What makes Fremont so quirky?

Fremont is one of Seattle most iconic neighborhoods, with wild art installations, unique restaurants, and a fun walkable vibe. Here’s my top 10 favorite things about Fremont:

1. Fremont is nicknamed “Center of the Universe”
   Fremont proclaims itself the “Center of the Universe.” There's even a guidepost/sign at Fremont Ave & N 35th St marking this point. The Metropolitan King County Council officially made the proclamation in 1994, though the idea dates back to the early 1970s.

2. Surely you already know about the Fremont Troll, but did you know it used to include a real VW bug?
   Today, the troll sits ready to crush a concrete model of a VW bug. But, when the sculpture was created in 1990, there was an actual VW bug vehicle, which was filled as a time capsule. However, after several break-ins, vandalization, and theft of the items inside, it was filled with concrete.

3. Story behind the The Lenin Statue
   Another story out of the 1990s: an Eastsider, Lew Carpenter, spent a year teaching English in Czechoslovakia, and became attached to hosting potlucks during his time there. He hoped to open a restaurant in Issaquah serving dumplings. Before returning home, he happened across the statue in a scrapyard and thought it would be the perfect attention grabbing stunt for his hopeful restaurant. Unfortunately, a year after his return to the PNW, he died in a car accident. The Fremont Fine Arts Foundry’s founder volunteered to help the Carpenter family hold onto the statue while they looked for a buyer to take ownership of the statue. They still have not found a buyer, and the statue sits overlooking Fremont- with controversy- at Fremont Pl N & N 36th Street.

4. Fremont is chock full of public art like “Waiting for the Interurban”
   Public art is everywhere. One sculpture is “Waiting for the Interurban”, which memorializes the Interurban railway. Fremont also has other whimsical pieces — rockets, planets, dinosaurs (topiary ones), etc.

5. Founded in 1888, Annexed in 1891
   Fremont began as a separate plat (i.e. a subdivided area for development) in 1888. It was named after Fremont, Nebraska (the hometown of two of its founders) and was annexed to the city of Seattle in 1891.

6. Although it originally was an industrial center, a Bohemian comeback shaped it’s current vibe
   Early Fremont was industrial — lumber, mills, shingle works, foundries, plus rail and trolley lines helped it grow. It went into a quiet/declining phase when transit declined mid‑20th century. Then in the 1960s and beyond artists, students, and creative folks moved in, giving it the quirky, boho‑artsy vibe it keeps today.

7. Sustainable Building Leadership
   Fremont has been on the forefront of eco‑friendly building in Seattle. For example, there are several projects meeting the Living Building Pilot (LBP) standard, including a carbon‑positive residential building (“Inspire”), showing strong interest in green building & sustainability.

8. We couldn’t make this list and not include the Solstice Parade
   One of its signature events is the Fremont Summer Solstice Parade. It’s famous (or infamous) for its body‑painted, often nude bicyclists, funky floats, local art, and big community energy.

Want to learn about Fremont’s safety rating, demographics, best restaurants, and more? Check out the link below