The neighborhood's main thoroughfares are E. Denny Way and E. Harrison Street (east- and westbound) and Dorffel Drive E. and Lake Washington and McGilvra Boulevards E. (north- and southbound).

The neighborhood is named after its developers, Elbert F. Blaine and Charles L. Denny, who began subdividing the area in 1910.

On April 8, 1994, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was found dead at his home at 171 Lake Washington Blvd.

E. The greenhouse in which he was found was later razed by his wife Courtney Love; the house and property were subsequently sold to a private party.

A memorial to the iconic musician is located adjacent to the house in Viretta Park; numerous messages and dedications have been carved into wooden benches there.