I've seen how fast things change. Ships, including World War II vessels, were moored in its fresh water. Access to the public, even as recently as 10 years ago, was scarce. You had all these big trucks rumbling around. Not to mention it was dusty and dirty.
Industry still exists.
Jacques Cousteau's Calypso. But over the past 10 years or so, South Lake Union has been prettied up. Fabulous big city stuff.