APA Names Two "Great Places" in Washington

Every year, the American Planning Association designates various neighborhoods, public spaces, and streets that deserve to be called Great Places.  This year, Washington is home to two of them.

Fremont is a 215-acre neighborhood in Seattle that has proclaimed itself as the “Center of the Universe.”  This diverse community located along the Lake Washington Ship Canal has a rich industrial and maritime heritage.  Odd block shapes have formed from the streetcar routes that used to run through the neighborhood. The eclectic village is home to unique architecture, a well-known troll sculpture located under the Aurora Bridge, and even a statue of Lenin brought over from Russia. 

For more information on Fremont, click here.

Rainier Vista is a large open space located on the campus of the University of Washington with a view of Mount Rainier among the many campus buildings. The space was designed by John C. Olmsted for the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. Because of its historic nature, development has always been limited to preserve the character of Rainier Vista.  At the same time, Rainier Vista has a forward-thinking future, as it will be the main entry point for thousands of people when the Sound Transit light rail extension from downtown opens in 2016.

For more information on Rainier Vista, click here.