While walking Discovery Park in Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, we discovered a recently abandoned fortress. Here are Brian's thoughts on it (you can find Brian Olsen's original post as well as other Magnolia neighborhood info on our Magnolia real estate blog:
The closure of Fort Lawton located in Magnolia’s Discovery Park is bittersweet. Gone are the days of active United States military happenings and left behind are empty buildings, parking lots and opportunity. This urban park is about 534 acres and ready for new potential and protected wildlife refuge.
Fort Lawton
The most controversial issue regarding the space is what to do with former military property acquired by the City of Seattle around Discovery Park. In 2004, city planners announced it would purchase 23- 24 acres of U.S. Navy property within the park. The decision was ultimately made to demolish the structures and create open space. In 2008, plans to close Fort Lawton opened up debate over what to do with the former military base. Now that the military is gone it seems that plans for the future are moving forward. Much of the park is emptied out and decisions need to happen here, and soon.
Fort Lawton Gate
Discovery Park can attract wild animals. In the winter of 2008-2009 a coyote in the park made headlines and in May 2009 a black bear was seen. In September 2009…the park was closed because of the presence of a cougar. The animal was trapped and transported to the Cascade Mountains. Next time you hike into the park and down to the waters edge look for the Orca Whales that have been reported to be more South than usual because they are hunting salmon which are close to the rivers & streams that run into Puget Sound.
Fort Lawton – The emblem on the gate has been removed. The United States Stars and Stripes no longer waves from the flag pole. Let’s not forget this important part of Seattle history. It is truly a facinating area to explore and live close. Let us know if we can answer more questions about the area and what Magnolia has to offer.
Courtney Cooper
Seattle Realtor, Owner/Designated Broker/EcoBroker
Cooper Jacobs Real Estate
206-850-8841
(Seattle real estate - search all MLS listings from all companies for FREE), SeattleAfloat.com (Seattle Houseboats), GreenLakeLoop.com (Green Lake Blog), QueenAnneBoulevard.com (Queen Anne Blog), MagnoliaView.com (Magnolia Neighborhood Blog)
About Me:
Seattle real estate has been a big part of my life for well over a decade since I began my career in real estate,but also before that time when I was in the process of purchasing my own first home. Buying your first home can be quite overwhelming,but I have managed to help many first time home buyers along the way.
Move up Seattle buyers and other types of specialized purchasing is a great passion of mine! I love Seattle houseboats and you can find me down on the docks of Lake Union and Portage Bay several times a week. Other aspects of Seattle real estate that I adore include Queen Anne Real Estate,Wallingford Real Estate, Ballard Real Estate, Green Lake Real Estate, Laurelhurst Real Estate, Magnolia Real Estate,andSeattle Waterfront Real Estate.
In addition to being a Seattle residential broker and founder of Cooper Jacobs & Seattle Afloat, I am also a member of CBA (Commercial Brokers Association) and head of the Cooper Jacobs Commercial Division in an effort to provide excellent commercial real estate services to the Seattle commercial real estate industry. With a background in accounting and management, it is my great pleasure to coordinate our Seattle commercial brokers.
About Cooper Jacobs Real Estate's Seattle Branch:
My office at Cooper Jacobs Real Estate LLC is located centrally near all my favorite Puget Sound neighborhoods just a few blocks up from Lake Union in Seattle’s Wallingford. Cooper Jacobs Real Estate is a wonderful place filled with talented Seattle real estate brokers and I count myself extremely lucky that I get to spend so much time with these wonderful people. We specialize in different Seattle neighborhoods and suburbs in both residential and commercial real estate and are all very passionate and excited about each of our favorite Seattle neighborhoods and industries!
©Courtney Cooper ©Cooper Jacobs Real Estate LLC
Forgot to add that we walked over 6 miles through Discovery Park that day - it was amazing! Saw a Bald Eagle and a baby Harbor Seal plus a couple snakes, but luckily no bear or cougar!