Get to know the neighborhood with 101 facts about Capitol Hill’s colorful backstory. This blog will be updated with posts about widely recognized and little-known neighborhood trivia over time; follow @101bwy on Instagram to see more facts as they are added here.
A bronze Jimi Hendrix statue rocks out at the corner of Broadway and Pike. Unveiled in January 1997, the statue was commissioned by Mike Malone, a real estate developer and founder of AEI Music Network, a worldwide music programming and distribution company.
Near the corner of John Street and 10th Avenue East sits a soda vending machine that spits out mysteries for $1 each. The Capitol Hill landmark is well known to locals and, even though it’s branded as a Coke machine, you’re more likely to get a root beer, orange soda or another surprise when you push one of the mystery buttons.
Cupcake Royale was founded in Seattle in 2003, making it the nation’s first cupcake bakery to open outside of NYC. Paired with delicious artisan espresso under the house brand of Verite Coffee, their recipes (and even their boxes) are locally and sustainably sourced.
Richmark Labels is the largest manufacturer on Capitol Hill, and is also the most muraled building in the area. The business has featured a variety of artists over the years, whose work has served to spice up their facade.
Jack Mackie is the mastermind behind the bronze steps on Broadway in Capitol Hill. After watching the choreography of people walking around Capitol Hill, he thought dance steps would be a great addition to the Broadway sidewalk.
There are 11 rainbow crosswalks throughout the neighborhood, installed in June 2015. The City of Seattle installed the crosswalks – at a total cost of $66,000 – to celebrate the neighborhood’s diversity.
Cal Anderson Park was named after Washington’s first openly gay legislator. The park is a popular spot for picnics, hanging out with friends or enjoying the sounds of its signature water fountain and reflection/wading pool. There are basketball courts, a large playfield and a tennis court where you’re more likely to catch a game of bike polo.
The light rail station in Capitol Hill opened in 2016. The underground station is located on Broadway and the ride to downtown Seattle is four minutes. Around 7,000 riders utilize the Capitol Hill Station on any given weekday.
Dicks Drive-In is a part of Seattle’s history. Dick Spady had a vision to bring fast food to Seattle when America was on the move in the 1950s, where people could easily park and enjoy a fresh meal. Today, people still flock to their Broadway location for burgers, fries and shakes.
Linda Derschang became a major player in establishing the nightlife aesthetic in Seattle, with the start of Linda’s Tavern in 1994. The Linda’s empire has expanded to multiple locations, which after 20 years has earned her the title of queen of Capitol Hill’s drinking scene.
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