Place gives us a sense of identity and something to take ownership in
What is South Lake Union?
(SLU) What isn’t SLU? Well at this point SLU is as much a
blank slate as it is a neighborhood with a grand history. The
first Anglo-Settlers to arrive are claimed to have settled on the
shores of Lake Union, which at the time was really a glorified
marsh. The first park, established in 1884, is Denny Park now
boxed in between Dexter, 9th Avenue, and Denny Way. The first
industry to the neighborhood was David Denny’s sawmill that
opened in 1892. This started a long tradition of industry in the
area. Around the turn of the century, the now Shurgard storage
building on Fairview and Mercer was a buzz with the Ford Model-T and
Boeing even called the shores of Lake Union home for awhile.
Over the next 100 years the neighborhood developed much like one would
expect for a shore neighborhood. As industries came and went so
did the people. But each chapter of the neighborhood left its
mark in some way on either the land or the city.
By the mid 1990’s something had changed in the
neighborhood. Many of the warehouses that were flourishing
businesses stood empty. The rail tracks that once serviced these
businesses were rusty and unused. Although many of the faithful
residents stayed the area began to feel vacated. Property values
plummeted.
This began the re-birth that South Lake Union is experiencing right
now. REI bought an old warehouse and converted it into their
flagship store. The Cascade Neighborhood Council
along with the Cascade People’s Center was established and
immediately began doing work in the neighborhood and caring for those
who were living in and nearby Cascade Park. About this same time
the Cascade P-Patch was established giving the community acommunal garden and a place of beauty.
With the help of the people the neighborhood was on the rise again.
Now, SLU is a bustle with change. It is difficult at times to
even navigate ones way through he streets marked “Closed for
Construction” and the sidewalks covered with construction
equipment. Construction cranes
are the unofficial bird of SLU and will be for the next 10-15
years. The streetcar just opened for operation and a new South
Lake Union Park is in the works. Funky, creative businesses that
were smart and moved in early are now being joined by others who will
inevitably make their mark on a neighborhood with a 120 year history.
At the same time though, businesses and people are leaving. Gentrification is occurring. The story of the neighborhood is changing at such a pace that those with lesser resources can not keep up.
What will you do? How will you leave your mark? How will
your neighborhood influence you and you influence it?
Two Beers Brewing Company exists in SLU to not only eventually provide
a space for people to gather and gave great conversation but also to
help stand in the gap between the rich and the poor, the comfortable
and the ones that need comfort, and to help tell the story of the past
as it intersects with the story of the future through our daily lives.
Please join us in loving this neighborhood.
For more information on neighborhood players visit one or all of the links below
South Lake Union Neighborhood Plan
Cascade People Center
South Lake Union Friends and Neighbors
Low Income Housing Institute
Cascade P-Patch
Vulcan Real Estate
Discover SLU
Center for Wooden Boats
