Seattle’s University District receives a $5M upgrade

Seattle's University District got $5 million to spruce up "the Ave" as businesses continue to recover from pandemic challenges.

Michelle Liu’s family owns Boba Up, a self-serve boba store on University Way. She said the money allowed their business, and surrounding shops, to improve their storefronts.

"[We're] using the money to help make our customers' experience better," Liu said, "and help the small businesses here bring more attention, and more people in, so people can continue enjoying the small businesses here, and just having this neighborhood iconic the way it is.”

Boba Up has been a victim to various property damages in recent years. Liu said the grant money paid to upgrade the storefront, making it "super bright." The store's outdoor seating was reimagined with new furniture.

A total of 141 small businesses in the University District received grant money to fix damaged store windows, revamp signage, and make their stores more welcoming. Each shop was eligible to receive up to $200,000. The average amount awarded was $34,360.

The grant money came from the Washington State Department of Commerce's Urban Vitality Grant Program. Funds were distributed through the U District Partnership. The Department of Commerce notes that more than 20 businesses used the money to create or improve outdoor seating, which has added 450 new outdoor seats. A majority of the businesses (69%) were food and beverage establishments, while 23% were retail. About half of the businesses that received grant money are owned by women, and 68% are BIPOC-owned (Black, Indigenous, and people of color).

“Students and professors will feel like they are returning to an entirely new neighborhood this fall quarter with bright new facades and signage now adorning their favorite businesses along the Ave,” U District Partnership Executive Director Don Blakeney said in a statement. “These grants have been a once-in-a-generation chance to catalyze investment and build momentum for one of Seattle’s most dynamic neighborhoods.”