"HUB CITY" ENTERS THE 21ST CENTURY
LYNNWOOD IS EMERGING
In the mid-1950s, the construction of Interstates 5 and 405 radically changed the sleepy farmland near their junction. A booming business district soon sprang up to serve motorists, earning the nickname "Hub City". Today, Lynnwood has grown into one of the largest concentrations of retail in the region, anchored by the Alderwood Mall.
In 2005 Lynnwood adopted the City Center Sub-Area Plan with the objective of redeveloping the city center, leaping from the existing 3.3 million SF to a planned 9.1 million SF of development. When considered along with the existing convention center, college campuses (Edmonds Community College and Central Washington University's secondary location), and major transit center, it's no surprise Lynnwood is the sole Regional Growth Center designated by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) between Northgate and Everett on I-5.
DEMOGRAPHIC SNAPSHOT
37,176
Population (2017)
38,840
Population
( 5-year projection )
$56,603
Avg. Household Income
$63,133
Income
( 5-year projection )
Source: Esri
MAJOR PROJECTS
CITY CENTER SUB-AREA PLAN
The City of Lynnwood's City Center revitalization plan will capitalize on future Sound Transit expansion by re-zoning areas of the downtown to encourage development. Increased height and density limits will allow for up to 35 stories in some areas. The City has expedited the permitting process by pre-approving SEPA review, which can potentially shave years off of development time.
The City plan also includes upgrading streets and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment, along with creating new public spaces and parks, improving cultural attractions. The enhancement of livability in the area has already drawn multi-family and senior housing development projects to the area, as well as a new 150-room hotel.
LIGHT RAIL
Sound Transit 2 will extend Light Rail from Northgate to Lynnwood's city center. Service is anticipated to begin in 2023. Once linked to the existing and planned Light Rail in the rest of the area, Lynnwood travelers will enjoy quick and convenient transportation to Seattle, Bellevue, SeaTac Airport, and beyond.
The extension work includes plans to revamp and expand the existing Lynnwood Transit Center, creating a light rail station with an elevated platform and associated street widening and pedestrian improvements. A new five-story parking garage will increase parking capacity by 500 spaces.
REAL ESTATE MARKET STATS
Residential and Investment Data
MULTIFAMILY AFFORDABLE
$1.46/SF
Monthly Rental Rate
13.5%
Vacancy Rate
4.4%
Historical Cap Rate
$226,000
Avg. $/Unit
MULTIFAMILY MARKET
$1.72/SF
Monthly Rental Rate
4.6%
Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Historical Cap Rate
$234,000
Avg. $/Unit
RETAIL
$24.32/SF
Rental Rate
2.3%
Vacancy Rate
6.3%
Cap Rate
$248
Avg. $/SF
OFFICE
$27.05/SF
Rental Rate
7.5%
Vacancy Rate
5.1%
Cap Rate
$252
Avg. $/SF
Source: Costar, REIS, NWMLS and Dupree & Scott. Statistics are for Kenmore and surrounding markets. Cap Rate calculated from Costar and Dupree & Scott for all of 2017 only. Statistics shown above are a blend of all qualities on investment spectrum (class A, B, & C).
TRANSPORTATION
DOWNTOWN SEATTLE
24 Minute Drive
DOWNTOWN BELLEVUE
30 Minute Drive
ST3: LIGHT RAIL CONTINUES NORTH
The Sound Transit 3 expansion will expand Light Rail service even further North, connecting Lynnwood to downtown Everett. The project calls for construction of six new transit stations, and positions Lynnwood once again as a major "hub" in Western Washington. Service for the ST3 expansion is projected to begin in 2036.