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About SLU

Once the city’s hub for logging, maritime industries and manufacturing, the neighborhood has transformed into a modern, diverse community. Today, businesses range from biotechnology and medical research centers to thriving shops and restaurants. We’re proud of our parks, open green spaces, water access and efficient public transportation, including the popular Seattle Streetcar.

South Lake Union is home to some of the largest companies in Washington State. Major employers in the neighborhood include Amazon.com, University of Washington Medicine, Facebook, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Google, NBBJ, PEMCO and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Residential Areas in South Lake Union: South Lake Union’s unbeatable location makes it an ideal place to live. The residential options are growing, as builders expand the selection of apartments and condominiums. A charming neighborhood characteristic, houseboats are a common sight in South Lake Union.

Restaurants and Hospitality: As the center of activity and excitement in Seattle, South Lake Union is experiencing an influx of new restaurants that add to its already vibrant culinary scene.  World-class dining experiences and delicious happy hours abound.  Several hotels in the area cater to both business travelers and tourists.

Parks and Museums: South Lake Union is home to two historic Seattle parks. Denny Park is Seattle's first and oldest city park. Lake Union Park is Seattle's newest and most talked-about urban amenity. The park is the home of the renowned Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) and the Center for Wooden BoatsCascade Park is located right in the heart of the neighborhood and has a basketball court and the Cascade P-Patch.

Overview: $2.84 billion in public and private funds has been invested into the revival of the neighborhood.

KING5 shows us how planning in the '90s has shaped South Lake Union as an Urban Center.

Attractions & Visitor Centers in South Lake Union

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center - At the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Visitor Center, you'll find stories of work that is improving lives, from Seattle to South Africa. The Gates Foundation Visitor Center takes visitors of all ages on an interactive journey that brings to life the connections we share with others across the globe. Admission is always free.

Contact at 206.709.3100


Discovery Center
 - The South Lake Union Discovery Center is a stylish, flexible facility that offers a modern backdrop to complement your event - indoors or outdoors! The Discovery Center also offers a display devoted to the area's history, information about places to do business, an interactive model of the entire neighborhood and helpful staff to guide you. To schedule a walk-through, check availability and get a quote for your event call the Discovery Center at 206.342.5900 or email events@discoverslu.com.

Discovery Portal - Seattle Children's Research Institute's Discovery Portal is a visitor center where the community can learn about the work underway to develop lifesaving cures, accelerate clinical advances and address health issues affecting children and families around the world. The Discovery Portal is a self-guided experience. Recommended minimum visitor age is 10 years, though all are welcome. Admission is free. The Discovery Portal is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. Contact them at discoveryportal@seattlechildrens.org or 206.884.7834.


Fred Hutchinson Visitor Center
 - Located inside the Arnold Building on Fred Hutch's Seattle Campus, our visitor center opened its doors to the public in 2015 and serves as a place to display our research and build our community through sharing stories. Open to the public weekdays, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Complimentary admission.

Museum of History and Industry - MOHAI is treasured locally and respected nationally as a vibrant resource where history inspires us to be our best, individually and collectively. MOHAI highlights our regional tradition on innovation and imagination. Through compelling exhibits, scholarship, education, public programs and community engagement, MOHAI bridges the past, present and the future.

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