Cruising Northwest Mercer Island

Afternoon on LW North of I-90

Between Leschi/Madrona and Bellevue/NW Mercer Island is one of my favorite places on the lake. It is between the SR-520 and I-90 floating bridges. In the afternoon the sun reflects off the glass in Bellevue’s new modern high-rise buildings and 14,400 ft Mt Rainier. The views also include 10,800 ft Mt Baker to the north and the mountains (highest peak 10,500 ft) in the North Cascades National Park to the east.

The first floating bridge connecting Seattle to Mercer Island was built in 1940. A second bridge, as part of the Interstate highway system (I-90), was completed in 1989 and the old bridge was closed for repairs. The next year during a Thanksgiving storm, while work continued, most of the 1940 bridge sank. That bridge, the southern one, was re-completed in 1993.

I-90 continues to the eastern mainland across the East Channel from Mercer Island via a conventional high-rise bridge. The first bridge there was completed in 1923 and provided the first road off the island. That bridge was torn down after one span of the current bridge was built in 1940. A second span was opened in 1992 as part of the I-90 system.

The west-end 7 miles of Interstate 90 were the last miles to be completed on not only I-90 but on the three coast-to-coast Interstate highways. It took 30 years of community protests and legal battles to go from initial plans to completion. These 7 miles, at $1.6 billion, were the most expensive 7 miles in the entire Interstate highway system. Much of the high cost was due to the floating bridges but the most expensive ½ mile, costing $150 million, is on Mercer Island with its lid over the freeway park.

In the early 1900s there were a total of about 25 ferry landings on all sides of Mercer Island. The northwest side of Mercer Island has four prominent points. All the points were ferry landings. The eastern point in Luther Burbank Park is Calkins Point, the west side of the middle point is Roanoke Landing, the point on the NW corner of MI is Faben Point and the point about 0.7 miles south of I-90 is Proctor Landing.

Mercer Island (MI) is the largest and only residential island in Lake Washington. It is six miles long and averages about one mile wide for 6.4 square miles of land with about fifteen miles of waterfront. It has approximately 22,000 residents. It is the U.S.’s most populated island in a lake. The northwestern area, before the bridges were built and the Island was incorporated as a city, was named “East Seattle.” It still carries that name as a MI neighborhood.

Afternoon on LW South of I-90 Floating Bridges – Looking at MI’s NW Shoreline

Northwest Mercer Island has more, compared to any other LW Map of the Stars^® area, mansion sales, listings and new construction greater than $12 million. These mansions are in 3/11/12 and 3/12/12 posts. Notable sports stars that formerly owned waterfront homes in this area include Jim Zorn and Kazuhiro Sasaki. Top executives of Amazon, Costco, Microsoft, Nordstrom and Boeing have waterfront homes in this area and are in the previous NW MI Homes 3/17/12 post.

The western shore of Mercer Island south of the I-90 Bridge has prime viewing for Seattle Seafair’s Blue Angels air shows. The “Boaters Guide to Seafair” 3/10/12 post has more information.

Family Boating West Side MI Looking South

South of the Seafair area, on the Seattle side of LW, are Andrews Bay and Seward Park. From many lake locations the park appears to be an island but it is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Andrews Bay is north of the isthmus and well protected. It is the only authorized in LW spot for overnight anchoring. It is popular for day anchoring, swimming in 75° fresh water, having boat parties and spending the nights on summer weekends. It reminds me of my sailing days in Southern California and mooring in Catalina’s harbors and bays. The “Andrews Bay – Anchoring and Partying” 2/27/12 post has more information.

From NW MI Viewing Sunset, Seward Park and Andrews Bay.

(This is the fourth chapter [go to next chapter] of our “Lake Washington Cruising” article. The chapters are being posted in reverse order. When all chapters are posted they will be in order in this blog with the first chapter at the top. I will be posting approximately one chapter per week. You can read and print an abbreviated pdf version of the entire article.

Copyright © 2012 by David C. Dykstra

Mercer Island North - Mansions

Berg, Galanti, Dillon, Lytle, Edwards et al. Mansions

Northwest Mercer Island has more, compared to any other LW Map of the Stars^® area, mansion sales, listings and new construction greater than $12 million. These mansions are in this and the 3/11/12 and 3/12/12 posts.

East to West

Two spectacular new mansions, this and the one next door to the west (next paragraph), mark the start of our east to west tour of North Mercer Island. Kurt and Leslie Dammeier purchased this property in 2010 for $4.7 million in 2010. They tore down the previous 5,000 sq ft mansion and built this new mansion. The Dammeiers are the owners of Bennett’s Pure Food Bistro on Mercer Island. They are also the founders of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese. The new mansion is 6,182 sq ft on 0.8 acres with 75 feet of waterfront.

Tony and Janet Williams purchased these two lots in 1993 and 1996 and built this new mansion that was completed in 2006. With 2.2 acres, this is one of larger waterfront properties on North Mercer Island. It has a gated entrance and beautiful landscaping that can be seen from the water and the road. Tony is from England with a PhD from Oxford and a noted Microsoft software architect. The mansion is 9,360 sq ft on 2.2 acres with 225 feet of waterfront.

This home sold 7/23/12 for $4.9 million. It was listed for $5.5 million in 2011, reduced to $5.0 million in 2012. It was listed by Molly Penny, CBBain. From the Listing: “A true work of art! This custom designed home by Lane Williams sits on the north edge of MI. Hidden from street view, the "front" is truly the water & opens to a no-bank, beach like waterfront w/moorage. Built in 2004, this unique home includes a cook's dream kitchen, family rm, office, den, guest suite & rec rm. Integrated technology, texture & small surprises throughout. Enjoy this private special retreat whether entertaining friends or relaxing to the sights and sounds of Lake WA.” The home is 4,760 sq ft on 0.4 acres with 80 feet of waterfront. The sellers were Howard and Lynn Behar. Howard is a former President of Starbucks North America and Starbucks International. He is the author of It’s Not About The Coffee. The buyers were Terry Halverson and Linda Cade. Terry is CEO of the Seattle area Metropolitan Market 6-store chain. Linda is a Seattle based attorney.

This property was listed at $6.4 million in 2012 and lowered to $6.0 million in early 2013 and to $5.6 million in May 2013. It is listed by Susan Gebhardt, Windermere: “Smashing gated waterfront estate with extensive beachfront cabana and a 90 foot dock. Contemporary architectural home surprises you with a twenty first century loggia in Paul Kirk's signature style. Extremely private artistic spaces live as one with nature. Rambling one floor living with an entertaining lower level complete with a 40 foot lap pool and spa. Year round moorage for multiple vessels and water toys plus an entertaining boathouse/cabana including a kitchen and bath. Sandy beach.” The property is owned by Edward M. Sherman. The mansion is 5,470 sq ft on 0.41 acres with 54 ft of waterfront.

This is the former mansion of Darren Berg who was convicted of orchestrating Washington state’s largest Ponzi scheme. The mansion was listed for $8.2 million by Wendy Lister, CBBain. The mansion and or Berg were featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 12/30/10 (home sold), 1/17/11 (Berg history), 5/22/11 (process in court) and 12/30/11 (Berg writing book). Berg was sentenced 2/18/12 to 18 years in prison for defrauding hundreds, some of whom their life savings, of investors of more than $280 million. From the listing: “High strength! Accentuating design ~ accommodating a passion for elegant innovation. Evenings are magic...city spires, fire tables, moonlight on 112' of Lake Washington. Coach house; glass garage doors. A tech’s dream: cameras, Hi-Def audio/video. Motorized media lounge; security includes cameras, microphones. Infinity pool. Heated outdoor living. 4 kitchens (2 in, 2 out); 6 extraordinary hearths (2 in, 4 out). Slate motor court. Bearing authority! Incomparable brilliance. A chorus of blooms.” The mansion is 3,250 sq ft with on 0.5 acres with 112 feet of waterfront.

The mansion was featured in a Seattle Mansions post on 12/31/11. The sellers were Nassar and Hahid Fazlitt and the buyers were Timothy and Sherie Bernardez. Timothy is the Co-founder and Managing Partner of Evergreen Pacific Partners, a prominent Seattle based private investment firm with $700 million under management. The home was listed at $6.5 million by Betty DeLaurenti and Julia Nordby, JL Scott. From the Listing: “European style home, 6 BR,7BA w/ a large bonus rm, exercise rm and a home office w/ a separate entrance. Extensive use of marble, granite, tile and hardwood throughout. Grand formal spaces and a gourmet kitchen you may never want to leave. All is complemented by graceful manicured gardens, multiple decks, covered outdoor patio and a firepit at waters edge. Approx 104+/- feet of prime North End Lake Washington waterfront is ready for use with a L shaped dock, covered boat lift and a sandy beach.” The mansion is 6,071 sq ft on 0.4 acres with 112 feet of waterfront.

On the northeast point north of Roanoke Landing is the mansion of Richard A. and Barrie Galanti. Richard is Executive Vice President and CFO of Costco. Richard was the recipient of the Puget Sound Business Journal’s CFO of the Year 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award. The mansion has 10,580 sq ft on 1.2 acres with 132 feet of waterfront. It was built in 2001. Two lots and homes were purchased and the old homes were demolished to create the lot for this home.

On the northeast point north of Roanoke Landing is the mansion of Eric E. and Hollis Dillon. Eric is a founding partner of Seattle based Silver Creek Capital Management, LLC. Silver Creek specializes in alternative investment strategies and has over $6 billion under management. Hollis is an attorney. The mansion is 7,960 sq ft on 1.3 acres with 210 feet of waterfront. It was built in 2001. Two lots and homes were purchased and the old homes were demolished to create the lot for this home.

The mansion was listed for $40 million by Wendy Lister, CBBain. The mansion was featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 9/27/10, 5/24/10 and 2/20/10 and on KING 5's Evening Magazine on April 12, 2010. The mansion sold in a June 2010 auction. The buyer was James “Peter” Edwards, the founder and CEO of Video Only. Peter founded Seattle area (Tukwila) based Video Only in 1982. The mansion is 22,800 sq ft on 2.0 acres with 150 feet of waterfront, 5 bedrooms, and 9 baths. Features include a large indoor pool area with marble columns that is reminiscent of Las Vegas’s Caesar’s Palace, two fish ponds, two wine cellars, three kitchens and a mirrored gym. The sellers were Charles and Karen Lytle and are the founders of Leisure Care, one of the largest developers and operators of retirement communities. The Lytles, prior to the auction, moved to their new house in Hunts Point. The new Hunts Point mansion is 10,600 sq ft. Both mansions are in LW 130 Homes (pages 46 and 157).

UW’s Big Dawg was featured in a Seattle Mansions 12/29/11 post and in The New York Times recent article about UW’s Sailgate parties. (Sailgate parties are also featured in a Seattle Mansions 12/28/11 post). The Big Dawg belongs to the Frank and Jeanie Miles family and is moored at the dock of Tim and Lisa (Frank and Jeanie’s daughter) Kittilsby on the north end of Mercer Island. The one acre property includes a 6000 sq ft mansion plus covered and open sports courts. Frank founded Auburn based Miles Sand and Gravel in 1943. Tim and Lisa are now in charge of the company. In the above photo, the Big Dawg is the yacht on the left and the Kittilsby mansion is in the upper right.

This mansion was listed for $21.8 million in 20120 and 2011, lowered to $18.8 million in 2012 and $16.8 million in early 2013. It is listed by Wendy Lister, CBBain: “Dominating the shoreland area of fabled Faben Point! Connect to unobstructed view s as Nana doors and window s fuse the tremendous indoor/outdoor spaces. The alfresco living zone in its horizontal pose spreads its width the span of the sunlit facade. Seamless action at 120’ of lakefront. Silverlight or sunlight… exhilarating! Distinguished great room…for play in a stimulating warm environment. Artisan's kitchen ~ innovative beauty. Loggia to a guest wing. Infinity pool drama. Superb moorage/dock.” The mansion is owned by Douglas Shih, a CBBain Realtor, and is 13,720 sq ft with on 0.9 acres with 120 feet of waterfront.
     (Updated 5/19/13)
Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes
Click on Madrona - Mansions for mansions to the northwest.
Click on Mercer Island Northwest - Mansions for mansions to the west and south on Mercer Island.

Mercer Island Northwest - Mansions

Hunter Simpson, Kazuhiro Sasaki et al. Mansions

North to South

The home was listed for $8.1 million in 2012, reduced in early 2013 to $7.8 million and taken off the market in May 2013. It was listed by Betsy Terry, Ewing & Clark. From the Listing: “Stunning no-bank home designed by Northwest Master George Suyama. Soaring ceilings with clear paneling and strong structural elements, tall walls of glass taking in the dominating northerly views of Lake Washington. Open floor plan blends the spaces: marble and oak floors, handsome paneling, limestone accents and terrace that continues to the lakeside. Stunning millwork incl custom, tall doors, fine cabinetry. 3 car garage. Beautiful entry courtyard. Extraordinary design & setting. Guesthouse.” The mansion is owned by William P. and Margaret Dorsey and is 5,760 sq ft with on 0.47 acres with 90 feet of waterfront.

The above sign was displayed for approximately two years (2007-2009) while the mansion on the left was under construction on the north end of Mercer Island. Pictures similar to the one above appeared in national publications and Internet blogs. The mansion on the left was built for Justin Graham, the architect was Eric Cobb and the owners of the mansion next door, who were displaying the sign, were Greg and Carol James. The Graham house was completed in 2010 and the neighbors, the architect and the kids became friends. Cobb and this mansion have received numerous architectural awards. Justin is President of Seattle based Grakon International Inc (aka Grakon, LLC). The company is a “Global Leader in the Design & Development of Advanced Lighting Systems & Engineered Trim Components for Premier OEM Vehicle Manufacturers.” The mansion is 6,270 sq ft with 76 feet of waterfront on 0.5 acres. The Jameses sold their mansion in 2012 (see following paragraph). (More information about and pictures of the Graham mansion and sign are in a Seattle Mansion 4/23/13 post)

This mansion sold 11/28/12 for $6.6 million. It was listed 10/12 for $6.9 million by Tere and David Foster, Windermere: “The estate stands proud as you enter the gates to this luxurious residence placed on a shy half acre in one of the most sought after communities on Mercer Island. Soaring ceilings, marble & wrought-iron anchor grand spaces for entertaining. The open floor plan creates a sense of ease for formal or casual gatherings. A grand master suite with large walk-in closet and spacious bath provides an escape. Game and movie nights in the entertainment wing with its’ own kitchen. Waves roll up on the private beach, as you enjoy jewel-tone sunsets & the glow of the city lights from downtown Seattle and Bellevue. Mature lawns host garden parties, with an outdoor kitchen and expansive patio. A perfect spot for Seafair, with an amazing dock & surely one of the best positions on the lake.” The sellers were Greg and Carol James. Greg is the Founder and CEO of Renton based TOPICS Entertainment. The buyer was Andrew C. Myers. The mansion is 7,730 sq ft on 0.5 acres with 75 feet of waterfront. In 2007 and 2008 the mansion had a famous sign on its dock regarding the mansion under construction next door (see paragraph above). (More information about the Myers-James mansion is in a Seattle Mansion 4/23/13 post)

This mansion sold for $6.0 million 4/29/11 to an LLC. It was the home of W. Hunter and Dottie Simpson. Mr. Simpson died in early 2006 at the age of 96. Hunter and Dottie were prominent, long-time Mercer Island residents known for philanthropy and community service to Mercer Island and the Seattle area. Hunter was a top executive with IBM before joining, in 1966, Redmond based Physio-Control. The company is a developer and manufacturer of heart and blood pressure monitoring equipment including defibrillators. He became President and CEO and built the company into a top international company recognized as an outstanding business to work for. His obituary was published 1/22/06 in The Seattle Times. This Mercer Island mansion is 5,920 sq ft on 1 acre with 110 feet of waterfront.

The lot with a teardown house was sold in 2008 for $9.3 million. It was listed for $12.5 million by Kathy Beckes, CB Danforth, From the Listing: “Mercer Island's Faben Point Waterfront, one of the most prized parcels. Gold Coast Waterfront on this truly spectacular estate, nestled organically on a 1.27 acre parcel, with 160' of the most coveted Lake Washington waterfront. In the heart of Mercer Island's enclave, Faben Point, this property offers a main residence, a gated drive, special privacy only afforded on a large parcel, a guest house, livable lakeside beach house, deeded dock and covered moorage. Rare opportunity to inherit all the benefits and fun of this historic property, minutes from downtown Seattle!”The house was torn down and this new 8,100 sq ft was built. The purchaser/builder/new-owner is Fox Creek LLC. The governing persons of the LLC are Mark and Lisa Caputo. Mark is the CEO and Co-Founder of Mercer Island based Liberty Dialysis. The company has more than 100 nationwide dialysis clinics. The company raised more than $300 million in one of the Seattle area’s largest private financing deals in 2010.

Around 1920 a Seattle land tycoon, Sam Israel, bought this parcel where three large mansions now stand. Sam lived here until 1961. After that his house was boarded-up and the weeds and blackberries grew wild. He died in 1994 at age 95 and his legacies are the Samis Foundation and the Samis Land Co. The Foundation held this property and sold it to Bellevue-based Pacific Properties in 1998. The three mansions were completed 2003-2006. The mansions, from left (north) to right are: 10,340 sq ft with 90 feet of waterfront on 0.7 acres (2008 appraised value $9.1M); 8,911 sq ft with 96 feet of waterfront on 0.7 acres (2008 appraised value $6.1M); and 9,000 sq ft with 110 feet of waterfront on 0.8 acres (2008 appraised value $8.1M). The one in the middle was listed for $10.4M in 2009. The one on the right (south) was sold in 2010 for $6.8 million (12/20/10 SM post).

This mansion was listed for $10.4 million in 2009 and taken off the market later that year. From the listing: “Exclusively Mercer Island.. lakefront manse with suspended jewel box views dripping like diamond pendants. Impressive volume.. negative edge pool.. dancing under the stars in the el fresco party zone. A kitchen theater: beveled glass, commercial Viking range, dentil molding, Plasma TV. Sun Valley in Seattle ~ floor to ceiling river rock stone. Full home office; 3^rd kitchen. Main floor master suite; full guest quarters. 96 feet of sandy beach. Gated shy suburban acre. Loge Seafair seats. Moorage.” This is the home of John B. and Monica Norris. John is the owner and CEO of Norris Homes Inc. Norris Homes, founded in 1991, builds homes in its 18 communities in the Puget Sound area. The mansion is 8,911 sq ft with 96 feet of waterfront on 0.7 acres.

This mansion sold for $6.8 million 10/14/10. It was listed for $8.8 million in 2009 and lowered to $7.9 million in 2010 by Kris Robbs & Jane Potashnick, Ewing & Clark. From the Listing: “MI Westside, Northend reduced over $1.5 to accommodate the fall in market prices. A Showstopper! 5BR, 8BA, 7FPL. Be creative-some financing or trade possible for small summer property. Built for FUN! Great RM flows seamlessly into formal areas. Lower level boasts antique bar, theater, wine cellar. Upper level Mstr ste made for romance-fpls, steam shower, footed tub and dream closet. Outside enjoy decks, lower level covered patio sits by the hottub and pool with frpl's. Guest house. 5 car gar. WOW.” The mansion sale was featured in a 12/20/10 Seattle Mansions Post. The sellers were William K. and Mary E. Buckley. The buyer was Lars Karlsson Edenkrans, a prominent clothing industry CEO from Sweden. The mansion is 9,000 sq ft with 110 feet of waterfront.

This is the former home of Kazuhiro Sasaki of the Seattle Mariners. He came from Japan and relief pitched for the Mariners from 2000 to 2003. He was an American League Rookie of the Year and an All-Star player. He was a local icon known for throwing “The Thang.” The home was purchased in 2004 for $2.2 million by Sun Lo and Hsiao Lin. It is named “Bridge View.” The home is 3,880 sq ft on 0.4 acres with 85 feet of waterfront.

        (Updated 5/19/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Mercer Island North - Mansions for north-end Mercer Island mansions to the east.

Click on Mercer Island West-North - Mansions for Mercer Island mansions to the south.

Mercer Island West - North - Mansions

Proctor Landing, Stroum-Glazer, Ellison, Nordstrom et al. Mansions

North to South

This home sold 8/15/12 for $3.4 million. It was listed for $5.0 million in 2011 and lowered to $4.2 million in early 2012. The home was listed by Betsy Terry, Ewing & Clark. From the Listing: “Gold Coast opportunity on the Western Shores of Mercer Island. Traditional 1920's home that has been lovingly cared for. Walled garden w/ pretty lawn on street side. 60 ft prime waterfront w/ dock for maximum enjoyment of lakeside offerings. Great Room concept w/ spacious kitchen dining & living in one huge space, w/ French doors that open to the large deck. Den plus library on main. indoor pool opens to the terrace & lakeside lawn. Apartment beside the two car garage. Newer systems throughout.” The seller was Robert H. Thompson and the buyers were Marc B. and Andrea M. Chatalas. Marc Chatalas and his brother, Bret Chatalas, are the founders and owners of the popular Seattle area Cactus chain of restaurants. Thompson is a workers compensation attorney with The Walthew Law Firm in Seattle. The home is 4,000 sq ft on 0.3 acres.

This home sold 4/3/2013 for $5.9 million. It was listed for 7.3 million in 2011, lowered to $7.0 million in 2012 and $6.5 million in 2013. The home was listed by Betsy Terry, Ewing & Clark. From the Listing: “Avant garde one level design on 120 feet prime no bank Lake Washington Waterfront. Completely remodeled in keeping with the original International Style design. Floor to ceiling windows, open floor plan beautiful terrazzo floors. Incredible kitchen w/ huge icestone island, Family Room, Media Room, office, pantry. Choice Gold Coast park-like property w/ weeping willow, massive oak tree on Bob Chittock gardens. Sweeping lawn to beach, 55 ft +/- dock, beach house.” The home was sold by Janis A Cunningham, Trustee for Karen Gamoran to Wing Lee and Loretta Yee. The home is 5,790 sq ft on 0.7 acres. In 2009 Gamoran opened Karen’s Vintage Couture, a boutique of designer clothes, in Pioneer Square. She is also the principal of the multi-million dollar Karen Mayers Foundation that supports the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle and other religious, educational and charitable organizations.

The mansion sold for $15.7 million in a private transaction with an undisclosed buyer in the second half of 2009. It was listed by Betsy Terry and Jane Powers, Ewing & Clark. It was listed for $34.5 million in the early 2000s and $23.9 million shortly before the sale. From the Listing: “Breathtaking LW Waterfront Estate in premier Mercer Island . . . neighborhood. 1.37 park-like acres . . . opens to the fantastic indoor swimming pool completer w/ waterslide and spa, game room, sport court, home theatre, heated terrace. Dock w/ boat lifts, sandy beach, 2BR guest house, 3-office carriage house.” The mansion sale was featured in a 2/16/10 Seattle Mansions Post. This was 2009’s most expensive LW waterfront home sale. The mansion is a prominent landmark and has a rich history. The original house was built in 1932 and it has been remodeled several times. The estate has 17,780 sq ft of living space on 1.37 acres with 255 feet of waterfront, 8 bedrooms and 15 baths. The original mansion was built in 1932 and has been extensively expanded and remodeled, maintaining the original English Tudor architecture.

This landmark compound, “Harmony,” sold in 2012 for $21.6 million. This was the most expensive LW Map of the Stars® waterfront sale in 2012. It was listed at $26.9 million by Tere and David Foster, Windermere. From the listing: “Resting gently on 2.93 acres, Harmony commands an extraordinary 324 feet of Lake Washington waterfront and sets its vista on the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier . . . Waves roll gently up on the beach as the sun shines down on two private docks. . . [nearly 20,000 square feet in 4 buildings]. . living wing plays host to the grotto, saline pool and exercise areas. Upstairs two guest suites each with their own bath and walk-in closets . . . private outdoor spa . . . A world like no other.” The sale and current renovations were featured in a 4/1/13 Seattle Mansions Blog. The seller was Marsha Stroum Sloan Glazer. The buyer was Thomas Ellison, the principal owner of the Value-Village/Savers chain of stores. Permits were issued in February to demolish three homes (total 8,260 sq ft) on the compound. The main 11,300 sq ft mansion will remain. Plans for the replacement buildings have not been submitted. Marsha and her family are respected Seattle area philanthropists. Thomas Ellison’s sister, Debbie, and her husband John E. Bacon purchased the legendary Groat Point mansion from Bruce McCaw in 2011 and demolished all the buildings including the 14,000 sq ft main mansion (2/21/13 Seattle Mansions Blog).

This is the home of David and Susan Dykstra. David is the author of this blog and LW 130 Homes. The original part of the house (on the left [north] facing the house from the water) was built circa 1925 as a ferry master’s house. The ferry from this house’s dock was the primary transportation for children who lived in this area of the island (known as East Seattle) to go to school across the lake. Susan Ogden Dykstra and her previous deceased husband purchased that house in 1975 and, preserving that part, extensively remodeled and enlarged the house in 1979 and 1989. The house, water frontage and lot size are small compared to our neighbors. It is a flagpole lot with 85 steps between the house and dock. We enjoy living here, our home, dock, WaveRunner and boat, Happy Hours very much! The house has 4,760 sq ft with 25 feet of waterfront on 0.4 acres.

From 1999 through 2009, James F. Jr (Jamie) and Lisa Nordstrom purchased, for $9.1 million, 4 parcels from the George W. Clarke estate and family. The waterfront has a park-like setting with a recently erected “cabana with deck” structure that looks like it is for parties and picnics. There are docks for multiple yachts and watercraft. It is an ideal setting for family gatherings including Seafair. Jamie (born 1974) is the great grandson of John W. Nordstrom, the founder of Seattle based Nordstrom, Inc. He is EVP of the company and President of Nordstrom Direct. George W. Clarke was a well-known and respected community and family leader. He served in the Washington state House and Senate from 1966 to 1985. (More information is in a Seattle Mansions 3/14/12 post.) The mansion, on top of the hill is 5,140 sq ft. The four parcels are 1.5 acres with 300 feet of waterfront.(Updated 5/19/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Mercer Island Northwest - Mansions for north-end Mercer Island mansions to the north.

Click on Mercer Island West-Central - Mansions for Mercer Island mansions to the south.

Boaters Guide to Seafair

Lake Washington is famous for Seattle’s Seafair summer celebration on Lake Washington just south of the I-90 Bridge. This is a month long festival of many activities throughout Seattle and usually ends the first Sunday in August. (See the 7/27/11, 7/28/11 and 2/20/11 posts for information on last year’s highlights and Stan Sayres, LW’s famous hydroplane racer who brought the hydroplanes to Seattle.) This year it concludes on August 5.

The final four days feature hydroplane races and the Navy’s Blue Angels’ air shows. The hydroplane races are on the lake south of the I-90 floating bridge. The air show’s center is over this area. The planes and their stunts can be seen from much of the lake and its shores. During these four days the lake is crowded with spectator boats and the lake is renowned for the associated “floating party.” The Blue Angels practice throughout the day on Thursday. The Friday, Saturday and Sunday Blue Angels shows begin with Fat Albert at 1:30 pm followed by the Blue Angels airshow from 1:40 to 2:15.

Seafair has numerous regulations for boaters. Click here for 2011 regulations. This is a summary. Zone 1 includes the hydroplane race course and the logboom northeast of the course. Zone 2 is marked by a restricted buoy line on the outer edge of Zone 1 and covers all of Lake Washington, including Andrews Bay, outside Zone 1 between buoys north of the I-90 Bridge and buoys south of the north end of Seward Park (pdf with map). No vessels can enter this area without a logboom or shoreline resident pass after 9 am Thursday through Sunday. Vessels with passes must enter the restricted areas before 9:30 am on Thursday and noon Friday through Sunday. All vessels without a space on the logboom must exit Zone 1 and Zone 2 no later than 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, and by 12:30 p.m. on all remaining days. The logboom is reserved for customers with passes from 6:00am Friday to 6:00pm Sunday. Boaters proceeding to the logboom in Zone 1 or to any area in Zone 2 shall do so only at idle speed. Any person swimming or otherwise entering the water (outside the logboom only), shall remain within 10 feet of their vessel or the logboom. Vessels on the logboom may raft up to 3 vessels. Vessels in Zone 2 may raft up to 6 vessels. Towing other vessels, including inflatable and other watercraft is not permitted. Children 12 years and younger are required to wear life jackets on vessels shorter than 19 feet and on larger vessels on an open deck or cockpit. The maximum allowable Blood Alcohol Content is less than .08%. Where no capable operator is found aboard a vessel the operator and passengers will be removed from the vessel and the vessel will be impounded.