The University District is a unique, thriving neighborhood with bustling retail corridors, the University of Washington, students, residents, workers and more. The U District is known for its year-round farmer’s market, the annual street fair, and agencies and churches that serve a diversity of social needs.
The U District is also changing with new developments, planned open spaces, and new investments by the UW. Of special importance, the Brooklyn light rail station is planned for NE 43rd and Brooklyn Avenue NE. The station will open in 2021.
Planning for a Transit Community
DPD is beginning work to develop an Urban Design Framework for the U District. An Urban Design Framework is a planning tool to envision and guide the physical development of the community. The UDF will look at how the community, the City and the UW may partner together to meet the challenges of a vibrant and growing area of the city.
The University District project area is defined as the area with15th Avenue NE to the east, Interstate 5 to the west, Ravenna Boulevard to the north and Portage Bay to the south. Consistent with a focus on transit community planning, DPD is beginning this project by focusing on areas within a ten-minute walk of the planned Brooklyn light rail station.
The project will include extensive stakeholder and community engagement about the future of the neighborhood. The project will identify strategies to:
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Support a thriving commercial district
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Welcome a diversity of housing
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Encourage new jobs and businesses
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Create public and private spaces for everyone
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Ensure great urban design for safe, attractive public spaces and buildings
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Integrate transportation planning
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Sustain the environment
Partnership Opportunities
The University District Urban Design Framework is an element of the U District Livability Partnership, a three-year strategic initiative to encourage investment in a vibrant, walkable University District neighborhood.
For further information about the project contact:
Susan McLain
susan.mclain@seattle.gov
Radhika Nair
radhika.nair@seattle.gov