Fremont/Phinney Ridge
Known as the “center of the universe” to locals, Fremont has long been a haven for artists and an artistic culture. Nowadays, the artist culture is blending with a technology culture as Fremont as attracted quite a few high-tech tenants like Adobe Inc. and a bevy of local game developers.
The neighborhood is also renowned for some quirky infrastructure. The troll lurking under the north end of the Aurora Avenue Bridge is one example. Another “tamer” example would be the Fremont Drawbridge. The bridge has opened over 566,000 times since it opened, making it one of the busiest drawbridges in the country. Its distinctive blue and orange paint job was dictated by residents and the Fremont Arts Council.
Fremont’s creativity is evident in its business mix. A shopper can find a custom made mattresses, Adirondack furniture, pottery, blown glass, organic dog chow, fleece clothing, custom bicycles and "troll toes."
Fremont's neighbor, Phinney Ridge, is home to the Woodland Park Zoo – and residents are often kept awake by the animal noises. Children in the neighborhood are reported to love the sounds, and clearly their parents have learned to adapt.
A gent by the name of Guy Phinney is the namesake of Phinney Ridge. In 1889 he plunked down $40,000 for an estate he called Woodland Park. He sold it to the city years later and it became the Woodland Park Zoo – an attraction that draws over 1 million visitors each year.
Phinney Ridge shares a shopping district with nearby Greenwood.