Neighborhood Spotlight: Belltown

Just north of Downtown Seattle, Belltown has a unique charm in the heart of the city. Whether you are looking for Belltown office space for lease or a retail space in Seattle, this area has a lot to offer. Learn more about this neighborhood’s history and explore a few reasons to choose office space in Belltown.

Brief History of Belltown

In the early 1800s, Belltown was not the business hub it is today, but a steep, hilly area that prevented downtown developers from expanding to the north. Named for William Bell, the first westerner who claimed this land, this area soon became a desirable region for growing businesses. As Belltown’s population grew, hotels, warehouses, and apartments started to fill the area, including the Washington Hotel whose first guest was Teddy Roosevelt. Belltown saw steady growth and when the city allowed upzoning in the 1970s, it became an even bigger hub for businesses and residents. 

In the 1980s, this area saw a huge boom for commercial real estate, which historical accounts credit to our founder, Martin Selig. Today, this area is a space both for businesses and residents, with everything from large tech company headquarters to mom-and-pop shop companies and restaurants.

Transportation and Walkability

Belltown is very accessible, with a walk score of 97 and a transit score of 99. This area is also highly bikeable! With express buses, RapidRide routes, and neighborhood lines passing through Belltown, tenants have no trouble getting around. In terms of commuting, average travel times from surrounding neighborhoods are typically:

• From South Lake Union: 20-minute walk, 15 minutes on public transportation
• From Ballard: 15-minute drive, 30 minutes by bus
• From Capitol Hill: 20 minutes by light rail / bus, 30-minute walk
• From Bellevue: 25-minute drive, 40 minutes by bus

Food, Amenities, and Things to Do

Living and working in Belltown equips you with no shortage of amenities! Some of our favorites include:

• Visiting one of Belltown’s many coffee shops
• Catching a movie at one of Seattle’s favorite boutique movie theaters, including Cinerama and Big Picture
• Enjoying public art in Belltown, including He and She and The Red Popsicle at Fourth and Blanchard and L’s One Up One Down Eccentric at the Federal Reserve Building
• Taking a walk through the Olympic Sculpture Park
• Grabbing a bite or going to happy hour at one of Belltown’s many cafes and restaurants
• Strolling or jogging along the waterfront at Myrtle Edwards Park

At Martin Selig Real Estate, we are passionate about helping our tenants make the most of their experience working in our spaces. To learn more about our commercial real estate for lease in Belltown and beyond, explore our properties online!