Trestle recently began renovating four apartment properties north of the Seattle with the help of our Bellevue, WA based partners, Shelter Resources, Inc. The project has come with a little bit of business travel, but the truth is, I love visiting Seattle. I’m always inspired by the spirit of innovation and creativity of the city.
After moving to San Diego from Seattle seven years ago, I’ve come to appreciate a few things that Seattle does particularly well.
Plan for the city of tomorrow – The city has taken the initiative to promote bike infrastructure, reduce parking requirements and prioritize strategic investments in public transit. These moves are unpopular with some (traffic and parking can be frustrating), but ultimately they promote a vibrant urban culture centered around people, not cars.
Transit isn’t welfare - it’s critical public infrastructure – Planning for good transit takes guts. You need to be prepared to push back on the NIMBYs and make serious financial commitments. In Seattle, transit goes where people want to go and people of all incomes use it.
Cities are for People – Seattleites seem to embrace the idea that cities are made for people. Every neighborhood main street is dotted with interesting storefronts, eclectic restaurants and cozy cafés. “People first” community planning is an important part promoting the magical mix of density, parking and public infrastructure that contribute to Settle’s vibrant neighborhoods.
Here are a few of my favorite spots in Seattle:
Café Presse –French French café located on the fringe of burgeoning Capitol Hill. Bonus points for being located next door to Stumptown Coffee Roasters.
Coastal – This one is actually my wife’s favorite. Costal is charming little surf boutique on Alki Beach in West Seattle. A little taste of California in the Pacific Northwest.
Ballard Locks – Maybe it’s a cliché tourist attraction, but I find the Ballard Locks mesmerizing. The locks are an impressive example of Seattle’s long maritime heritage. A quick bike ride gets you back to hip Ballard pub or boutique.
Cheers, Seattle! Looking forward to my next visit.