Nestled in the heart of Lakewood, Washington, the Lakewood Colonial Center holds a distinctive place in the region’s history as the first suburban shopping center west of the Mississippi River. Opened in 1937, this pioneering retail hub laid the groundwork for the modern shopping experience, bringing together a variety of businesses in a single, accessible location.
A Vision of Modern Retail
The concept of the Colonial Center was revolutionary at the time. Unlike the traditional downtown shopping districts that required customers to navigate crowded urban areas, the Lakewood Colonial Center provided a convenient, suburban alternative with ample parking and a pedestrian-friendly layout. Its colonial-style architecture, designed to evoke a sense of charm and familiarity, quickly became a recognizable landmark in the community.
As the first suburban shopping center of its kind in the western United States, the Colonial Center was a trailblazer in retail planning, setting the stage for future developments across the country. Its design influenced countless other shopping centers that followed in the post-war boom of suburban expansion.
Lakewood Colonial Center
Address: 9522 Gravelly Lake Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
(Google Map)
Distance from Lakewood, Washington: 0.09 miles
Lakewood Colonial Center is a commercial complex situated in the heart of Lakewood, WA, offering a variety of retail and office spaces for lease. With a convenient location and diverse range of tenants, it serves as a hub for local businesses and community members alike.
The center provides a welcoming and professional environment for businesses to thrive, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among its occupants. Whether you’re looking for a retail storefront or office space, Lakewood Colonial Center offers a prime location with ample opportunities for growth and success.
Entrance to plaza: 6100 Motor Avenue SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
The center provides a welcoming and professional environment for businesses to thrive, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among its occupants. Whether you’re looking for a retail storefront or office space, Lakewood Colonial Center offers a prime location with ample opportunities for growth and success.
Entrance to plaza: 6100 Motor Avenue SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
A Hub for Commerce and Community
From its earliest days, the Colonial Center served as both a shopping destination and a social gathering place. The center featured an array of essential services, specialty shops, and entertainment venues, making it a one-stop destination for Lakewood residents.
Notable Businesses Through the Decades
The Lakewood Theater, one of the center’s most beloved features, opened in 1949 and became a popular destination for moviegoers in the South Sound area. The theater, along with restaurants and other businesses, created a social atmosphere that brought Lakewood residents together for entertainment, shopping, and dining.
Over the years, the Colonial Center has been home to a variety of beloved businesses that have left a lasting impression on the community. Some of the most notable include:
- The Lakewood Theater (1949-2014) – One of the Colonial Center’s most beloved attractions, this single-screen movie theater entertained generations of South Sound residents. It became a cherished landmark before closing its doors in 2014.
- Clover Park Pharmacy – A long-standing business that provided prescriptions and health essentials to the local community.
- Lakewood Hobby Shop – A favorite among model builders, train enthusiasts, and hobbyists.
- Haugen’s Variety Store – A classic five-and-dime shop that was a go-to for gifts, household goods, and everyday essentials.
- Cloverleaf Tavern (later The Cloverleaf Pizza Restaurant) – Originally established in the 1950s, this pizzeria has become an institution in the Lakewood community, famous for its thin-crust pizza and welcoming atmosphere.
- Jayhawk Paints – A trusted paint and hardware supplier for decades.
- First National Bank of Tacoma (later Rainier Bank and U.S. Bank) – Provided essential financial services to residents and business owners.
These businesses—along with grocery stores, barber shops, florists, and cafes—helped shape the Colonial Center into more than just a shopping plaza, but a true community hub.
Preserving the Legacy
While modern shopping centers have become commonplace, the Lakewood Colonial Center remains a treasured part of the city’s history. Efforts to preserve its character and significance continue, with local historians and business owners recognizing the importance of this early suburban shopping destination.
Today, the Colonial Center still serves as a commercial hub, housing a variety of businesses that reflect the area’s evolving economy. Though it has undergone changes over the years, its impact on suburban retail history is undeniable.
For visitors and locals alike, the Lakewood Colonial Center stands as a testament to innovation, community, and the enduring charm of small-town shopping districts—a true piece of Washington’s commercial and cultural heritage.
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