CARLTON PARK: Coveted Neighborhood with a Coveted Neighborhood
One of Seattle’s most coveted neighborhoods, Carleton Park, resides within the broader sought-after neighborhood of Magnolia. Perched above Magnolia Bluff and bordered by water on the north, south and west (Salmon Bay, Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, respectively) and on the east by Interbay, Carleton Park enjoys spectacular Sound and Olympic Mountain views.
Occupied from time immemorial by Coast Salish peoples, who continue to thrive today, the large peninsula now known as Magnolia received its contemporary name in 1857 from Lt. George Davidson, who mistakenly identified the area’s abundant Madrona trees as Magnolias. The settlers who followed logged the peninsula’s conifers and converted it to farmland. Three decades later Fort Lawton was built to provide protection for the Bremerton Navy Yard. Today, this former military base is home to Seattle’s largest park, 534-acre Discovery Park, offering two miles of beachfront, the historic West Point lighthouse, hiking trails, lush forest, open meadows and sweeping views. Nearby, Magnolia Park also offers stunning Puget Sound views, picnic spots, tennis courts and a play area.
At the turn of the 20th century, assistant City Engineer George F. Cotterill designed a 25-mile system of bike paths which is now Magnolia Boulevard. Platted in May of 1915, Carleton Park was named after Guy Carleton Phinney, the father of Seattle real estate promoter Arthur Phinney. Within a decade homes were built along the boulevard and Carleton Park Improvement Club was established, fiercely protesting the cutting of Madrona trees for development—a plight which continued for decades hence the formation of Save Magnolia’s Madrones Committee in 1996.
Carleton Park’s character shines through its combination of oversized lots, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet, and the neighborhood’s notable homes. With underground utility lines, extra-wide streets, and lush greenery, the area is known for its serenity and visual appeal.
The Seattle Times has captured the neighborhood’s essence as a tidy mix of architectural styles, positioned on the bluffs above Magnolia Boulevard. Homes like 4221 W Armour, an architect-designed mid-century modern residence along the west edge, are part of what’s known as the Gold Coast of Magnolia, a prestigious section of the neighborhood with some of the most sought-after properties. While Carleton Park is characteristically residential, the adjacent Magnolia Village serves as the Magnolia’s gathering place. Offering a variety of local shops, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and more, residents don’t have to leave the “island” for daily necessities.
The Village is also home to Magnolia Playfields and Mounger Pool. Nearby Elliott Bay Marina, Fishermen’s Terminal and Ballard Locks provide opportunities for boating, fishing and fresh seafood. Residents toast to special occasions at Palisade Restaurant, tip back a pint at Highliner Public House, or grab a casual lunch at Maggie Bluffs or Discovery Park Café. Carleton Park enjoys a small town feel just 15 minutes from the city—which is one reason why most Magnolians never want to leave this sublime neighborhood.
