The wall takes its name from the architect who designed it (Walter R. B. Wilcox). It was built as part of the work to create a Queen Anne Boulevard that would encircle the top of Queen Anne Hill and serve as an urban parkway for city dwellers to come up and enjoy.
While the Boulevard was never completed many parts of it are still in use as popular strolling/jogging routes.
While enjoying the Wilcox Wall don't miss the nearby Parsons Gardens and Betty Bowen Viewpoint (with its stunning view of the Olympic Mountains).
Early 1900s view from 8th Avenue W. Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives.
View from 8th Avenue W. 2007.
Wilcox Wall Framing. 1914. Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives, #156.
NUMBER OF LANDINGS
Nine (on three stairways)
NUMBER OF STAIRS
61
LOCATION:
8th Ave. West at West Lee St.
PART OF CHAIN:
Not part of a Chain
DATE BUILT
1913-1915
STAIR TYPE:
CIP Concrete
DID YOU KNOW:
The Wilcox Wall is actually a big retaining wall that has a few stairs built into it.
Section of Wilcox Wall.1913. Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives.
Construction Detail. 1913. Courtesy of Seattle Municipal Archives.
Down the stairs at night . . .
For a deeper dive:
© 2010 Thomas Horton – Graphics & original qa.stairs.com content. Photos by Thomas Horton 2007