History

The Rainier Brewing Company was founded in 1882 and the brick brewing building that is still seen today on Airport Way S in Georgetown, was built in 1900.  The brewery grew to be the largest in the country until the newer brewery was built, which recently closed.

In 1901, the official postal name, D’wamish, was changed to Georgetown.  A few years later, Georgetown became an incorporated city and established road names, police forces, fire brigades, and newspapers.  This only lasted until 1910, when Georgetown became a Seattle neighborhood adapting to the new road names and ways of the city.

Description

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 Georgetown businesses and the community members.  The continuation of expansion and domination of the businesses within the area have given some residential neighborhoods no choice but to relocate.

Residents

Before landmarks such as Boeing Field, Rainier Brewing Company, and the Georgetown Power Plant existed, Georgetown’s settlers mainly provided the City of Seattle with fresh agricultural goods from their farms.  The settlers in this vicinity were very much a rural community until the area grew in population and took on a more residential character.

There are about 1,300 people living in the Georgetown area. 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, primarily the heads of young families, in the area.

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.

If you are in the area, you may want to visit the Georgetown Power Plant Museum, tour Boeing Field, or if you are into scenic attractions you may want to visit Gateway Park.  Gateway Park offers Duwamish River beach access for launching canoes and kayaks.  It is maintained by the neighborhood and located at the west end of Eighth Avenue S.