The Duwamish, Seattle's host indigenous tribe since the last Ice Age, follow Chief Si'ahl's emphasis on ecological citizenship and land respect. Today, with about 600 members, they honor their rich history and pursue social, cultural, and economic survival. The Duwamish tribe has not been granted federal recognition, and relies on their nonprofit organization, Duwamish Tribal Services, to support their community.

Support the Duwamish by contacting Honorable Cecile Hanson at Duwamish Tribal Services, the tribe's chair, and Chief Si'ahl's great-great grandniece. Write to your representative, explore Duwamish culture, and contribute rent payments to the Duwamish.

Developed on the north shore of Portage Bay. The area, known as Brooklyn, was annexed into the City of Seattle in 1881 and linked to Capitol Hill by the Latona Bridge in 1892. The children of the sparsely settled neighborhood attended the Latona School. Growing enrollment at the University of Washington, then situated in downtown Seattle, required the construction of a larger campus, and a 600-acre site in Brooklyn was settled. Construction began in 1894. At the turn of the century, the citizens of Brooklyn sought to convince the Seattle School District that their community needed its own school."

Featured in Building for Learning, Seattle Public School Histories, 1862-2000

University Heights School is built.

University Heights Elementary School opens. Architects Charles Bebb and Louis Mendel.

Construction begins on a 13-room addition, opened in 1908.

Alaska-Yukon-Pacific exposition, 500+ students attend University Heights School.

Enrollment peaks at over 900 students.

800+ students in attendance at UHeights Elementary.

The Auditorium is constructed. 7th and 8th graders leave to attend John Marshall Junior High School, decreasing enrollment.

Enrollment begins to decline.

Wing Luke attends kindergarten through third grade at University Heights Elementary School.

400 students in attendance.

Class photo of students on the steps of University Heights.

A program for deaf children begins at University Heights.

Showing the start of a multi-ethnic curriculum.

Individualized education program launched to promote progress for each child's learning.

University Heights Alternative Program, an alternative school program, launched. This program was centered around ideals of teaching students to value “curiosity, exploration, and responsibility in an open environment” with emphasis on education in small groups.

University Heights is entered into consideration for closure. Students, faculty, parents and additional protesters create a coalition to save the school, and formed circle around the building chanting “Be cool, save our school.”

School is closed by the district due to low enrollment.

University Heights Center for the Community Association is established by activists who protested the school's initial closure.

The University Heights School, is purchased from the Seattle School District with State of Washington, King County, City of Seattle and UHeights funds with the help of Speaker Frank Chopp of the Washington State House of Representatives and our community members.

University Heights Center is registered as a National Heritage Site by the US Department of the Interior.

New Playground is built with the support of Delta Air Lines.

Seismic Retrofit and renovation of grounds with support from Building for Communities (WA State) and 4Culture funds.

University Heights Plaza opens with support of the City of Seattle.

The Auditorium is renovated with the support of the City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, 4Culture, and Lucky Seven Foundation.

Improvements include a new stage, lighting grid, sound system, projector, big screen, and blackout curtains. These changes will allow for more versatility for performers and neighborhood groups alike.

UHeights completes repairs on the roof, parapets, and cornices through major support from the Heritage Capital Project Fund administered by the Washington State Historical Society, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, 4Culture, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, The Norcliffe Foundation, Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation, Joshua Green Foundation, Richaven Architecture & Preservation, U District Rotary, and Pat and Ken Weber Fund.

After five years of effort, the 121-year-old building finally boasts an elevator, replacing an older lift that primarily aided people in wheelchairs. Exponentially increasing the accessibility of the building, people of all ages and abilities have a more accessible method of exploring UHeights.

University Heights Center operates as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to arts and community. The beautiful facility that once house the elementary school is now home to a dozen resident organizations including six schools and afterschool programs. We continue to grow community programs that address our City's most pressing needs.