I’m so appreciative of your expertise
I want to thank everyone on the Loveless Team for all your help with our sale. You have been great to work with. You’ve all been very responsive and a huge help in this long and sometimes difficult process. It was a pleasure meeting you and getting to know you. I’m so appreciative of your expertise – I feel like only you could’ve gotten that appraisal!
A waterfront home rarely depreciates. There’s only so much shoreline to develop, and a waterfront property will always feature something that other properties do not––a beautiful, blue body of water as its “next door neighbor.” For these reasons, waterfront homes are always highly desirable and in demand. If, at some point, you do decide to leave Kirkland, you can take comfort in knowing you have made an intelligent investment purchasing a waterfront home. Because your new home will only appreciate in value, is there really any reason why you shouldn’t be teaming with Bryan Loveless & Associates, today!
In 1886, Peter Kirk was a businessman living in England, looking to expand his family’s steel production company. Kirk decided to move to the Pacific Northwest after learning iron deposits had been found in the Cascade mountain range. When he arrived, he recognized the huge potential of the land and of its proximity to the water––a town built near water would be a virtual freshwater port to the sea and it would easily support the mill Kirk was planning to build. Because Kirk was not yet a US citizen, though, he was unable to purchase the land. American businessman and then-owner of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Leigh S. J. Hunt, offered to partner with Kirk. In July 1888, the two purchased thousands of acres of land in what is now downtown Kirkland.
Shortly after Kirk and Hunt acquired the land, they began constructing the Moss Bay Iron and Steel Company of America. To house and accommodate the steel mill workers, they also began building several brick homes and business blocks, ensuring everything would be ready to go as soon as the steel mill opened. Both Kirk and Hunt faced financial struggles during construction––Kirk was struggling to find investors and Hunt was in debt after purchasing all of the land.
In 1892, the Moss Bay Iron and Steel Company of America was finally completed. But after the Panic of 1893, the mill went under without ever producing any steel. The first woolen mill in Washington opened in Kirkland in 1982, and despite the bumpy economy, the wool production kept the little town afloat. The mill was the primary supplier of wool products for Alaska Gold Rush prospectors and for the US military during World War I.
Kirk never gave up on his namesake town, and Kirkland was incorporated in 1905 with a population of 532. The next year, John A. Moore and his company the Northwestern Iron & Steel Company attempted to open a mill in Kirkland, but the plans never came to fruition. In the early 1900s, ferry construction began in Kirkland and the town became the premier transportation center on the Eastside. The ferries ran from Marina Park’s city dock to Seattle, 18 hours a day, but saw their end in 1940 after the construction of the Lake Washington Floating Bridge.
Kirkland, now, is a community with more than 80,000 residents, featuring waterfront views from homes, restaurants and shops and endless opportunities for water activities and exploration.
Congratulations on buying and moving into your dream home! We are so excited for you and grateful that we could be by your side throughout the journey. You’re not getting rid of us yet, though—now that you’re settled into your new waterfront home, you may find yourself wondering, “Kirkland is beautiful, but what is there to do here?” Because our team is dedicated to ensuring your happiness and comfort from start to end, we have come up with a helpful list of must-visit spots that we recommend venturing toward after you move to Kirkland! Take a peek at our favorite places, and please feel free to give us a call if you have additional questions or are looking for an ultra niche spot to enjoy!
Pump It Up is essentially a huge inflatable indoor playground for kids to enjoy and explore. Whether your little one needs to unleash pent up energy after a big move or she is looking for a way to celebrate a big birthday, Pump It Up offers a range of activities to accommodate whatever the needs of your kiddo may be. From private events to customized parties or free play, this jump house is a guaranteed way for your child to have a blast while getting a little exercise, too! Pump It Up is located at 11605 NE 116th Street in Kirkland.
From massages to skin care, waxing, spa packages and seasonal specials, the Mountain Sun Massage & Skin Care spa is the perfect spot for you to pamper yourself after your big move into your new waterfront home. The renowned spa opened in October 2004 and specializes in professional facial treatments, body wraps, therapeutic massage and waxing services. Mountain Sun is located at 11930 Slater Avenue NE in Kirkland. Fill out a contact form online or call to schedule an appointment today.
This treasured Kirkland eatery serves incredible local, organic breakfast, lunch and dinner. All food is “cooked with love, from scratch, daily.” The breakfast menu changes daily and is written on the chalkboard wall for your viewing when you arrive. The lunch and dinner menu features mouth-watering dishes such as fennel and sausage wood-fired pizza, braised pork sandwiches, fig and pistachio meatballs, raw kale salad and much, much more! Recently, this beloved restaurant opened a second location, Little Brother, which features equally delicious local, organic dishes. Deru Market is located at 723 9th Avenue in Kirkland and you can visit Little Brother at 456 Central Way.
Aura BakeryAccording to this quaint bakery’s website, “Aura Bakery is a family owned french-style bakery located on the Eastside of Seattle, in Kirkland, WA. We specialize in pastries, but have a full menu which includes some yummy lunch items. Everything, sweet and savory, is handmade and authentic. We take pride in delivering a delicious experience from our kitchen to your plate!” Enjoy a warm waffle topped with strawberry compote and ice cream while you sip on a steaming espresso macchiato. Visit Aura Bakery at 116 Central Way in Kirkland.
This local wine bar is located directly on the waterfront with beautiful views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. Known for perfectly pairing food and spirits, bin on the lake’s cuisine features locally-sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list with more than 40 different wines available by the glass. If a glass of vino isn’t your beverage of choice, bin on the lake offers a lovely menu of hand-crafted signature cocktails. Call the waterfront restaurant for more information or stop by for a bite and a sip at 1200 Carillon Point.
The Perfect Spa Day
Featured Local Wine Bar