Seattle's Lake Union and the neighborhoods that ring its shores presents two centuries of North American urban history in microcosm. What was once a place of sawmills and gasworks, later the site of unrealized plans for a grand civic center, is now a high-tech hotbed. A lake that was once circled by railways, then by freeways, is now bordered by streetcar lines and bike paths. Over the course of 150 years, massive engineering projects to level hills and fill in marshland have transformed the original topography and disrupted natural ecosystems. The social, economic, and environmental histories are explored by the galleries on this site, each of which takes a block in South Lake Union and shows its past evolution, its present condition, and where it might go next.
Through this website you can learn more about the micro-histories of more than 70 blocks in the neighborhood. You can also explore thousands of images and primary source documents through our image gallery.
Featured Item
South end of Lake Union looking across to Queen Ann Hill
This photograph is of a sparse shore land of South Lake Union. This differs from the native land that was covered in trees and bushes.
Recently Added Items
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The Supply Laundry Company
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Google maps
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Harry Boron
Christmas card from Harry Baron furniture.
Featured Exhibit
Block 25: Amazon.com and the Terry Avenue Building
Block 25 is bordered by Terry Ave N and Boren Ave N on the east and west and Harrison Street...