About

Today:

The West Seattle Junction is more than a neighborhood—it’s the vibrant heart of a close-knit community, where the spirit of connection and pride thrives. Nestled beside the big city, our “small town” shines with local character. ‘Westsiders’ are passionate about their neighborhood, showing up for one another, supporting local businesses, and celebrating together through beloved events like Wine Walks and the iconic three-day Summer Fest. Stunning flower baskets brighten our summers, while twinkling tree lights create a warm glow year-round, reflecting the care and love we pour into our streets.

Behind the scenes, the West Seattle Junction Association (WSJA) Business Improvement Area (BIA), works tirelessly to keep the Junction safe, clean, and thriving.

It is an organization made up of local merchants and other businesses with an Executive Director, a Board of Directors and committees to organize marketing, beautification, events, safety, cleaning and community service projects.

The mission of the WSJA is to develop, encourage, promote and participate in activities that enhance a healthy economic, social, environmental climate for the West Seattle Junction Community.

The Junction provides a strong and vibrant business community through:

• Increased retail sales and patronage of services in The Junction Business District
• Enhanced business image and consumer awareness of The Junction Business District
• Provides a vehicle with which to undertake neighborhood beautification projects and plan special events
• Clean and safe streets — we hire and oversee a cleaning crew and a private security team to ensure our neighborhood stays beautiful, addressing graffiti, garbage, and more
• Enables this district to provide low-cost parking for its customers
• Our marketing creates awareness of the products and services available in The Junction
• Provides a forum to express views and concerns which can be addressed by the association as a team.  Community issues can then be expressed with the weight of the association behind them; outcomes can be influenced at a city-wide level.

Through marketing, advocacy, and collaboration, we bring businesses and neighbors together, fostering a place where the unique character of our community shines. This is where we gather, grow, and thrive in the heart of West Seattle.

History:

The West Seattle Junction was little more than a boggy woodland until April 1907, when two streetcar lines were connected at California Avenue SW and SW Alaska Street (then 9th Street). Within a month, a dozen real estate agents had opened offices at what quickly became known as "the Junction." By 1911, the Junction had grown from a ramshackle collection of real-estate offices into a full-fledged business district.

For the complete essay, click here.
Text Credit: HistoryLink.org and Cassandra Tate