Picture Victory Heights in 1859. Swamps and trees covered the land. A rough military road ran through it. This was long before the neighborhood we know today existed. Victory Heights wasn’t always a place of towering firs. Its story begins much earlier.
The area’s transformation started in earnest in the early 20th century. A highway was built. It followed what’s now Lake City Way. Then it turned east. It went down what we now call Ravenna Avenue NE. This highway was once called the Gerhart Erickson Road. It was later renamed Bothell Road. After World War I it was renamed Victory Highway. This reflected the patriotic mood of the time. It eventually became Lake City Way.
A real estate developer saw an opportunity. He saw the bluff overlooking the highway. He decided to sell land. He named it Victory Heights. Lots were sold. Some were for convenient living. Others were for chicken farms. It was a boom-or-bust era for chicken businesses.
One of the original homes still stands. It is a Spanish-style house. It sits at the top of 24th Avenue NE. It is just before the intersection with Northgate Way. Originally the streets had colorful names. The fire department intervened. They wanted uniform street numbers for emergencies.
Aerial photos show Victory Heights’ growth. In 1936 there were only a few houses. By 1946 it was nearly fully built. Victory Heights today is a testament to this transformation. It is a vibrant neighborhood. It sits halfway between Lake Washington and Green Lake. It’s also between Downtown Seattle and Lynnwood. Residents take pride in their gardens. You’ll see beautiful yards. You might even see chicken coops and beehives. The Kingfisher Natural Area offers hiking trails. You’ll be surrounded by nature. You will forget you are in a city. Victory Heights is more than just a neighborhood. It is a slice of history. It’s a place of natural beauty. It’s a community that thrives. It’s a testament to the dreams of those who built it. Come and experience the charm of Victory Heights.