One more comment: I object to the characterization of the entire U District as "...the scruffy neighborhood of which the Ave is the commercial center." Please do not confuse the Ave with the entire UD - which comprises more than 100 square blocks. Most of the UD is not "scruffy" at all. For example, Deca Hotel is not scruffy, nor are the restaurants on 45th Street toward I-5. Nor is the brand-new development on the east side of the Ave north of NE 47th Street. And Roosevelt Way is not scruffy, unless you consider UW Medical on Roosevelt to be scruffy (ask UW.) Nor are the many brand-new condos and apartment buildings on 11th & 12th Avenues, and soon to open on 50th & Roosevelt. Are they scruffy? How about the tall UW building - scruffy? The library is not sruffy. And there are many NEW STORES and restaurants ON the Ave, which are not scruffy. As a long-time resident of the UD, I can say that 95% of the UD is NOT scruffy. Only a few pockets, which you chose to highlight. Visit again!