The Ave/"The Ave"

The Ave, like all streets, is characterized by street signs. At each cross road, there are signs designating the precise location, for example, NE 47th St and University Way NE. However, like many people believing University Way is University Ave, even city signs can misrepresent the name as University Ave NE. The Ave generally begins at NE Campus Parkway, and for this tour, concludes at NE 47th St. Many businesses reside along The Ave. Common sights are coffee shops, fast food establishments, cafes, copy shops, and bookstores. The Ave is often misrepresented by being only the sidewalks and storefronts that surround the actual road. By looking up one may see additional housing or business space above businesses at ground level, and by looking behind, one sees the refuse generated by The Ave. Oftentimes these areas are not as well maintained as what is “seen” by the general public. The Ave is truly not complete without these components and cannot be fully understood by only looking at what is at the “surface level.”

When walking on The Ave, it is noticeable that not much window shopping is done. The people frequenting The Ave tend to have a reason for being there. However, the other aspect of frequenting The Ave is for social needs. The Ave seems to attract a specific type of regulars that are seen socializing in groups. These are mostly students at hangout spots (i.e. bars or coffee shops), the homeless, and addicts. The Ave’s visitors offer an array of personalities; as the Blue Scholars mention in their song, “The Ave,” it truly is “one of the few places that they coexist on the planet” (“The Ave”). Despite the extreme differences between the inhabitants on the street, a type of harmony and understanding is achieved, resulting in a sense of acceptance. The Ave offers a neutral space where interaction can occur; it is likely that while on The Ave one will be asked to spare some change by a transient or will see people from opposite social groups nodding hellos. As a common street, The Ave also serves to provide a common ground.

Because of the diversity found on The Ave, the street acts as a refuge to those who are deemed different. Within the U-District, people of all types are drawn to The Ave because of this. It is almost as if a miniature city lives within the street—many reside on the sidewalk and sleep under sheets of newspaper. To describe the homeless and addicts that roam The Ave, the term “Ave Rats” has even been coined, giving the street’s residing population a name, just like those who live in Seattle are thought of as Seattleites. By categorizing the people of The Ave, they have thus been given an identity and a home they belong to. The Ave also provides an educational experience, one that cannot be gained by attending a conventional school. The Ave teaches diversity, tolerance, and interaction skills to those who frequent the strip. The knowledge comes through viewing the scenes that unfold on the street and interacting with those who inhabit The Ave. As the Blue Scholars say in their song “The Ave,” it may be better to “F--- class, get your education on The Ave!” (“The Ave”).