About The Ave
“The Ave”
University Way NE, more commonly known as “The Ave” has been the backbone of off-campus life at the University of Washington for more than a century. The Ave is a dynamic place that has evolved over the years, supporting a variety of economic activity while engendering controversy over what The Ave represents. Nevertheless, The Ave has served the U-District residents and University of Washington students, faculty, and staff as a vital source for meals, nightlife, commerce, and as a public space to gather and form community.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ-vTDKpaSk
What Will We Do
Our analysis of the problems facing The Ave isn’t the first time a group of individuals has approached this challenge. Community members, business owners, UW students, faculty, and the University of Washington at large have sought out solutions to balance the wants and needs of the numerous groups that claim a stake in the future of The Ave. We hope to build on the work already done while providing novel ideas and actions that can lead to positive outcomes on The Ave.
The cover story of the 1991 UW Alumni Association “Columns” magazine explored the challenges faced on the Ave. Many of the same challenges persist to today. https://magazine.washington.edu/feature/the-fall-and-rise-of-the-ave/
Opportunities
The U-District is on track to experience increased growth in the near future with the construction of new towers, adding apartments and offices adjacent to The Ave. With the introduction of the Sound Transit light rail station, there is an opportunity to enhance the character of the neighborhood and make it a premier destination for the Puget Sound region.
Meaningful Place
The Ave has meant so many things to so many people, whether celebrating the sweet sensation of winning trivia, recovering from a difficult exam, or grabbing a cup of coffee before class.
The University District Partnership is tasked with enhancing economic activity on the Ave – they have spearheaded on-the-ground interventions like graffiti removal and economic development, such as their efforts to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University of Washington has embarked on strategic initiatives to develop student housing and amenities in its “West” Campus.
University Village, located minutes away from campus on the East Side, continues to dominate the high-end retail market, playing host to nationally recognized brand name retail stores and restaurant ventures.
What Is Happening
Recent private development around The Ave is conspicuous: residential towers are springing up around the University District, and more towers are planned near the core of the Ave and the University of Washington Campus.
With the introduction of Sound Transit’s U-District light rail station and projected increase in high rise housing towers in the vicinity, the U-District is poised to realize its long sought after goal to become a destination for Seattle and the Puget Sound region.