Perhaps you’re wondering about the story behind this upscale shopping destination. Welcome to University Village. It’s more than just a mall. It’s a piece of Seattle history.
University Village began its life in 1956. Continental Inc. developed it. This company also created Westwood Village and Aurora Village.
Before shops and restaurants, this land had a different story. It was once a Coast Salish village. They called it sluʔwiɬ, meaning “Little Canoe Channel.” Imagine canoes gliding through the water.
The area’s transformation continued. The Montlake Landfill expanded here from 1911 to 1966. This landfill took over the Union Bay Marsh. Lowering Lake Washington to open the Lake Washington Ship Canal drained the marsh. Later, part of the wetland was restored as the Union Bay Natural Area.
University Village had a different vibe in its early days. Small businesses thrived. Locals shopped at Ernst Hardware and Malmo Nursery. Lamonts department store and Pay ‘n Save Drugs were also popular. Even a bowling alley existed named Village Lanes.
The early 1990s brought change. Many businesses struggled. In 1993, new owners stepped in to reshape University Village.
Stuart Sloan and Matt Griffin purchased the property. They envisioned something new. Big changes came. Chain stores like Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn replaced smaller shops. Yet, University Village still values local businesses.
Today, University Village offers a mix of retail experiences. You can find national brands and unique local boutiques. About 61% of the merchants are local.
Anchor stores include Bartell Drugs, Apple Store, Crate & Barrel, The Gap, and Pottery Barn. Nearby, you’ll find the Seattle QFC flagship store and a large Safeway.
University Village almost blocked a creek restoration project. In 1991, activists wanted to daylight Ravenna Creek. This meant restoring its natural flow to Lake Washington. University Village owners successfully blocked the segment running from the park to the University of Washington.
Amazon.com chose University Village for its first physical bookstore. It opened on November 3, 2015. The physical store of the online retailer giant was located here.
University Village sits near several neighborhoods. The University of Washington campus lies to the west and south. Bryant is to the east. Ravenna is to the north.
More than 120 stores and restaurants call University Village home. You will also find a daycare center, a medical clinic and spa services.
University Village transformed from a 1950s strip center. Now, it stands as a preeminent lifestyle center. It is a model for successful urban retail design. The lush landscaping is an invitation to shop in a garden-like setting. University Village continues to evolve.