Picture a tranquil haven nestled on a bluff overlooking Puget Sound. This is Woodway Washington. A place where the rustling leaves whisper secrets of a bygone era. Woodway started in 1914 thanks to David Whitcomb. He had a vision. He bought 320 acres and created Woodway Park. This wasn’t just any development. Whitcomb insisted on large lots. He wanted to preserve the wooded environment.
Woodway officially became a city in 1958. This was a strategic move. It protected Woodway from being swallowed by nearby Edmonds. The city’s unique character was cemented by deed restrictions. These mandated minimum lot sizes of two acres. Larger lots even needed a nunnery. This was to accommodate Rosary Heights. This convent was already there. It was originally the estate of Boeing vice president Philip G Johnson.
For years Woodway remained remarkably undeveloped. It lacked sidewalks and parks. It focused almost exclusively on expensive single-family homes. This seclusion defined Woodway’s identity. People sought Woodway’s quiet life. They cherished its secluded forested environment.
The first major development after incorporation was Woodway Highlands. It added 94 homes in 1999. This development wasn’t without controversy. It involved disputes with the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board. Even today much of Woodway remains zoned solely for residential use. It is a testament to Woodway’s commitment to preserving its special character.
Woodway’s unique character extends even to its phone numbers. Originally Woodway shared Lincoln prefixes with Richmond Beach. Later it added Prospect prefixes. This shared numbering reflected its close proximity to Edmonds. Woodway is also unique in Snohomish County. It retains the 206 area code. It’s a small detail but another facet of Woodway’s distinctive identity.
Despite its quiet existence Woodway holds its own. It has a mayor-council government. The town hall moved to a new building designed by GGLO in 2013. Woodway is known for its distinctive blend of natural beauty and carefully preserved character. It’s a testament to the vision of its founder and the unwavering commitment of its residents. Woodway remains the quiet place a unique jewel in the crown of Washington state.