“A scenic loop,” they called it. Queen Anne Boulevard gracefully winds around the crest of Queen Anne Hill. It offers grand views in all directions. This 3.7-mile route incorporates various streets. These include West Highland Drive, Bigelow Avenue North, and West Raye Street.
Queen Anne Boulevard is a City of Seattle landmark. The legislation establishing it passed in 1907. Construction occurred from 1911 to 1916.
Imagine a time when the southern parts of Queen Anne Hill were well-connected to downtown. But other areas remained relatively inaccessible. The local community proposed a scenic route to the Parks Board. The Park Board wasn’t initially thrilled. The route wasn’t part of the “Olmsted Plan.” It didn’t meet the 150-foot width standard for boulevards.
Almost the entire route offered spectacular views. The community agreed to pay for widening the streets. City Engineer R. H. Thomson handled contracts and regrading. The Park Department would landscape and surface the street.
The transfer to the Park Department occurred in 1911. Work began and finished in 1916. Maples, sycamores, oaks, and elms were planted. But new construction impeded the views. Tree roots attacked sewer lines. Sidewalks heaved. The Parks Department approved some tree removals at the landowner’s expense.
In 1942, the roads transferred to the City Engineer’s office. A 1952 proposal wanted to revert the route to “standard” street status. But the City Council turned it down.
Parks and Engineering still share responsibilities for Queen Anne Boulevard. The boulevard is a vital part of the Queen Anne neighborhood. It’s “The Crown of Queen Anne.” It’s an “urban trail and needed recreational amenity.” It’s appreciated by many. It provides automobile access. It’s a recreational and aesthetic amenity used at all hours. The Boulevard offers shade in the summer. It gives beautiful autumn color in the fall. It provides an open, sunny path in the winter.
Every July since 1986, the Queen Anne Helpline sponsors the Crown of Queen Anne fun run on the boulevard. The race runs clockwise. It starts near the Mt Pleasant Cemetery. It finishes at Coe Elementary School.
Recent improvements include improving sidewalks. Signage indicates the boulevard route. There are “friendly” crossings where the boulevard intersects major roads. The city manages trees and plants. “Period sensitive and pedestrian scale” lighting improves safety. Encroachments are removed. Parking laws are better enforced.
The route extends from Prospect Street between Warren Avenue and Second Avenue North. It goes to an intersection with Galer Street near Bigelow Avenue. Then it follows Bigelow Avenue to Wheeler Street. It continues to Nob Hill Avenue, McGraw Street, and Second Avenue North. It winds to Smith Street, McGraw Street, and Fifth Avenue West. It reaches Ray Street, Eighth Avenue West, and West Armour Street. It runs to West Fulton Street, Tenth Avenue West, and West Wheeler Street. Finally, it circles back to McGraw Street, Seventh Avenue West, and West Highland Drive. West Highland Drive itself completes the loop.
Queen Anne Boulevard’s combination of roadway, park, vistas, and improved transportation wasn’t a complete success. Still, it remains a cherished landmark. It offers a unique experience to residents and visitors alike. Take a stroll and appreciate the views and history.