Columbia City
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Columbia City has recently emerged as shining example of what neighborhood activists—both business and resident—can accomplish when they put their mind to it. Columbia City had seen its fortunes decline over the years. During the 1970s and 80s, business declined and crime rose. But by the time the 1990s rolled around, residents came together and worked diligently with the city of Seattle and among themselves to re-create Columbia City into the thriving neighborhood that it is today.
The Columbia City business district is a historic business district – one of only 7 such districts in Seattle. Columbia City boasts a thriving farmers market in the summer, many new and diverse restaurants, an art gallery, a locally owned movie theatre and many other small and eclectic businesses.
The neighborhood today lies roughly between South Dakota and Lucile streets, Martin Luther King Jr. Way South and Rainier Avenue South. It was a separate city until Seattle annexed it in 1907.