Finally: Buyer for Mall May Signal Big Changes for Edmonds Waterfront

The Edmonds Waterfront Antique Mall, which many have considered an eyesore for years, has been sold to Salish Crossing L.L.C., an Echelbarger Fund Management company.

The 4.3-acre property, bordered by Edmonds Way, Railroad Avenue and Dayton and Main streets, is now a high-profile center that is one of the first things visitors and commuters see when arriving in town by ferry or Sounder and Amtrak trains.

“This is a momentous purchase to a company with strong family ties to the Edmonds community," says Edmonds Mayor Dave Earling. "I look forward to new ownership taking the responsibility of transforming the site and enhancing our community.”

If the property is renovated, it could be part of future new-look Edmonds waterfront, a look the City Council and Chamber of Commerce wants. In addition to expected renovation of Harbor Square, which would bring condos, parks and retail stores, the City is also plannning to spruce up Sunset Avenue with a sidewalk and other improvements.

According to a City of Edmonds news release, Salish Crossing is starting immediate improvements to put the shopping center in new light.

Partner Lindsey Echelbarger says that initial upgrades to the property include comprehensive repair and painting of the exterior, significant electrical work, new landscaping and new signage.

According to Lindsey, he was “pleasantly surprised to discover the structure is in much better shape than its exterior suggested” and he views it as “a real diamond in the rough.”

The project has been named Salish Crossing in honor to the site’s location and to better differentiate the remodeled center from its previous one. Salish Crossing will also serve as a new home of the 1909 Edmonds High School portico entrance, which was removed in 2005 during renovation of Edmonds Center for the Arts and preserved by Lindsey and Carolyn Echelbarger.

“Our center is a key gateway for Edmonds,” says Nick Echelbarger, Salish Crossing managing partner. “If you are traveling on the ferry, Salish Crossing is either the first or the last thing you see in Edmonds. We are working deliberately with a top-notch team to ensure the shopping center is something all will be proud of.”

Among the businesses at the Waterfront Antique Mall, including the mall of course, are the Channel Marker, Evivva Woodfired Pizza, Waterfront Sports and Physical Therapy, The Spanish Class Cafe, Jade Palace and Maytag Laundry.

Earlier this year, the antique mall was set to be auctioned, but it was postponed at least twice.

The owner of the property, for more than a quarter century, was Al Dykes of Edmonds Shopping Center Associates of Seattle. The site was formerly home to Safeway, which owned the property.

Salish Crossing project architects are Steven Johnson and Jeff Oaklief from Johnson Architecture and Planning L.L.C. Any inquiries for available space should be directed to Tiffini Connell, a broker with West Coast Commercial Realty, at  206-283-5212.