In the early 2000s, Queen Anne Avenue—the six-block stretch at the heart of Upper Queen Anne—was beginning to show its age. Littered sidewalks and a tired appearance stood in sharp contrast to the warm, welcoming spirit of the neighborhood.

That’s when neighbors stepped in.

What started in 2004 as a simple community cleanup evolved into a powerful grassroots movement. Residents joined forces not only to clean, but to reimagine what Queen Anne Avenue could become. This initiative gave rise to Picture Perfect Queen Anne (PPQA)—a volunteer-led organization committed to supporting a vibrant, safe, and beautiful commercial core

From Community Conversations to a Shared Vision

After restoring some physical shine to the street, PPQA turned to the heart of the matter: What do we, as neighbors, want this space to be?

Through a series of public meetings and community workshops, we asked: “What makes a great public space?”

The responses were thoughtful, creative, and deeply rooted in shared values. These ideas formed the backbone of the Queen Anne Avenue Streetscape Master Plan—a community-generated roadmap for a more welcoming, connected, and thriving neighborhood center.

Highlights of the Master Plan

Here’s what the community envisions for Queen Anne Avenue:

• Welcoming gathering places with seating for rest, connection, and community

• Street-level greenery to bring natural beauty to our sidewalks

• Local public art that reflects Queen Anne’s unique character

• Safe, accessible sidewalks for pedestrians of all ages

• Pedestrian-scale lighting for comfort, safety, and ambiance

• A litter-free environment to reflect neighborhood pride

• Clear, user-friendly signage to guide locals and visitors alike

• Human-scale storefronts that support local businesses and preserve charm

Join Us — This Is Your Avenue, Too

Queen Anne Avenue isn’t just a street. It’s where we meet neighbors, support small businesses, and experience our community's character. And its future depends on all of us.

Whether you can volunteer, donate, share ideas, or simply help spread the word—your involvement matters. Together, we can create a commercial core that is every bit as special as the neighborhood it serves.

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