Waterfront Market building in downtown Kirkland gets a facelift
The Waterfront Market building on Lake Street S. is having its facade washed down to the original brick. The creme-colored paint which has been on the building for decades will soon be long gone. The new look is a part of Stewart McLeod’s restoration of the building which currently houses Tully’s and Ben & Jerry’s.
In 2008, McLeod received approval from the City to build a multi-use office complex with restaurants, shops and underground parking. An appeal of the project was defeated before the City Council, but a significant delay to the project was incurred.
At about the same time, the macro economic environment was rapidly deteriorating. The world-wide banking crisis made obtaining construction funding all the more difficult for new development projects.
Roll forward to today. Stewart McLeod is considering alternatives to the approved re-development plan in light of the current economic conditions. Currently he is considering the possibility of a three-phase development process which would more appropriately suit the current economic conditions.
The Waterfront Market building facelift is a welcome improvement to downtown. The new facade will help spruce up a part of downtown which has been singled out as a gateway to the city by the Hovee Report.
Stewart McLeod also owns the Hectors building as well as the adjacent buildings to the south.
Posted by Rob Butcher on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6:29 am
Filed under Development, Headlines · Tagged with Development, Downtown, McLeod
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Thanks for keeping us up-to-date on these things Rob. The natural brick is a great improvement! I hope he can get some of those empty spaces leased soon. I’d like to see a great deli with homemade soup and sandwiches…and breakfast.
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Hi Murph,
I agree – the natural brick is a vast improvement and it really ties in with the look of Hectors, Hallmark Realty and the Heathman Hotel to name a few. If that mythical perfect deli ever does open, I’ll meet you in line for my hot corned beef on marbled rye with stone ground mustard, swiss and a big o’l pickle!
Thanks for your comments.
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I’d settle for that mythical perfect bakery with homemade soup, sandwiches…and breakfast!
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For authenticity, the deli person has to have a New York accent and be slightly rude.
I love the new look, too.
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Is there any recent news on Triple J’s corner?
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OK, I’ll reply to myself, though I don’t know the answer. I wish it was Louisa’s on Eastlake. Wonderful bakery, homeade breads, rolls, deserts. Amazing breakfast and lunches (open face hot turkey sandwiches, mac n’ cheese) salads, soups. IIt’s not fancy, and rather reminds me of the old bakery on the corner now home to Starbucks. Louisa’s has been there forever and a neighborhood staple.
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Wow, that looks so much better! I wondered why they were working on the building. Ironic that Sasi’s had terrific soup, but they left the building not too long ago.
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The contractor is doing a great job under very difficult conditions!
Stuart McLeod took a lot of heat from opponents of the previous project including being a California developer. (Born and raised in Kirkland) I hope the antagonists can work with him this time for the much needed redevelopment of the site
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Such a small step (removing some paint) that makes such a difference! Long overdue. The place starts to look REALLY good now. I was also wondering what was going on on the north side of the building, but now we know.
Maybe this will “lift” the building and allow us to keep it (never been a fan of too tall buildings close to the waterfront).
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Just who is the contractor on this project which is doing such a wonderful job?
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Crystal Soda Blast is the company who did the work.
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