From Thrift Store to Startup Hub: A History of Goodwill in the University District and Beyond

Introduction

Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington has been a fixture in the Seattle community for decades, providing affordable goods, supporting local programs, and offering job training and education. However, recent challenges have led to significant changes, including the closure of the University District and South Lake Union locations. This article explores the history of Goodwill, its impact on the community, and the factors contributing to its evolving presence in Seattle.

The Early Years and Mission of Goodwill

Evergreen Goodwill, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1923. Its mission is to connect people with the jobs, services, and skills they need to thrive. This mission is supported by revenue generated from Goodwill stores, which offer a wide array of donated goods to the public. With every purchase made at Seattle Goodwill, shoppers support local programs and initiatives aimed at empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries was started by Methodist minister Dr. J.M. With deep Seattle roots, this store strives to engage the community and financially support the cause of Lifelong to provide food, housing, and health to individuals with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.

Goodwill's Presence in the University District

The University District store, located at 4552 University Way N.E., had been a fixture in the community since 2008. Known as "The Ave," this location provided affordable shopping options for students, residents, and treasure hunters alike. The closure of this store marks a significant change for the neighborhood, impacting both shoppers and employees.

Closure of Seattle Locations

In a recent announcement, Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington revealed the closure of two of its Seattle thrift stores, citing safety concerns, escalating theft, and rising rent as key factors in its decision. The two locations - South Lake Union and University District - officially closed on September 22.

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"The decision to close these stores was not made lightly," said Derieontay Sparks, senior vice president of customer experience, retail and revenue growth at Evergreen Goodwill. "Both locations have experienced a troubling rise in property damage, break-ins and safety concerns for our employees. These challenges, coupled with rising rent and operational costs, have made it unsustainable to continue operating in these areas."

All employees affected by the closures have been offered roles at other Goodwill locations. The organization encourages shoppers and donors to visit nearby Goodwill stores in Capitol Hill and Ballard, where they can continue to support Goodwill’s mission.

Impact on Job Training and Education Programs

Proceeds from sales at the University District and South Lake Union locations, along with those from 23 other Goodwill stores in the region, help fund the organization’s free job training, education, and job placement programs. In the past decade, Goodwill has supported over 57,000 individuals through its five local job training centers, offering classes like computer and mobile basics, customer service essentials, and ESOL, along with job placement services.

"Donations from the community fuel our stores, and all proceeds from our stores power our free Job Training and Education Programs," Sparks said. "Without our shoppers and generous donors, we simply couldn’t do what we do. Thank you for the support of the community in South Lake Union and the University District over the years, and while we are sad to leave, we hope fans of Goodwill will continue to visit us at our other nearby locations."

A Look at Other Goodwill Locations

Capitol Hill

The new Goodwill Capitol Hill is located at 115 Belmont Ave E. "People were saying you’ve got to come to the Hill, you’ve got to come the Hill,” said Katherine Boury, Goodwill Seattle communications manager. “We’re finally here! “When a store opens,” Boury advises, “it’s common for the donations to be reflective of the neighborhood. Purchases at Goodwill stores support Goodwill’s free job training. And lastly, Goodwill Capitol Hill is accepting donations from the community.

Goodwill Capitol Hill will join a solid thrift and vintage culture on Capitol Hill including a Red Light Vintage store, Crossroads Trading, Take 2, Le Frock, Pretty Parlor, No Parking, the Lifelong thrift store and more.

Goodwill Outlet

Here, shoppers can sift through bins of goods priced by the pound, embracing the thrill of the hunt as they uncover hidden treasures at bargain prices. From clothing to household items, the Goodwill Outlet is a haven for budget-conscious shoppers and treasure hunters alike. Bonus: this is one of the locations used to film Macklemore’s music video for “Thrift Shop.”

The Broader Thrift and Vintage Scene in Seattle

Goodwill is part of a larger ecosystem of thrift and vintage stores in Seattle, each offering unique finds and experiences.

Pretty Parlor: Located at 119 Summit Ave., this vintage store offers clothing from every era of the past 100 years.
Lifelong Thrift Store: Tuesday - Saturday A nonprofit with deep Seattle roots.
Tiny Threads: Sunday, closed Monday. The only thing cuter than vintage clothing? Tiny vintage clothing. Decorated with old-school toys and games and packed to the brim with a variety of modern consignment and throwback threads as well as new clothing and toys, this cute Columbia City shop provides plenty of distractions for little ones.

From Goodwill to Catalyst: A New Chapter for a Historic Building

The former Goodwill Industries complex in the Central West End is under renovation and is being revitalized as a startup hub called Catalyst: Powered by WashU. The facility on Forest Park Avenue closed in 2019 and was purchased by Washington University. The building served as Goodwill headquarters from 1944 until the sale in 2019 - and it’s still listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role it previously played as a hub for Goodwill.

Now, the historic facility will serve as a support hub to nurture growth and expansion-stage bioscience startups by providing lab and office spaces, and other critical support. It’s expected to be 163,000 square feet and will also serve as a graduation space for startups.

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Doug Frantz, vice chancellor of innovation and chief commercialization at WashU, said the reimagined hub will help boost the economy and innovation ecosystem in St. Louis. “This space is for startup companies to expand their footprint within St. Louis, to really be able to expand capacities and the technologies they are developing,” Frantz said. “It's a space that St. Louis has been desperately needing for a very long time. … It will lower the barrier for mid- and late-stage startups to find the space, resources and community that will accelerate their breakthroughs to market.”

C2N Diagnostics is poised to be the first occupant by late 2026. The company develops diagnostic tests for Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. C2N CEO Joel Braunstein said they’re excited to be the anchor tenant for the revitalized building in the Cortex Innovation District. “and around the world,” Braunstein said in a statement. Design and engineering firm HOK is serving as Catalyst’s architect, and its general contractor is the Tarlton Corp. WashU officials say real estate developer BOBB LLC, an affiliate of WashU, is collaborating with key stakeholders on the $100 million revamp.

Goodwill's Centennial Anniversary

Ohio Valley Goodwill becomes Royal Sponsor of the Queen Bee Half Marathon, an event designed to empower women. 100th Anniversary Celebration!

Additional Programs and Initiatives

An array of Community-Based employment and enrichment programs designed to enhance community inclusion and membership. Launch of the Consumer Advisory Council; a self-advocacy initiative designed to support individuals to speak up for themselves and others with disabilities. Team Goodwill participates in the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon as a Relay team and raises $5000 for the organization. Goodwill receives Thomas H. HCDDS Award for ” Outstanding Achievement” to Leslie McCurley, Asst. Goodwill Industries International ” Kenneth K. King Management” Award to Joseph S. SWORA ” Tomko Award for Outstanding Achievement” for Joseph S. Grand Opening of Mt. Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service for Joseph S. Goodwill Receives three-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF).

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