Get to Know the Junction Neighborhood in West Seattle

By Ken Urman, Realtor

The Junction is the best-known intersection in West Seattle. The designation dates from the time when two streetcar routes first crossed at the intersection of California Avenue Southwest and
Southwest Alaska Street. After a century-long evolution, it is a unique area that brings together residential and retail space in a way that has consistently retained a small-town feeling. From popular live entertainment to unique and fashionable shopping to the year-round farmer’s market, the Junction offers everything locals want in a gathering place with a unique vibe and a fascinating history.

In 1907, the intersection of the two streetcar lines near a wooded bog led to draining the area and

clearing land that quickly became a residential neighborhood. In fact, the pace of development of this area is considered legendary by some. Within just three years, the Junction was the central business district of West Seattle.

A residential neighborhood quickly grew around the Junction, taking its character from the business district and from the various development stages in its history. Like the Junction itself, the neighborhood is an eclectic mix of single-family homes, apartments, and a group of luxury high-rise apartments and condominiums. Although most of the residents of the homes are homeowners, there are some rental properties, such as the one I manage.

In terms of architectural styles, the neighborhood reflects the community’s history. From the first

homes built in the early years of the 20th Century’s Craftsman style, to a new burst of building in the 1940s accommodated the influx of people working in the area’s shipyards and airplane factories, the community grew until the “Boeing Bust” in the early 1970s. The bust resulted in job loss for three of every four Boeing employees. When J.C. Penney closed its doors in the Junction three years later, the business district was in trouble. Just two years later, the Jefferson Elementary School was closed due to low enrollments.

The community struggled until the new West Seattle Bridge opened in 1984, making it easier for people to visit West Seattle. Traffic entering West Seattle was, unfortunately, matched by traffic leaving the community to shop at the malls in other areas. Despite disagreements with the City of
Seattle over making the Junction an “urban village” and with the various interests in the community
regarding parking, traffic flow, building height, and density, it was clear at the turn of the millennium that a renaissance was in progress.

Part of the progress made in the 1980s and 1990s included construction of Alaska House in 1979 and the commissioning of the 11 historic murals on buildings throughout the neighborhood. Efforts by the Seattle City Council to designate the Junction an “urban village” even prompted an effort to secede from the city; but it was vetoed by the Governor. Soon a number of new stores opened at the Junction and brought some revitalization.

After the Huling Brothers automobile dealership closed in 2007, some of the property was developed, notably a Trader Joe’s, which has been very welcome by the community. The rest has encountered issues, and ground has not been broken. Those plans include multi-use buildings, one of which may include a Whole Foods store and luxury apartments.

The Junction neighborhood is home to about 6,000 residents, with a median age of 39 years. The median home value in July 2013 is $421,600, an increase of 13.2% over July of 2012. Median rent is $1,862. Median household income is $54,171.

The Junction is a thriving community that brings people together to shop, dine, relax and be
entertained.  The neighborhood draws those who want to live near their businesses or want to live near a thriving social and business hub. This unique community is a great place to connect with people of all kinds, to engage Seattle’s history, and to do business with one’s neighbors.

 

If you are interested in buying or selling a home or condo in the Junction neighborhood, please give me a call. I know the area well, spending time there both for work and for pleasure (206-230-0833). Several wonderful homes are currently on the market. It would be my pleasure to show them to you – remember, I’ll bring the coffee.