In 1891, a streetcar line ran from what is now known as University Way NE to the south border of Ravenna Park. In fact, the narrow right-of-way can still be seen beside the park today. Ravenna Boulevard was built in 1903 as a small part of the Olmsted Brothers’ grand plan for Seattle’s streets and parks. Ravenna, once incorporated as an independent town in 1906, became a part of Seattle a year later. Soon after, the timber was harvested and the University of Washington replaced the small finishing school.
Home to one of Seattle’s first parks, Ravenna Park’s 50 acres of wooded ravine is frequented by hikers, joggers, and picnickers. The ball field, wading pool, tennis courts, trails, and play area have become the centerpiece of the neighborhood. A $6 million project is underway to restore Ravenna Creek by digging a new streambed to the University Slough in Union Bay. With this improvement, there is hope that spawning salmon from Lake Washington will return and further restore Ravenna’s historic natural beauty.
The green belt of Ravenna has become one of the city’s most desirable communities and voted as one of the top neighborhoods to raise a family. Close to Green Lake, the University village shopping center, and near downtown and both I5 and 520, this wholesome, down-to-earth neighborhood has family restaurants, small bakeries, and unique shops including The Herbalist, Third Place Books, McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants, and Saxe Floral & Greenhouse.
Another icon of Ravenna is Seattle’s first large Puget Consumer Co-op natural foods market, which opened in 1969. Residents are still loyal to the PCC, and today affectionately call it, “the mother ship.” In fact, 30% of customers visit daily on bicycle or on foot.
The strong sense of community, good schools, restaurants, beautiful parks and athletic fields have enabled home values in this area to continue to appreciate. Primarily upper-middle class, Ravenna’s tree-lined streets are mixed with class Tudors, Bungalows, and wonderful Craftsman-style homes, making this neighborhood an ideal place to live in Seattle.