmental patterns. Some are specific to Seattle, others see parallels across the U.S. One of the nationwide trends also illustrated here in Seattle is the influence of transportation technology on the growth of neighborhoods. The University District became possible because of better transportation. People could live further away from the city while still being able to rely on it for economic gain, if they could commute. This plays into themes of suburban development across the nation. People used transportation to carry them further and further away from the city, in many cases to escape problems and people deemed undesirable by the stereotypical white suburban family of the 20th century. However, that describes a phenomenon called ‘white flight’, an urban pattern not well represented in block 71’s history. Better represented is how improving transportation technology not only made the U District possible, but has also greatly influenced its growth, and continues to today such as with the future light rail station discussed in site report #4. The development of cars also saw Seattle become a car-centered city, a pattern repeated nationwide. This comes with its own problems, such as pollution and traffic.
Block 71 as a residential block gives a great example of how patterns of economic growth affect residential development, as illustrated through the site reports on this block. What’s most important to note is that there is a strong correlation between economic growth and residential growth. People want to live as close to money and economic opportunity as they can, if they can still avoid the problems of the city. Again, this is seen in larger patterns of suburban development, as they start to develop their own economies. In the U District, we saw residential development with the development of the Ave and the University of Washington. Living close to money and education was desirable, and so the U District survived and remains today.
We see a lot of patterns in the U District and in Seattle that can be seen in other cities. However, the U District has something that many other cities and surrounding neighborhoods don’t – usually because of white flight. It has a relatively diverse population that creates a thriving culture that many residents adore. This is due to a couple of factors, including the university that acts as a melting pot for different cultures, and the affordable housing in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, as discussed in the last site report, affordable housing is dwindling. This has inspired community action which will hopefully influence developers that come to the U District now that up zoning has been approved. This example of civil interaction with city government is an extremely important part of building a better neighborhood and city, and such interaction has been present in the growth of all major U.S. cities.
The history of this block illustrates many urban trends and patterns in the development of cities, some more important than others. It’s important to understand the monumental influence that the development of transportation technology has had on the patterns of growth for cities. The two are undeniably connected and inseparable. We must also understand the problems of car-centered cities, as well as how the car and modern transportation drove suburbanization, which has its own problems and patterns. A third concept to note is the correlation between economic and residential growth in cities. People will go where there is money, that is the inspiration of the growth of cities. Finally, we must not dismiss the importance of civilian-government interaction in cities. Citizens shape cities. They keep them diverse, or they keep them segregated. It’s up to us to shape the future of our neighborhood to provide the best lives for ourselves and our neighbors, regardless of race or class. A good future for ourselves and others is one pushed for by knowledgeable citizens, and being weary of the history of the U District and the patterns of cities nationwide is vital to change in the right direction. Understanding this report and the patterns illustrated is a step towards this change.
