Ave Artwork from Above

Hey everyone...I don't know if you guys are still looking at this, but I found this interesting article in the Seattle PI this morning. You should read it.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/366183_art07.html

Anita

Starbucks on the Ave

Starbucks on 4147 University Way is sitting at a crossroad between 42nd and the Ave. Standing with the back to the main entrance, one can find Café on the Ave right on the other side of 42nd that serves coffee and similar beverages as well. At the remaining two corners of the University Way a copy centre and an Indian restaurant are located. Compared to the surrounding buildings, Starbucks from the outside is notably much more clean and well-kept.

Although from the outside it seems to be made of bricks and cement, once inside, the walls sound as if they were made of a thick kind of plastic and wood.
The outside dominant colour is the well-known forest-emerald green of the logo and the overhangs.

Most of the people who go to Starbucks don’t just go there by chance; they seem to know exactly why they went there, what to order, who to meet, where to seat and what to do. Starbucks on the Ave is never empty, even though it’s also never overly busy. Almost no one goes there just for a cup of caffeine but instead customers seem to look for the whole Starbucks experience. Whether it’s grabbing a cup of coffee or frappuccino, preparing an exam while munching on a low-fat blueberry muffin or having a chat with a friend, Starbucks seems to win over the many coffee stands of the U-District thanks to its comfortable atmosphere.

Starbucks on the Ave has a special role within the U-District. Its proximity to the University of Washington campus makes the coffeehouse one of the favourite spots for students and staff to go and have a cup of coffee or also to chill out after a busy day. The employees affirm that circa the 70% of the customers are UW related, especially students.

Portage Bay Cafe

Portage Bay Café is located on 41st and Roosevelt in the University District in Seattle, Washington. It’s a family owned breakfast and lunch place with American style cuisine. Portage Bay Café is open 7 days a week. On weekdays it’s open from 7:30 til 3:00 and during the weekends it’s open from 8:00 til 3:00. Portage Bay Café is a gathering spot for college students, locals, and business people taking a break for lunch. During the weekends it attracts the families. But if you are looking to go there on a weekend, expect a wait because everyone loves this place and will probably have the same idea as you. Portage Bay is known for its organic cuisine and vast choices for meateaters, vegetarians and vegans. Make sure when you visit that you ask about what Organic means. On one wall a breakfast bar is placed. On top of it glass bowls are filled to the brim with delicious extra add ons such as berries, syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and raisins. Most customers you will see in Portage Bay are families. This gives the restaurant a family oriented feel and makes you feel warm and welcomed. Back in the main area of the restaurant the first thing a customer may notice is the high ceilings. Raised above everyone’s heads is a racing shell. It extends the distance of the whole restaurant and is held by thick cords. If you watch customers you can see them glancing up at the boat from time to time. This especially attracts young kids because of its length and spot in the restaurant.

Portage Bay Café was started about 10 years ago by John and Amy Gunnar. It was the first restaurant they opened and is still family owned today. Until 4 weeks ago it was the only location. Now there is the second Portage Bay located in Eastlake. In 2001 Portage Bay began using organic products in their menu. It was so successful that they added more and their menu grew. Today they “offer a menu consisting of more than 80 percent organic, local or sustainable items”(John Gunnar).

Portage Bay is not only a local eating spot but also a hang out and a workspace. Depending on the day and the time you come you will see many different types of people. The weekends attract the families and the groups of college students. On weekdays it’s normally smaller groups of people and always business types. Business workers like the free wireless they can get and the space they can have to do a little extra work after their meal. When college students come in you know they have been saving up all week for this meal, because why the food is delicious it isn’t cheap. Families are attracted due to the large tables you can get and the big portions which you can share.

--Jen

The Wall of Death

The Wall of Death is a large structure, featuring twelve pointed metal cylinders leading up to a light red, circular marquee featuring the words "THE WALL OF DEATH".  It is located underneath the University Bridge just off of 40th street.  

There are many socio-cultural uses for the Wall of Death.  Its primary function, as the artist Mowry Baden desired, is as a work of public art for all to enjoy.  People who bike, run, or walk along the Burke-Gilman Trail pass the Wall of Death.  It can function as a place for people to sleep, sit, skateboard, take pictures, etc.

The Wall of Death has a definite role within the U-District.  It is connected with the University because of its close proximity to campus and its location along the popular Burke-Gilman Trail.  It is also pictured in Art Department slides available through the UW library system, which signifies that the university recognizes its contribution to public art.  

Ruzhen Mongolian Grill

Excerpt describing the restaurant's role within the U-District:

Disregarding the restaurant’s obvious geographical ties to the U-District, one will immediately observe this connection. Like many Applebee’s which gather local artifacts to give each store a local feel, Ruzhen contains artifacts connected to the UW. On the wall above each table in the private room they have placed old black-and-white photographs that vary in subject matter but all revolve around the university; from the old football team, a sorority, and the graduating class. The left wall of the viewing room is completely covered with flyers and posters of recent or upcoming events sponsored by the UW or taking place within the U-District. There must be close to a hundred posters up at any given time and it seems they feel it is important enough to keep up to date.

This close tie to the university and the interests of its population leaves a good impression with those who visit Ruzhen. Many are attracted to come in for the first time by the unique operations of the restaurant as a Chinese grill. These people are easily distinguishable from the regulars, newcomers often are unsure about what they’d like to toss in their bowl and by the time they are done they’ve only just barely filled it. Those that are familiar with the restaurant tend to know the exact contents of what they plan to put together all the way to 5/8 spoonful of vinegar. These people can be most easily spotted by the carefully constructed tower of food protruding from the tops of their bowls. These people can easily squeeze out two full dinners from these bowls and at $8 a bowl; this fits a college student’s budget quite nicely.

UWMC Entrance Area

The University of Washington Medical Center lobby and pick-up and drop-off area is located just north of the Montlake Cut and along Pacific.

The lobby is brightly lit by natural sunlight and artificial lights. It has a white linoleum hallway with several carpeted seating areas with colorful and cushioned chairs, as well as tables. The space also has artistic and practical objects that add color and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere. The pick-up and drop-off area is made primarily of brick. There are planters with ledges that are just the right height for leaning on, as well as a few benches that are used by a limited number of people. Cars, taxis, vans, Access Metro buses travel through this area.

The UWMC entrance area is a place that helps patients, visitors, employees, and volunteers feel comfortable. There is much action walking along the hallway of the lobby, but the seating areas are rather quiet and relaxed. In the pick-up and drop-off area, people sit or stand around waiting for rides, and vehicles remain idle as their drivers help passengers in. In any of these spaces, people are free to read, stare, and watch other people without feeling awkward.

This entrance area brings together people from many different backgrounds from all over the U-District and Greater Seattle area. It is a diverse community in itself that is constantly changing but never seems to be particularly rushed. People are free to enter in and become part of this dynamic culture, and are just as free to come and go. This UWMC entrance area provides a site for cultural interactions between people who would otherwise never cross paths.

Cafe Solstice

Cafe Solstice is located in the heart of the University District on the Ave. It provides its visitors with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can find patios both out front of the cafe and in the back. There is also a wide variety of seating found in the cafe with bar seating, round tables, long tables and couches. No matter your reason for the visit, your seating desires will be acoomodated.
The cafe makes efforts to connect to the neighborhood by featuring local art from the University District Art Walk on their walls every month. They also feature local music talent on their stage on week nights. It has tables featuring flyers that locals leave behind, displaying upcoming concerts, films etc...going on around the University. It's wide open windows and patio features allow for its visitors to people watch from their seats while sipping their beverages from their wide mugs.
Solstice appeals to everyone from the students of the University to the locals who want a relaxing place to read or catch up with friends. You will find young people, old people, business people and even dogs. It is the closest coffee shop to south campus, but attracts people from every corner. Time and precision is given to their beverages and food. You will find artful designs in your lattes and hot pressed paninis on your plate. It affords the walk for anyone who has been there.

Anita