University Heights Center is a non-profit, 501c-3 arts & education center located in the nationally historic University Heights Elementary School in the University District of Seattle, Washington. Our mission is to develop and cultivate a place in the University District for innovative learning and cultural development that serves indivuals of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Founded in 1989, by University District residents and businesses who believed this building would serve as a wonderful and vital gathering place for the community, has been serving the Greater Seattle area for almost 110 years. Annually, University Heights welcomes 250,000+ visitors through its doors and over 200+ groups choose to make us their home. We continually strive to provide new programs, services & activities to the center aimed at strengthening our neighborhoods while meeting the needs of our diverse and growing communities. University Heights Center maintains the belief that "Old Schools Still Teach”, and fosters community, cultural and educational opportunities in a historical setting. Residing in one of the oldest elementary school buildings in Washington State, currently under restoration, University Heights serves not only as a National Historic Place, City of Seattle, and WA State Landmark, but also as a vital center for cultural arts and innovative education. University Heights has served as the heart and "town hall" of Seattle's University District neighborhood for many generations. This grand and historic facility not only supports an array of organizations who provide many diverse programs, classes and activities, it also serves as a venue for many community activities, programs and organizations from local to international. Above all, University Heights remains devoted to our local communities, children, the arts, education, civic involvement, sustainability and lifelong education of all ages, backgrounds & abilities in the University District, surrounding neighborhoods and Greater Seattle area. By design and nature, all programs and classes offered here are constantly changing due to the diversity of clients served. Contact us or stop by our offices for current listings. (206) 527-4278. info@uhcca.org. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Originally serving the community as a City of Seattle Elementary school,  University Heights served the University District and greater neighborhoods for more than 85 years. For nearly a century, thousands of neighborhood children raced up and down these halls, learned from these chalkboards and shared many wonderful childhood memories. This location school was closed by the Seattle School District in 1989 due to failing enrollment. Just before the building was to be closed, local residents, businesses, students, parents, teachers and the community rose up and joined hands around the school chanting "Be Cool, Save our School" in an effort to keep this school. Unwilling to let this landmark be lost, a neighborhood organization conducted a survey of the community regarding the future status of the building. A majority of 75% agreed that it should continue to serve the public as a multi-use community center. In response, the University Heights Center for the Community Association was established in January 1990, and on May 31st, 1990, University Heights Center opened its doors. Since then, University Heights has been serving the greater University District through the wide variety of classes, workshops and programs available at the center. We believe that "Old Schools Still Teach" and strive to maintain this principle by working hand in hand with local organizations and businesses to further this center as a resource, continue to provide an environment where families and the community to meet, fellowship, foster civic involvement and lifelong learning. This effort is continuous and to provide such a diverse array of opportunities for learning and growth in a historical setting for an ever-changing neighborhood it takes many hands. Almost 250,000 people frequent the University Heights Center every year. Over 200 groups a year choose to make the University Heights Center their home for their classes, workshops, community meetings and more every year. From aerobics to belly dance, from city meetings to dance classes, from green gardening to shopping at Seattle's largest farmers market, University Heights Center has a little bit of everything. Every year, University Heights participates in many special events throughout the University District and we are always looking for more ways to strengthen community. Have an idea for a class or a need in the area, let us hear it! We appreciate all suggestions. We are always on the lookout for new programs or services to meet the needs of our diverse and ever-changing neighborhoods. Because we value our neighborhood, we also work closely with other organizations seeking to improve and strengthen the neighborhood. University Heights holds a variety of community events free to the public every year focusing on events that meet our mission and encourage community participation. We are always looking for positive ways to embrace community. Join us in bringing our communities together. Inside or out, there is always something new happening at the University Heights Center. Welcome!