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West University (“West U”) is a sub-neighborhood of Seattle’s University District. West University is bordered to the east by the campus of the University of Washington and student-oriented University Ave (“The Ave”) and to the north by the mostly single-family residential University Heights.

Location
The boundaries of West University are generally considered 11th Ave E to the east, Interstate-5 to the west, NE 50th St to the north, and the ship canal to the south.

History
West University was originally platted in the years 1890-1909, and was part of the neighborhood originally known as Brooklyn. It was developed rapidly in the first few decades of the 1900s as the University of Washington increased enrollment.

West University may be best known in Seattle for its music and nightlight. During the years 1934 to 1967 liquor sales were prohibited within one mile of the college campus. Just outside this perimeter, the Blue Moon Tavern became a go-to spot from booze, live music and ultimately became a focal point of 1960’s counter-culture. Its neighbor, the long lived Rainbow Tavern (now a microbrewery) hosted many iconic music acts, including Soundgarden, Heart and Jimmy Page. . Across the street, the Peaches record store, a Los Angeles based chain, sold albums for decades and subsequently, as Beehive Record & Video, was host to Nirvana’s 1991 “Nevermind” record release show.

Contemporary
Like other Seattle neighborhoods, West University has seen significant redevelopment in recent years. With passage of a re-zoning of the U-District in 2017 by the Seattle City Council, this development is expected to accelerate. The allowable building height in much of West University was increased from 65 feet to 320 feet. The Sound Transit light rail station of the eastern edge of West University is scheduled to open in 2021 and provide more rapid linkages to downtown and the airport.