Columbia City: Expect Random Encounters

Columbia City, once viewed as neglected, is now considered one of Seattle’s most dynamic, diverse, and desirable neighborhoods. Begun as a mill town in the late 19th century along the electric rail line to Renton, the neighborhood gradually fell into disrepair during the late 20th century. Columbia City then began a grassroots revitalization 20 years ago. Buildings once vacant and derelict have been restored to turn-of-the century beauty. Coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, and regular events like the Farmer’s Market have made the neighborhood a destination for Seattle residents. On this tour, participants will see examples of worker’s cottages from the beginning of the 20th century as well as the addition of mixed-use projects as current as today. The tour will also examine the historic business district and its revitalization.

This tour starts at the Columbia City Link Transit Station at the NE corner of Martin Luther King Jr Way and S Edmunds Street (plaza area at the end of the light rail station).

 

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Columbia City

Community tour start times and locations vary.

Please review your confirmation email to ensure that you have the right address.

Tours are approximately two hours in length, unless otherwise noted. Advance registration is strongly encouraged; walk-ups are limited to space available. Private tours are also available: email info@seattlearchitecture.org for more information. Tours are $25 in advance/$20 for members/$22 for students and seniors over 65/Free for children under 5. Ticket sales close at 9:00pm the evening before the tour. Walk up guests will be charged $30 via credit card payment at the start of the tour. Online registration is handled through Bold Type Tickets. For more information see our Tours FAQ page.

Please note: For tours happening in Winter 2023-2024, a minimum of three people must be registered for tours to take place. Tours with fewer than three registered attendees on the Thursday before the tour will be cancelled. If you purchased a ticket for a cancelled tour, you have the option of transferring the ticket to a future tour date or being issued a refund.