In the Capitol Hill neighborhood, there are many different connections between education, affordable housing, and public art. Both education and public art increase the value of property nearby, leading to a lack of affordable housing in those areas.
When families are looking for houses, they often consider the location before the actual building. Factors such as cleanliness, safety, distance to schools, and the general atmosphere of a neighborhood can help draw people in or dissuade them. Families want to live close enough to public or private schools so their children can use school-provided transportation, and they want the area to be a healthy, safe space. Unfortunately, the positive aspects of a neighborhood come at a very high cost, meaning that low-income families do not have access to the same resources and environment because there is no affordable housing.
Proximity to schools is a big consideration for families, but it is also important for college students to consider. Seattle Central College is located on Capitol Hill, but the lack of affordable housing surrounding it means that students have to commute from far away or live in a less-desired area.
The cost of housing on Capitol Hill has risen quite a bit, and public art is more associated with affluent areas. During our visit, we saw the AIDS Memorial Pathway located next to a newer set of apartment buildings. The official public art adds to the appeal of the area, as it signifies a more educated, modern community. Most of the public art pieces are educational or linked to the history of Capitol Hill. The AIDS Memorial Pathway was informing viewers about the marginalized communities that were hit hardest by the AIDS pandemic, yet received the least attention.
Capitol Hill has been at the center of protests and equal rights movements for a long time, and that history can be seen throughout the neighborhood. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights can be seen through official installations of public art, like the rainbow sidewalks on the street, as well as through individual support, such as flags outside residential windows. The neighborhood continues to be involved in social movements, and shows of support have been made through public art. For instance, there is a street in the area that has the words "Black Lives Matter" on it, originally painted by protestors but is now preserved by the city of Seattle.
Overall Assessment
Capitol Hill has an overall score of 3, meaning that it has some topics that are assets, but does have some barriers. While access to education and public art are assets, the lack of affordable housing is a barrier, preventing the community from thriving and preventing individuals from gaining access to the other assets in the neighborhood.