Visit Wallingford Center for anything from globally inspired apparel at a charming boutique to household items at one of the city’s oldest hardware stores. The inviting redbrick building in the heart of Seattle’s Wallingford neighborhood is a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1904 and functioned as a school until it closed in the 1970s. Maple floors, wooden columns and Alaskan marble have been preserved or repurposed within the structure.
The school’s name, Interlake Public School, is still displayed prominently above the four white columns at the entrance to the building. Find independent shops, restaurants and services on two levels. The remainder of the 53,000 square feet (4,900 square meters) of the building includes 24 studio apartments.
Shop at businesses that are primarily locally owned, with many owned, co-owned or managed by women. Look for handcrafted jewelry, pick up naturopathic solutions and sundries and dine alfresco at one of the city’s favorite restaurants. Finish your meal with a sweet treat ranging from cupcakes to French macarons, accompanied by a full espresso bar.
Outside, study the Wallingford Animal Storm sculpture by Ronald Petty, commissioned in 1985. The interesting figure illustrates the various wildlife found around the Wallingford neighborhood. Have your kids try to find each of the animals, including a bat, butterfly, Canadian goose, cat, crow, dog, duck, dragonfly, fish, owl, pigeon, raccoon and squirrel. Notice the slug on a nearby descriptive plaque.
The community of Wallingford is quite walkable. After shopping or eating at Wallingford Center, walk about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to several nearby points of interest, including the grassy hill and great views of Gas Works Park, the odd sculpture of the Fremont Troll under the Fremont Bridge and the amazing animals at the Woodland Park Zoo.
Wallingford Center is open every day of the week from mid to late morning until early evening. Drive about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from downtown Seattle to get here. Use the free dedicated on-site parking lot for Wallingford Center customers. The city bus makes a stop near the center.
