A five-minute walk to the University of Washington sounds appealing. That’s the pitch behind the building at 4535 12th Ave NE. It’s historically known as AVA U District. If you’re researching this address, there’s an important update first. The property has since rebranded.
This guide breaks down what the building offers today. It also covers what changed with the rebrand. You’ll also learn why this part of the University District keeps drawing renters.
Important Update: AVA U District Is Now TWELVE at U District
If you searched for “AVA U District,” you found the right address. However, the property no longer uses that name. Records show it now operates as TWELVE at U District. Management updated the branding. The physical building and its core amenities remain largely the same.
This kind of rebrand happens often in multifamily real estate. It’s especially common after a change in ownership or management. Because of that, older listings may not reflect current rent or availability. Always confirm details directly with the leasing office first.
About the Building
The property sits in Seattle’s University District. That’s zip code 98105. It’s a mid-rise community with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Loft and live-work spaces are also available for renters who want more flexibility.
Historical floor plan data shows a range of unit sizes. Compact studios start around 466 square feet. Larger two-bedroom, two-bathroom layouts run closer to 792 square feet. Ceiling height, natural light, and open-concept layouts are consistent highlights across floor plans here.
Building amenities include a fitness center and controlled access entry. There’s also an elevator, rooftop courtyards, and a bike shop with dedicated storage. A shared social space, previously branded “The Hive,” has also been part of the community. The building has earned LEED certification too, reflecting sustainable construction practices.
Apartment Features
Units at this address typically include hardwood flooring and in-unit laundry connections. Walk-in closets and private balconies round out most floor plans. Several units also feature triple-glass sliding doors. These help with both natural light and noise reduction. That’s a genuinely useful detail near this building’s busy commercial corridor.
Kitchens across most floor plans include a dishwasher, garbage disposal, and microwave. Heating in many units runs on an electric system. Most listings also note both cable and high-speed internet access.
Pricing History and What to Expect Today
This property has changed names and management over the years. Because of that, its pricing history offers useful context only. Current rent will look quite different.
- Historical one-bedroom pricing: Older listings placed one-bedroom units around $1,395 to $1,949 per month. Exact pricing depended on square footage and floor plan.
- Historical two-bedroom pricing: Two-bedroom units have historically ranged from $1,995 up to $2,399 per month. Size and finish level drove most of that difference.
- Nearby comparable properties: Recent data on similar University District buildings shows studios starting around $1,400 to $2,500. One-bedroom units often run $2,000 to $4,000 or more today.
Rents have shifted a lot across Seattle in recent years. Treat these historical figures as context, not a current quote. Contact the leasing office directly for the most accurate pricing. Checking a major rental platform’s current listing also helps.
Neighborhood: Why the University District Appeals to Renters
Location remains the single biggest draw for this address.
Walking distance to the University of Washington. Multiple sources confirm campus sits less than a five-minute walk away. That’s a strong pull for students, faculty, and staff alike.
A dense restaurant and retail corridor. More than a dozen restaurants sit within a single block. Options range from quick-service spots to sit-down dining. That density supports an easy, walkable daily routine.
Access to green space. Woodland Park sits less than a ten-minute drive away. It features an off-leash dog area and a popular skatepark.
Strong transit access. The University District benefits from Seattle’s Link light rail system. Multiple bus routes add further connection to downtown Seattle.
A mix of student and young professional renters. The neighborhood attracts both groups thanks to its campus proximity. That mix supports a lively, active community feel.
Pet Policy and Practical Considerations
Historical listings describe this property as pet-friendly. Both cats and dogs have historically been allowed. Some past listings noted breed restrictions and added pet rent, though. Policies like this often change with new ownership. Confirm the current pet policy directly with the leasing office before applying.
Parking has also historically included a secured garage option. That matters in a dense neighborhood like this one. Street parking can get limited and competitive near campus, especially during the school year.
What to Ask Before You Tour or Apply
A few practical questions help renters avoid surprises here.
Confirm the current property name and management company. The rebrand from AVA to TWELVE makes this step especially important. It helps avoid confusion during your application process.
Ask about current floor plan availability. Unit availability shifts constantly near a university campus. This is especially true around the start of academic terms. Checking current openings directly beats relying on older listings.
Clarify lease term options. Historical listings show a range of lease lengths. Some run as short as three months, while others run a full year. Confirm what’s currently offered to match your own timeline.
Ask about included utilities. Utility inclusion varies by building and unit type. A clear answer here helps you compare true monthly costs accurately.
Request current photos and a tour. Branding and finishes may have changed since older listings were published. Seeing the actual current unit protects against outdated marketing photos.
If you’re comparing this building against other options near campus, our guide to the best apartments near the University of Washington walks through additional buildings worth touring first.
For the most accurate, current information, check TWELVE at U District’s official leasing website directly. Third-party listing sites sometimes display outdated details tied to the property’s former AVA branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AVA U District still called that? No. The property at 4535 12th Ave NE now operates as TWELVE at U District. The building and location stay the same. The branding, and possibly the management company, have changed.
How close is this building to the University of Washington? Multiple sources confirm campus sits less than a five-minute walk away. That makes it a popular pick for students and university staff.
What unit sizes are available at this address? Historical floor plans range from compact studios around 466 to 700 square feet. Two-bedroom units run closer to 792 square feet. Confirm current availability directly with the leasing office.
Is this building pet-friendly? Historically, yes, with both cats and dogs allowed. Some listings noted breed restrictions and extra pet rent, though. Confirm current pet policy details directly, since these can change.
Does the building offer parking? Yes, historical listings describe a secured parking garage among the amenities. That’s a real convenience in this dense, walkable neighborhood.
What amenities does the building offer? Amenities have historically included a fitness center, elevator, and controlled access entry. Rooftop courtyards, bike storage, and a shared social space round things out. In-unit features include hardwood floors and private balconies.
How much does rent cost at this address? Historical pricing ranged from roughly $1,395 for smaller one-bedrooms up to $2,399 for larger two-bedrooms. Current pricing will differ significantly, though. Check with the leasing office directly for accurate numbers.
What neighborhood is this building located in? The building sits in Seattle’s University District, zip code 98105. It’s known for campus proximity, a dense restaurant scene, and strong transit access.
Final Thoughts
The building at 4535 12th Ave NE offers a genuinely strong location. It’s ideal for anyone prioritizing walkability to the University of Washington. Easy access to Seattle’s broader transit network adds further appeal. The shift from AVA U District to TWELVE at U District doesn’t change the address or its core appeal. It does mean older pricing and availability details may no longer be current, though. Confirm today’s floor plans, pricing, and policies directly with the leasing office before applying. You’ll then have an accurate picture of what living here actually looks like right now.