Spotlight on Belltown
Where is Belltown
Belltown is a central Seattle district located on the downtown waterfront. The neighborhood is bounded by Denny Way to the north and Virginia Street to the south east. It’s the most densely populated and walkable area in Seattle. Belltown lives in close proximity to the famous gastronomical and cultural wonder Pike Place Market. It’s surrounded by the neighborhoods of Uptown and South Lake Union.
The Characteristics and History of Belltown
The land Belltown sits on today was originally a part of Denny Hill, once one of the largest hills in Seattle. During the early 20th century, in an effort to connect Belltown closer to Downtown, the Denny Regrade projects flattened the land. Thus creating the level streets we have today.
In the 1970s the city of Seattle up-zoned the neighborhood as a high-rise residential area in the hopes of attracting young professionals. Due to the low cost of rent, the resident demographic consisted of mostly artists, musicians, and students. Markedly, this led the way to the development of the art galleries, cafes, and music venues that Belltown is now famous for.
Scenic Spots
On the northern end of Western Avenue where it meets Vine Street is the Belltown P-Patch which provides gardening opportunities through the city’s P-Patch program. Established in 1995, the community garden provides a space where neighbors come together to grow their community. Participants plan and plant while maintaining an open space.
On the northern edge of the Belltown waterfront lies the Olympic Sculpture Park, a 9-acre public sculpture garden. The park is unwalled and admission is free. It’s operated by the Seattle Art Museum and features work that is contemporary amidst plants that are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. As Downtown’s largest green space, it is a wonderful place to enjoy a nice stroll or visit the restored beach.
Additionally, if you haven’t traveled past the corner of Bell Street and 3rd Avenue lately, you should go out and see the stunning new mural in Belltown! This original artwork by Myron Curry is on proud display on one of the neighborhood’s largest and most iconic walls at the Belltown Dog Park, Regrade Park. The mural features a colorful backdrop to accent the existing colors of the dog park, with words and images that celebrate the neighborhood and our region. Up close the mural features a special spin on the famous Cassius Marcellus Coolidge portrait of dogs playing poker with several Seattle-specific custom touches. This addition to Regrade Park is the latest in a flurry of mural creation and restorations going up.
Things To Do
Filled with world-class art, hip dining options, and a stellar legendary music scene, Belltown is the place to be for entertainment and nightlife. If you want to see live music be sure to attend a show at either The Crocodile, The Rendezvous, or Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley. With a variety of art galleries, the enthusiast will never be short of exhibitions to discover. One place of note is the Seattle Glass Blowing studio located on the corner of 5th and Bell Street. The studio displays the work of 80+ artisans available for purchase, hosts private events, as well as classes you can take on glassblowing!
When you are hungry or in the mood for a beverage there are plenty of options to choose from. Cherry Street Coffee House and Belltown Cafe (Macrina Bakery) are great spots for a cup of joe and some yummy morsels. Bangrak Market has a vibrant atmosphere. Here you can try delicious Thai street food while enjoying a tropical beverage from the bar. A Belltown institution since 1990, Cyclops Cafe & Lounge offers tasty cocktails and late-night bites to eat. If you want to dine somewhere fancy, where the 50’s vibe of restaurant culture is still alive, you won’t want to miss the renowned El Gaucho. A legacy of legendary service, this restaurant takes fine dining to the next level and diners will have an unforgettable experience.
Community
There is a strong sense of community in the neighborhood of Belltown. Overseeing some of the efforts for this shared connection is the non-profit organization Belltown United. It is a coalition of volunteers from neighborhood residential, business associations, and community council working towards the interests of Belltown residents, businesses, and property owners. Belltown United is inclusive and connected, embraces urban growth, and celebrates the diversity of people and places within this district.
Get More Information on Belltown's Market
Belltown is one of Seattle’s top neighborhoods. With some of the most prized waterfront real estate, and being a vibrant and walkable district, it’s no wonder this area is such a desired location.
Belltown Home Available to Rent
For more information on Belltown or Seattle home markets, feel free to contact us. Furthermore, you can find additional information on the greater Seattle area here. There are many Seattle real estate companies, but Ewing and Clark has been providing Seattle real estate service since 1900. We represent both buyers and sellers throughout the Greater Seattle area. We are here to share our expertise with you.
