The 2005 expansion of Alderwood Mall continues to bring upscale retailers to Lynnwood, strengthening the economy of the region, according to David Kleitsch, economic development director for the city of Lynnwood.
“The mall went from being a community mall to a destination mall when they put in the Village, which is the lifestyle center where Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma are located,” Kleitsch said.
Because of the outdoor Village, the mall has recently attracted American Girl and LEGO, two retailers that are very selective about where they locate, according to Kleitsch. Another recent coup is the decision by Anthony’s restaurants to open one of its first non-waterfront locations at Alderwood Mall. These and other high-profile retailers and restaurants make it a desirable shopping and dining location.
“The mall has a strong connection to the Canadian market because it has the first Nordstrom south of Canada,” Kleitsch said.
The Alderwood shopping district surrounding the mall has been strengthened by the opening of Whole Foods, the continuing presence of The Rack, and DSW. “The entire district contributes to the synergy of the mall,” Kleitsch said. “It is evolving and continuing to improve, and is really the anchor for retail north of Seattle.”
North of the mall, the city of Lynnwood is rezoning property that Costco and other retailers will lease from the school district. This will also include residential housing and entertainment venues, according to Kleitsch.
“People are starting to see that Lynnwood offers a great deal and is a nice place to live. When they work and live here, there are places to eat and there are amenities,” he said. “Regionally, you can’t beat it as a place to live. There are three or four ways to get to Boeing in Everett, which is 10 minutes away, it is close to Bothell, and freeway access to I-5 and I-405 are immediate.”
The corporate headquarters for Zumiez is currently under construction on the acreage that once housed Caddy Shack Golf Range, on 204th Street, north of 44th Avenue. “This is bringing about 150 jobs to Lynnwood,” said Kleitsch. “For the same reasons that people see us as a convenient place to have a retail store, they see us as a convenient place to put their corporate offices for their employees. We are very conveniently located to Seattle, the Eastside and Everett. There is a diverse labor force out there, an educated labor force, and you don’t have to go through rush-hour traffic.”
Calling Lynnwood the economic engine of South Snohomish County, Kleitsch pointed out other signs of a growing economy: new restaurants, stores and fitness centers opening along Highway 99; the proposed refurbishment of Lynnwood Center; Wal-Mart opening in north Lynnwood; the growth of luxury car dealerships; five upscale hotels with another proposed; three colleges — Edmonds Community College, Devry University and the University of Phoenix — and a new recreational center.
“All of these things benefit the citizens of Lynnwood, providing access to jobs, strong city revenue, and taxes that strengthen the fire, police and parks departments,” Kleitsch said. “Lynnwood is looking forward to a bright future.”