Laurelhurst, Seattle facts for kids

Laurelhurst is a lovely neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, USA. It's located near Lake Washington and Union Bay. To its west is the University of Washington, a big college campus. You can also find Seattle Children's Hospital in the northwest part of the neighborhood.
Long ago, this area was a seasonal camping spot for the Duwamish people. Laurelhurst officially became part of Seattle in 1910. Today, it's known for its beautiful homes and friendly community.
The Laurelhurst Community Center is a special building that is recognized as a city landmark. Places like the Laurelhurst Beach Club and Laurelhurst Park are popular spots where people gather and have fun.
Some famous people have lived in Laurelhurst, like actors Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, and musician Duff McKagan from the band Guns N' Roses. Even Bill Gates lived here as a young child with his father, Bill Gates Sr.. It's a very desirable place to live in Seattle.
Exploring Laurelhurst's Past
How Laurelhurst Got Its Name
The name Laurelhurst was first used between 1906 and 1909. During this time, a company bought land in the area. They gave it the new name and added important services like water, electricity, and sewers.
The name "Laurelhurst" has a cool meaning! "Laurel" comes from the name of a plant, like the laurel tree. "Hurst" is an old English word that means "wood" or "forest." So, Laurelhurst means something like "laurel forest."
Learning in Laurelhurst
Laurelhurst is home to several schools. These include Laurelhurst Elementary School and Villa Academy, which is an independent school. There are also other learning centers like the Wu Hsing Tao School.