Introduction

The University District or U-District is the neighborhood that is adjacent to and serves the students, faculty, and visitors of the University of Washington. When most people think of the U-District they picture the “Ave”, formally known as University Way, a street that is a hodgepodge of small mom-and-pop restaurants and stores. This is the heart of the University District and home to historic restaurants, shops, theaters, and even banks that have been there since the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition.  As one moves out from the Ave, the streets quickly shift from commercial to residential. Walk about 7 blocks west toward I-5 from the Ave and one reaches this block, between 7^th Ave NE and 8^th Ave NE, and NE 45^th St and NE 43^rd St. At first glance this block may seem average and slightly boring. One might think it looks like any other residential block that could be in any part of Seattle. However, upon closer inspection one notices characteristics that are strong indicators of the block’s location and purpose within the U-District. While it may not be as outwardly exciting as a block closer to the Ave, as a residential block with apartment buildings and a parking lot, it is home to many students and is a crucial piece of the U-District that contributes significantly to the culture of the neighborhood.