History

Columbia City, independent until 1907, was a fast growing mill town even before its association with Seattle as a surrounding neighborhood.  The Seattle, Renton, and Southern Railway brought many to Columbia City when J.K. Edmiston and his partners established it in 1890.  Lumber and merchandise were shipped back and forth from Columbia City to Seattle, as the mill town’s lumber was needed to help restore Seattle’s losses from the fire of 1889. This relationship helped the community to grow into an incorporated city, and in 1907 the residents of Columbia City voted in favor of becoming a Seattle neighborhood. 

As more trees fell, plans to drain the Wetmore Slough and connect as a seaport to the 1917 Lake Washington Ship Canal were implemented but never completed. In 1920 the Slough was covered up and today, it’s the site of ball fields, playgrounds, a new community center, and many beautiful gardens. 

Since 1995, with support from the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods, Columbia City Revitalization Committee has conceived and implemented programs that bring press and business to the neighborhood. Among these are a farmers market, public art and parks projects, and significant support for the neighborhood’s comprehensive plan. 

Description

Columbia City is Located Southeast of downtown Seattle and has a population of about 12,300.  When Boeing started to increase its operations and expand, many residential areas became distinct.  Other businesses moved within Georgetown’s neighborhood limits and built warehouses crowding more and more people out of the area.  Today, there is still a battle between

SEED (South East Effective Development) aids the redevelopment of Colombia City.  SEED encourages business establishment, housing preservation, and partnerships that stimulate increased rejuvenation of the neighborhood. SEED administers recently introduced the Good Neighbor Fund that has improved the appearance of 30 local businesses and generated over $150,000 in private reinvestment.

Residents

Due to its proximity to downtown as well as Renton, both Georgetown and Columbia City offer a good location for an easy commute to jobs in those areas.  The Boeing Company employs many residents of the area, which is primarily young families. 

Residents are very involved with their community and the two areas have strong relationships with the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods.  Over the years many revitalization projects have been accomplished in order to make this community a safe, friendly, and attractive place to live.  One of the most recent projects was funded and completed by community member, John Mohn, who restored two historical commercial buildings on Rainier Ave. The next project to undergo within this neighborhood will be the expansion of the Carnegie Library.

Rental Housing

Rental pricing is approximately $0.80/sq ft to $1.40/sq ft.  The majority of housing here is single-family homes and small to medium sized apartment buildings, with no large high-rises. 

Fun Stuff

Many enjoy “Beat Walk” the first Friday of every month.  Visitors and members from the community gather to eat, drink, and listen to local musicians in different venues with a variety of themes.  The Farmers Market is also available every Wednesday starting in mid-May to the end of September.  This is an excellent place gather to sample fresh produce, watch cooking demos, listen to live music, and participate in children activities.