West Queen Anne Retaining Walls Willcox Walls: A Good Local Find Near Your Seattle Stay

The West Queen Anne Retaining Walls, also known as the Willcox Walls, are historic retaining walls built in the early 20th century along West Highland Drive on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill. Designed by landscape architect James A. Willcox, these walls are a series of gracefully curving, terraced concrete structures that provide stability to the steep hillside while adding an aesthetic charm to the area. The walls are accented by distinctive rounded steps and curved paths, creating a beautiful, functional landmark. Over the years, the Willcox Walls have become an architectural and historical treasure, symbolizing early Seattle’s dedication to blending infrastructure with natural and urban beauty. They’re an enduring part of the Queen Anne neighborhood, offering scenic views of Elliott Bay and downtown Seattle.