Where the edges Lynnwood, Brier, and Mountlake Terrace meet, there lies Alderwood Manor. Comprised of about 6,000 households, this suburban oasis was once a farming community that grew, in part, at the speed of transportation: first around the Interurban rail system, followed by Highway 99, and finally I-5. This makes it an ideal location for those who want a quiet home, but easy access to the business core of Seattle, or even a reverse commute to Everett. And while major thoroughfare construction can often come at the expense of treasured neighborhoods, here, the City of Lynnwood instead created Heritage Park. It showcases several early historical structures that would have otherwise been lost to highway and interstate construction. Highlights include the 1930s’ Superintendent’s Cottage and Water Tower, the Humble House, the Wickers Building, and the Interurban Trolley Car #55, which are displayed in a village-like setting featuring beautiful landscaping, interpretive signage, a public plaza, and demonstration gardens.
The community’s name is now synonymous with the nearby mall, known simply as “Alderwood.” It’s Snohomish County’s largest mall, and one of the biggest in the Puget Sound. It offers both traditional enclosed shopping, as well as two outdoor spaces, “The Villages” and “The Terraces.”