While strolling by the Willcox Walls, enjoying the dramatic views of Puget Sound, the Olympics, and boat traffic, have you ever wondered about the history of this iconic Queen Anne landmark?
You may be interested in knowing that the Willcox Walls will soon mark their first century since construction.
The Willcox Walls are the retaining walls made of reinforced concrete and decorative brick that run along Eighth Place West and Eighth Avenue West, separating their upper and lower portions. They begin at Marshall Viewpoint, at the intersection of West Highland Drive, Seventh Avenue West, and Eighth Place West.
A second section of the Willcox Walls is located along Seventh Avenue West, separating the upper and lower portions of Seventh Avenue West.
Construction of the Willcox Walls began in 1913 and was completed in January 1916. The Walls have withstoodff earthquakes, flooding, and other forces of nature, and still stand, adding beauty to Queen Anne Boulevard.
The Willcox Walls, including the design of their ornamental balustrades, lighting, and public stairways, are the work of Walter Ross Baume (W.R.B.) Willcox.
Willcox was born in Burlington, Vermont, and studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University. He worked in Vermont and elsewhere in the East before moving to Seattle in 1907. He was personally acquainted with Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and their philosophies influenced his designs and thinking.
At his office in Seattle, he worked on more than 60 projects, including the design of the Firmin Michel Beef Corporation Casino at the Alaska Yukon-Pacific Exposition (no longer standing) and the design of the Arboretum Aqueduct.
In 1910, he was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, one of the first architects in Washington State to achieve this distinction.
He left Seattle in 1922 to become chair of the School of Architecture at the University of Oregon, and he remained in Eugene, Oregon until his death in 1947.
The Arboretum Aqueduct in Washington Park, designed by Willcox in 1911, is also made of reinforced concrete with decorative brickwork. “Seattle, Now & Then,” published by Paul Dorpat, called the Arboretum Aqueduct, “one sturdy bridge” when in 2008 it took a direct hit from a bus travelling though its arch. While the top of the bus, which was almost three feet taller than the 9-foot high arch, was sheered off, the arch itself was barely chipped.
The Willcox Walls were designated a City Landmark in 1976, recognized for their structural detail, brick work, exterior appearance, and lighting fixtures.
In 1989, after nearby residents complained of deterioration and damaged and missing light fixtures, Seattle began renovations and repairs to the Eighth West section of the Walls. The cost of repairs was funded by a Parks levy approved by Seattle voters.
The work included replacing missing, broken, or cracked bricks; removing rust from reinforcing bar; patching mortar; and restoring the more than 60 light standards along the Walls. Cast aluminum reproductions were made in order to replicate, as closely as possible, their original design, ornamentation, and detail.
However, as the original light green color was no longer available, the replicas are dark green.
The Willcox Walls are a treasured Queen Anne landmark.
With this architectural gem, W.R.B. Willcox left a legacy that we can enjoy for years to come.
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