A play area near a summertime wading pool is a wintertime attraction for Kailee Patterson, 7, left, and Heather Redmond, 5.

Easy access to downtown Seattle helps draw new residents to the Judkins Park neighborhood.

Second-grade teacher Gail Hanson works with her pupils at Thurgood Marshall Elementary School. In 1995, Redbook magazine called the school one of AmericaÕs best.

With daughter Jessica in her arms and baby Javon on her back, volunteer Carlotta Walker helps out at Thurgood Marshall Elementary.

Worker Richard Wayman labors on framing one of the many houses under construction in the revitalized Judkins neighborhood.

Venessa Henry has co-owned the Judkins Street Grocery since 1989. A North Carolina native, she says many of her regular customers also are from the South, so she stocks some Southern snacks for them.

Corine Leonard, owner of the Judkins BBQ and Restaurant, says, "I do all my own cooking. I don't have to taste it, and I don't use recipes. It's all right here in my head."

Improvements to the local park, a centerpiece of Judkins Park, have helped rejuvenate the neighborhood.

Stewart Lumber & Hardware employees Bob Donaldson, left, and Steve Sanderson carry out supplies for lifelong customer Sherry Lood.