So, now you have decided to move to Capitol Hill, or are at least visiting the often-notorious Seattle neighborhood. You’ve laced up your bright new pair of Chuck Taylor’s, tied that multi-colored scarf around your neck, and shimmied your way into those jeans that looked tight on the legless mannequin. A new copy of The Stranger tucked neatly into your Timbuk2 bag as you hop off the 49 or the 8 or the 9.
Now what?
The thundering corner of Broadway Avenue and Pike Street, the cars honking and refusing to yield, the pedestrians swarming the crosswalk even at the advice of a throbbing “ red-hand”. A cold sweat builds up on the nape of your neck, and your heartbeat slows as the energy of the hill bores through the rubber soles of your shoes. There is no time to stand frozen in the shock and excitement of the city, snapping back to reality as Seattle Central students shove pass you to make their next lecture.
To avoid looking like a tourist (why else would you be wearing that scarf) walk casually by the statue of Jimi Hendrix that is located in front of the new Everyday Music. Admire it, he was legend, but don’t linger, hang on to him, or take pictures sitting on his guitar.
Instead take a stroll into Everyday Music, an entertainment mega-store minus the censorship, and ridiculous prices. The scuffed C.D. and D.V.D case is the best thing since Velcro, and you never know what you might find.
Any long time “ Cap Hiller” will tell you that the face of Broadway has changed. Salons, cafés, restaurants, and boutiques gave Broadway Avenue its character. They embraced the lifestyle of the people on the Hill, from the hipsters to the drag queens and everyone in between. These businesses are gone, relocated, or no longer in existence, and have been replaced by something unlikely.
Continuing you trek further south on Broadway you might be surprised at what you see in several store windows. Don’t feel embarrassed if your natural instinct is to stare, it is art by the way.
The exhibition is known as STart on Broadway, a part of the Sound Transit public art program, curated by former artist-in-residence Christian French.
STart on Broadway occupies the hollow storefronts that were purchased by Sound Transit in order to build the Link light rail under Broadway. With demolition set to begin next month, the installations are an attempt at “beautifying the neighborhood”.
According to Sound Transit website, artists were asked to create work that “would reflect the spirit of Capitol Hill, keep the streetscape active and engage the public as they traveled through the two-block stretch of Broadway both during the day and at night”.
The art installations occupy 18 storefronts, and can be found from E. Howell St. to E. John St along Broadway Ave S. The exhibit will be running until October 31, and many residents are concerned with the long journey that will follow.
Sound Transit’s University Link Light Rail will be an underground light rail system that stretches the 3.15 miles from Downtown Seattle to the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium. This $ 1.9 billion is expected to open in 2016, and change the way people and life moves in Seattle.
According to Jeff Munnoch, Community Outreach Specialist for the project Capitol Hill residents will experience “a three block site fenced in with a plywood wall and bore machines placed underground… they won’t be able to hear, see, or feel the construction”.
As a fully functional part of the Sound Transit and Seattle Metro systems, fares will mirror those of buses, whatever that might be in 8 years.
For the environmentally conscious, the light rail runs on electricity. Making it a quieter, and more fuel-efficient way to get around.
In 2030, a projected 14,000 riders will board the University Link Light at the Capitol Hill station each day. Munnoch goes on to say, “ I have heard a lot of optimism [from residents] about the project.
The slow and obscure reality of the link light is that for the next eight years this plywood wall will be what people on Capitol Hill have to look forward to. In the accounting of everyday life, do the profits outweigh the costs?
So, you’ve been cultured, great. As the sun heads to bed early these days, Capitol Hill comes alive earlier and earlier with or without construction. Don’t worry; Capitol Hill wouldn’t be complete without a string of amazing places to eat.
If you are lucky enough to have been born before today’s date 1987, congratulations you have hit the jackpot on the chillest hangouts on the hill, the bars. If you can’t drink without music head over to Neighbours, the infamous gay and lesbian club, or get kind of artsy at Grey Gallery and Lounge. If you are in search of the land of wheat and barley, head over to the Elysian for food and enough beer to make St. Pauli’s Girl jealous.
For those of us, who are still counting down to the big two one, I’d suggest you check out 15th Avenue. Sure it’s a hike, but haven’t you ever heard of a gluteus maximus. Palermo is an Italian extraordinaire, and has every kind of pasta, pizza, and calzone you could think of. If you are a fan of breakfast/brunch 22 doors is a showstopper, or if seafood sounds to die for head up to Coastal Kitchen.
Whatever you crave 15th Avenue has got it plus a little a small town flare if you are missing home already.
Capitol Hill will test your senses, your sense of style, your sense of taste, and your sense of beauty. Sure the concrete of the sidewalk crumbles beneath your feet causing you to trip at least twice a day, but for those who call this neighborhood home its all apart of our street “cred” and gives us a sense of self.
For more information on the Capitol Hill Station.
Sound Transit University Link Light Open House
Capitol Hill Station
Capitol Hill Station
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
5:30 P.M to 8:00 P.M.
Seattle Central Community College
Lecture Hall- Room 4106
1710 Broadway Ave.
