Roosevelt and Maple Leaf, two residential areas northeast of downtown, are noted for their friendly neighborhoods and easy access to I5, Lake City Way and downtown Seattle.
The v-shaped district between Ravenna Boulevard, I5 and Lake City Way was named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt after his death in 1919. The Roosevelt area extends from the University District north to 85th Street. The main north-south thoroughfare is Roosevelt Way which hosts an upscale grocery store, delicious restaurants, used bookstores and unique shops. The quieter 15th Ave. is dotted with small businesses such as a hardware store, video store, educational toy store and a coffee shop.
Rising from the nearby water reservoir is the area’s most prominent landmark, a colorful water tower painted with maple leaves. The Maple Leaf District runs from 85th St to Northgate Way and borders I5 and Lake City Way.
At the corner of 15th and 91st St sits the Northwest Puppet Theater. In 1993, the Carter Family renovated this charming church to perform their traditional marionette theater known as Opera dei Pupi. Since then, they have preserved puppetry traditions, taught puppetry skills, and presented top quality Puppet Theater from around the world. Each year they present 250 performances that delight and entertain the young and old.
Other than the puppet theater, Maple Leaf is not known for any special attractions. Its quiet streets are lined with Tudor, Cape Cod, and Craftsman-style homes. The sidewalks are canopied by large trees—which might explain the origin of the neighborhood’s name.
But in 1986 Maple Leaf earned national recognition. It was chosen as one of the finalists for the “Neighborhood of the Year” award, due to the efforts of the Maple Leaf Community Council. This articulate, well-organized group has quietly, consistently improved services, addressed neighborhood concerns, and even organized community yard sales that benefited local charities.
Bounded by the commercial districts of the University, Northgate and Lake City Way, Roosevelt and Maple Leaf are residential enclaves that have retained a friendly community flavor.
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