Curbed Cup Finals: (3) Ballard vs. (4) First Hill

This is it: the Seattle Curbed Cup finals. And despite two high seed contenders, it’s a little bit of an underdog story. 2016 finalist and 2012 champion Ballard once again is a contender for the top spot after advancing over the Central District this week. But on the other side, we have First Hill—ranked highly due to a massive influx of nominations early in the process, but advancing past the Sweet Sixteen for the very first time.

It’s no wonder Ballard is a perennial favorite. Its deep history as a Nordic fishing town mingles with some of the city’s favorite bars and restaurants, both old and new. Its maritime location means it’s still a hub of industry and a popular beachgoing destination. Ballard has had a fun 2017, too, with an adorable homemade Diagon Alley, a brand-new cider taproom, and an expansion of the popular Popluxe brewery.

Meanwhile, First Hill shot to the top of the competition in 2017 after a banner year that included Plymouth Housing Group’s new permanent, supportive housing in the neighborhood, a new low-barrier, 24-hour shelter in First Presbyterian Church, and a planned affordable housing project on Sound Transit property. The neighborhood helped win some massive benefits with the Convention Center expansion, including funding for improvements to Freeway Park and a Terry Avenue promenade.

Like Ballard, though, First Hill has some institutions that have been there the whole time: arts forum Town Hall, the always-free Frye Art Museum (currently a temporary home to literary hub Hugo House, too), dimly lit martini joint Vito’s, and the cozy and posh Sorrento Hotel.

Before we get to voting, here’s the bracket as it stands right now.

Which neighborhood should be crowned the 2017 Curbed Cup winner? This poll closes Tuesday, January 2 at 10 a.m., so get those votes in. (Not seeing the poll? Try exiting Apple News or Google Amp.)

No ballot stuffing—we’ll be watching!