General Information

The Center for Urban Horticulture, which is located on the northeastern edge of the University of Washington campus across from University Village, offers several spaces for meetings, lectures, classes, and social events. Surrounded by 16 acres of gardens and the 74-acre Union Bay Natural Area, the Center offers an unparalleled setting in the heart of Seattle. Featuring comfortable rooms, ample off-street parking, and beautiful, park-like surroundings, the Center is a great place to get away from urban stresses without leaving the city.

Reservation Process

1. Call or email the Rental Program Office to inquire about date availability: 206-221-2500 or uwbgfac@u.washington.edu.

2. Submit a CUH Room Reservation Request Form to the Rental Program Office via mail or fax.

3. You will then be required to submit an online Use of University Facilities (UUF) Form directly to the University of Washington, which is reviewed by the Use of University Facilities Committee.

4. Once your reservation is approved, you will receive a written confirmation/ invoice of your reservation. We must receive the 25% partial payment deposit 14 days after your confirmation/invoice is sent to continue reserving your space.

5. The remainder of your quoted rental fee and $250 damage deposit is due 14 days prior to the beginning of your reserved date.

6. In the case of last minute bookings (if space is available), full payment is due at least one business day before the start of your event.

At any time during the reservation process, please feel free to call or email us should you have any questions.

Forms & Additional Rental Information

Please contact the UWBG Rental Program Office at (206) 221 – 2500 for reservation information and to schedule a tour.

CUH Room Reservation Request Form (pdf)
Use of University of Facilities (UUF) Online Form
Authorization to Apply for a Banquet Permit Form
CUH Social Event and Meeting Regulations (pdf)
Map to CUH (pdf)
Map of CUH Grounds (pdf)

Facilities & Services

There are several spaces available in a variety of combinations to accommodate small to large events.

• Northwest Horticultural Society Hall (NHS Hall)
• Isaacson Boardroom
• Isaacson Classroom
• Douglas Classroom
• Courtyard/Outdoor Areas

NHS Hall

• Main conference and reception hall
• Seats 220 without tables (chairs only)
• Large retractable projector screen
• Built-in P.A. system
• Can be partitioned into three areas (and rented separately)

Isaacson Boardroom

• Seats 12 around a rectangular conference table
• Windows overlook the Soest Herbaceous Display Garden
• Entry foyer with small sink and counter space for catering

Isaacson Classroom

• Seats 24 with tables and 45 with chairs only
• Large white board
• View of conservatory and lakeshore

Douglas Classroom

• Seats 40 in a classroom style and up to 80 with chairs only
• Counter with sink
• Located in the Conservatory and opens to an atrium with tropical plants
• Polished concrete flooring
• Air conditioning

Courtyard/Outdoor Areas

Many of our courtyard/outdoor spaces are included with particular rental spaces, however, they may be rented at additional cost for weddings and other large events. 

For evening and weekend events, we have an on-site Event Staff Assistant that is responsible for set-up/breakdown (CUH-owned tables and chairs only), vacuuming, and garbage/recycling disposal. They also provide assistance for any facility-related issues including AV equipment troubleshooting and security.

Each room has at no charge:

• Wireless Internet connection
• Easels
• Slide projectors
• Overhead projectors
• Coffee makers
• Whiteboards (most rooms)

Available for Additional Charge:

• LCD Projectors
• Laptops
• Wireless microphone
• TV and VCR

Usage Restrictions

• Required UW Affiliation: If your group is not directly affiliated with the University of Washington, sponsorship by a UW department is required for meetings and conferences. For social events, the person making the room reservation request must be a UW student, alumnus, member staff, or have an immediate family member that meets one of these criteria.

• Event ending time: Renters must vacate the premises by 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and by 11 p.m. on weekends.

• Alcohol: It is the responsibility of the renting party to apply for a UW Banquet Permit to serve alcohol. We can advise you on this process.

Rental Fees

All rental fees are quoted per event and are determined primarily by the type and length of event.

A partial payment deposit in the amount of 25% of the total rental fee is required to finalize confirmation of your requested reservation date.

The remaining 75% of the rental fee and a $250 refundable damage deposit is due 14 days prior to the day of the reserved date.

Cancellation policy

• The 25% partial payment deposit is fully refundable if cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the reserved date.

• The partial payment deposit is 50% refundable if cancellation is made 31-60 days prior to the reserved date.

• Cancellations 30 days or less prior to the reserved date are non-refundable.

• All cancellations are subject to a $25 cancellation processing fee.

Rental Information for the Washington Park Arboretum