Washington Filmworks uses our Location of the Month newsletters to showcase the diversity of unique looks and resources for production in a number of jurisdictions around Washington State. Find previous installments archived on our website and on the WF Blog.
Columbia City – March 2016
A historic landmark district and one of Seattle’s hottest neighborhoods, Columbia City has a vibrant business district filled with restaurants, craft breweries, music venues, and great shopping. This neighborhood also has unique, old-world artisans – like a butcher and bakery, which features one of the 10 best baguettes in the country, according to Bon Appétit Magazine.
Conveniently located near the Link Light Rail and both I-5 and I-90, this location is easy to get to from just about anywhere. Columbia City is one of the featured neighborhoods in the “Block Party: Nine Neighborhoods That Are Hot Right Now” feature story in the March issue of Seattle Magazine.
Columbia City Weather
Photo credit: Daniel Sheehan
Average Temperature:
Precipitation:
Projects Filmed in Columbia City
Photo credit: Dylan Priest
A unique range of independent film projects have shot in Columbia City.
Key Locations of Interest
Photo credit: dbCreative Services Group
Columbia City has old-world, urban visual appeal, with many historic buildings and interconnected alleyways. It’s home to one of the state’s oldest vaudeville theaters, Columbia City Theater, where Jimi Hendrix once performed. Just behind this theater you’ll find the city’s Carnegie library and the lovely Columbia Park. The Rainier Valley Cultural Center also has a full stage and auditorium with over 240 seats and a 16′ x 9′ movie screen. Ark Lodge Cinemas movie theater is in a beautiful Masonic Temple building and also has a screening room. The Royal Room is another great music venue, with a stage and “back line” (drum set, guitar amps, piano, and Hammond B3 organ). Seward Park and Lake Washington are also nearby.
Distance to Downtown Seattle
Columbia City is approximately 5 miles from downtown Seattle.
Distance to Closest Large Washington Airport
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 10 miles from Columbia City.
Annual Events or Festivals
Photo credit: dbCreative Services Group
The Heritage Parade occurs on the third Saturday in August – a part of the city’s SeaFair celebration. Also part of SeaFair and just up the hill at Lake Washington, you’ll find the annual Hydroplane Races. The city also hosts a BeatWalk featuring musicians and other performers in venues and on street corners in the business district on the second Sunday of every month from June through October. You can also find the Columbia City Farmers Market on Wednesdays from May through October.
Relevant Contact Names & Information
- Local Film Liaison – Guy Davis, President, Columbia City Business Association, (206) 992-3996, guy@gmdcustom.com
- Agency that issues permits and costs – City of Seattle Office of Film + Music, http://www.seattle.gov/filmandmusic
- Police or Sheriff’s Department or agency that handles traffic control – City of Seattle Office of Film + Music, http://www.seattle.gov/filmandmusic
Accommodations
The Shirley Marvin, Extended Stay Hotel
About:
1411 Fourth Ave., Suite 420
Seattle,WA 98101
www.WashingtonFilmworks.org
(206) 264-0667