Hey there, Seattle. Ready to explore? Welcome to round seven of our Seattle Historic District Walkthrough — a look at the Ballard Avenue Landmark District.

If you’re not really sure what’s happening right now, Editor Alina is still pretty new to Seattle, so we’re getting her caught up with some Seattle history in each of our city’s eight historical districts.

Let’s step back in time to the late 1800s.

Flashback ⏳

In 1887, Captain William Ballard began developing a 160-acre plot of land that would later become the neighborhood now bestowed with his name. The area’s easy access to the Puget Sound attracted the fishing industry, and settlers from Scandinavia soon moved into the area.

In 1890, Ballard became linked to Seattle by railcar and incorporated into the growing city. Ballard Avenue became a landmark district in 1976 to preserve street features that still remain from the neighborhood’s early days like horse hitching rings, original granite curbs + streetcar infrastructure.

Lay of the land now 🌳

The Ballard Avenue Landmark District currently encompasses the businesses on both sides of the street between NW Market St. + NW Dock Pl. There are ~28,000 residents living in Ballard, of which the median age is 34 years old — a hair below Seattle’s average of 35 years.

Digs for sale 🏡

Bright, shiny townhouse | 3 BD, 3 BA | $1,050,000
Modern townhouse with a rooftop patio | 3 BD, 3 BA | $1,150,000
Sleek, spacious standalone home | 4 BD, 4 BA | $1,495,000

Biz + nearby things to do 📋

The Splintered Wand | A dragon head attached to the wall of this wizard-themed bar will gaze upon you as you imbibe on a selection of absinthe + other magical concoctions.
Ballard Farmers Market | Grab your fresh produce year-round — rain or shine.
Miro Tea | Explore the 150 tea blends available for purchase, grab a cup at the shop’s cafe, or take one of the biz’s tea classes to learn more about the industry.