Singles Archives #4: Filming Locations – Then and Now

I thought we’d revisit a feature I did in 2012 on the Singles Seattle filming locations: Then and Now…

Since I live in Seattle, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the filming locations and how they look now. I’ve included stills from the movie along with recent pictures that I’ve taken. It’s crazy how many locations are gone or completely changed, while others have stood the test of time. We hope you enjoy this trip down memory lane.

• The Coryell Court apartment building is located at 1820 E. Thomas Ave on the corner of 19th and E. Thomas Ave in the Capitol Hill neighborhood.  Please remember that people live there, so you’ll want to respect their privacy if you stop by.

Tidbit: The fountain was created out of styrofoam for the film and the building is only two stories, so there’s not actually an elevator.  In reality, Cliff’s apartment was in the laundry room and storage area (located in the basement of the apartment complex).

 

• The Java Stop where Janet (Bridget Fonda) and Cliff (Matt Dillon) work was located in the O.K. Hotel, under the Alaskan Way viaduct in Pioneer Square (212 Alaskan Way S.). The building was so damaged during the Nisqually earthquake in February 2001, that it was knocked down. Many Seattle rock bands including Nirvana, Soundgarden and Mudhoney played here.

 

• The bench where Linda (Kyra Sedgewick) and Ruth (Devon Raymond) chat is still located in a small park at the corner of 4th and Lenora. This is directly across the street from the Cinerama.

 

• Linda (Kyra Sedgewick) gets her car fixed at University Auto Repair (the bench was added). The name of the business has changed over the years, but it’s still there at 5330 Roosevelt Way NE.

 

• The Soundgarden concert footage was shot at the Central Tavern (now the Central Saloon). The Singles wrap party was held at the Off Ramp Cafe (now the El Corazon) and Mookie Blaylock (later renamed Pearl Jam) played their first show here too.

 

• Steve (Campbell Scott) and Linda had “water” at the Virginia Inn at 1937 1st Avenue. The location looks nearly identical to what is captured on film over 20 years ago.

 

• The Pioneer Square Newsstand was built for Singles on the side of the J&M Cafe at 201 1st Avenue South in Pioneer Square. The J & M is still going strong.

Additional locations:

• Steve meets the Mayor (Tom Skerritt) at Chandlers Crabhouse (901 Fairview Ave N).
• Steve and Linda see a film at The Admiral Theater in West Seattle (2343 California Ave SW) right before their car accident at the intersection of California Avenue SW & SW Charleston Street.
• Steve’s work was located at the “Spam Can” building right down from Capitol Hill at 1730 Minor Avenue North.
• The Mother Love Bone graffiti seen in the alley at The Vogue (in Belltown) is now history. The Vogue moved to Capitol Hill and has since closed.
• The Alice in Chains concert footage was shot at Pier 29 in a warehouse that the production turned into a club.
• Jimi Hendrix’s grave is located at the Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton.
• Other iconic locations featured include the Fremont Bridge, the Seattle Center roller coaster (now gone), Gas Works park, Occidental Park and Pioneer Square (where the theatrical poster was shot).