Mercer Island Northwest Mansions - Index - Nordstrom, Lytle, Galanti, Berg, Glazer, Ellison et al.

The following mansions are in earlier posts in this blog along with information about the mansions and their owners. Click on the highlighted heading or first picture to go to the respective posts.

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

Mercer Island North - Mansions (click to go to)

East to West

Simpson, Sasaki et al. Mansions

Mercer Island Northwest – Mansions (click to go to)

North to South

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

Mercer Island West-North - Mansions

North to South

       (Updated 5/19/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Mercer Island Southwest Mansions – Index for the index for mansions to the south.

Mercer Island Southwest Mansions – Index – Zorn, Paul Allen, Holmgren et. al

The following mansions are in earlier posts in this blog along with information about the mansions and their owners. Click on the highlighted and underlined heading to go to the respective posts.

North to South

Mercer Island West – Central – Mansions (click to go to)

Paul Allen’s Campus (click to go to)

North to South

Mercer Island Southwest – Mansions (click to go to) 

Page Numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Mercer Island East Channel – Mansions – Index for the index for mansions to the east.

Mercer Island East Channel Mansions – Index – Ferry, Rosa, Devenuti, Lewis, Blethen, Onetto, Humphrey, et. al

The following mansions are in earlier posts in this blog along with information about the mansions and their owners. Click on the highlighted and underlined heading to go to the respective posts.

South to North

Mercer Island East Channel South – Mansions (click to go to)

North to South

Newport Shores - Mansions (click to go to)

Southeast to Northwest

Mercer Island East Channel North - Mansions (click to go to)

The index for the tour of Lake Washington Map of the Stars^® Mansions continues with Simonyi, Myhrvold, Brotman, Obama, McCaw – Mansions Medina South – Bellevue West – Index (click to go to)
Page Numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

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.

Cruising South Lake Washington

This area of Lake Washington includes the waterfront of Seattle’s Seward Park and Rainier Valley, unincorporated Bryn Mawr-Skyway, southwest Mercer Island and Renton. The area’s most notable mansions are on Mercer Island and include Paul Allen’s campus/compound and sports stars’, Mike Holmgren’s and Michael Chang’s, former homes. The previous 2/25/12 post has more information on these homes. The 2/23/12 post has a viewing guide for Paul Allen’s campus/compound. The 2/21/12 post has information on some of the other more notable homes. Information on Seward Park and Andrews Bay are in the above post.

There is a sunken forest between the southeast corner of Seward Park and Paul Allen’s place on Mercer Island. These ancient underwater forests were created 1,000 to 3,000 years ago by landslides. The tops of the trees are 30 to 60 feet below the surface.

View of Mercer Island in the fall from south Lake Washington

The south end of Lake Washington has the feel of a separate 1.5 by 3/4 miles lake. It is popular for sailing, water skiing, wake boarding and tubing. There are beautiful views of Mount Rainier.

Southwest Waterfront and Mount Rainier

The inland areas near the waterfront in Rainier Valley and Bryn Mawr-Skyway on southwest Lake Washington are some of the poorest in the area. The waterfront homes are less expensive than other areas on Lake Washington. The homes are closer together and to the water compared to the mansions in LW 130 Homes. The western shore south of Seward Park has the $3 million dollar home of Seattle’s famous welfare-recipient waterfront-resident that was featured in a Seattle Mansions post. The southern shoreline of homes has the look and feel of many ocean-beach communities. Parties on the waterfront, decks and docks are common.

The Renton Airport and the Cedar River at the southern end of the lake are the boundary between Bryn Mawr-Skyway and Renton. The Cedar River and the Sammamish River at the north end are the main tributaries for Lake Washington. Before the locks and ship canals where built the lake was 9 to 12 feet higher and water from the lake flowed out (where the Cedar River now flows in) to the Duwamish River.

Coulon Park (full name “Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park”) is a popular boaters’ launch and day visit stop. With eight launch lanes, it is the largest boat launch site on the lake. The small harbor has protected day moorage for about 50 boats. The park is 57 acres with an excellent lake swimming and beach area, picnic grounds and shelters, play fields and courts, etc. Ivars and Kidd Valley food concessions are adjacent to the docks.

(This is the sixth 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.)

Mercer Island West – Central - Mansions

North to South

“The Boulevard Place Mansion” sold 11/21/12 for $13.3 million. This property was featured in Seattle Mansions posts on 4/15/12, 8/31/11 and 10/21/10. It was listed for sale at $28.8 million in 2010, lowered to $19 million in 2011 and an auction on 8/30/11 failed to attract the minimum bid of $15.5 million. The mansion was listed by Kris Robbs, Ewing & Clark, “Unique property takes advantage of 1.6 acre, street to Lake prize. Two-inch limestone floors extend from entry, spill down terrace around the in-ground pool & hot tub. Impressive 164' westside waterfront ready for speed boat, Seadoos & yacht. Soaring ceilings, balcony, warm wood office & leaded glass doors, with state-of-the-art theater & 9.1 surround. Two outdoor Viking BBQ complement gourmet kitchen. Escape to romantic master suite, spa bath with aroma/chroma therapy So many divine finishing details!” The living area is 13,636 sq ft. The sellers were David and Becky Sandwith and the buyer was a trust. David, his parents and siblings sold Kent based Mikron Industries, a manufacturer of high tech window components, for $205 million to Quanex Corporation in 2004.

This is the former home of Jim Zorn of the Seattle Seahawks. He had this home custom built and lived here while he was quarterbacking the team from 1976-1984. Locals call this the “gingerbread house.” He was the star quarterback for the expansion NFL Seattle Seahawks’ first seven seasons. During his Seahawk reign he teamed with Hall of Fame receiver Steve Largent. Largent was the first inducted into the Seahawk “Ring of Honor” in 1989 and Zorn was the second in 1991. The property was purchased for $1.3 million in 1988 from Zorn by Dr. Richard T. and Kathleen Sutcliff. Dr. Sutcliff is a former Seattle eye surgeon and registered sex offender (Seattle Times 7/20/05). The mansion has 5,290 sq ft on 0.5 acres with 195 feet of waterfront.

This mansion was sold 10/24/11 for $6.1 million. It was listed for $6.8 million by Betsy Terry, Ewing & Clark: “Glorious 210 feet of prime no bank Lake Washington Shoreline w/ 200 degree western panorama also looks down &up lake. Gorgeous outlook onto Seward Park. 41000 sf [0.9 acres] lot. Large house [8,170 sq ft] 99% remodeled in 1982 is ready for your personal touches or a fantastic site. Grand rooms, fine floor plan, tall ceilings. Huge and luxurious Master suite. Swimming pool. Ample parking incl carport and garage. covered moorage. One of the most private and wonderful parcels on MI!.Poss. Seller financing!” This property was sold by Ka Hung Lau to Lepage Lake House LLC whose agent is listed as Matthew J. Lepage. He is the COB of Renton based American Fast Freight and Hawaiian Ocean Transport. The mansion was demolished June 2012.

This mansion was listed this week (early 2013) for $10.9 million by Wendy Lister and Kirsten Paulsen, CBBain: “A Vassos Demetriou Tour de Force. An unforgettable treasure of 178' of pristine waterfront on a coveted double lot with gated entry. A dramatic, yet elegant floor plan awaits you at this Contemporary Masterpiece that will impress the most sophisticated home aficionados. For the first time available on the market, this Custom home offers premium finish work & a symphony of entertaining spaces that embrace the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. All 5 bedrooms are en suite. Yachts are welcome.” This property is owned by Jerry D. and Angelina Burtenshaw. Jerry is in charge of Alpine-Burtco, an international catering and concessions company and the concessionaire for Safeco Field (Mariners), the Tacoma Dome and the former Kingdome. The mansion is 9,790 sq ft on 0.9 acres with 178 feet of waterfront. More information is in a 4/19/13 Seattle Mansions post.

This mansion was listed at $5.3 million in 2011, lowered to $4.9 million in 2012 and $4.4 million in early 2013. It is listed by Larry Williams, John L Scott. From the listing: “The centerpiece of Mercer Island's Forest Avenue, the premiere waterfront on the West side. Spectacular finish level. Exacting standards. A focus on longevity. Design balances entertainment, casual living. Four large bedrooms, spacious master suite, paneled retreat den. Bar, game room and spa. Expansive dock. Server room provides unlimited security, audio, video, communications flexibility. Equally impressive power management. Radiant heat, air conditioned. Elevator. The Villa on Forest.” The mansion has 7,090 sq ft on .6 acres with 74 feet of waterfront. The property is owned by N. Bert Loosmore. He was a Co-founder (in 1993 while an engineering student at Stanford) of NJ based I.D. Systems. The international company provides vehicle management and tracking systems. He is an ecology and environmental management professor at Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

The listing price was reduced in early 2012 from $5.0 million to $4.8 million and taken off the market in late 2012. This property, with 4.25 acres, is the second largest (to Paul Allen) waterfront estate on Mercer Island. It has 181 feet of waterfront and three buildings with 4,620 sq ft. The home was listed by Kris Robbs & Jane Powers, Ewing & Clark: “Majestic forested retreat is largest privately held property on MI complete w/181 ft of no-bank, west facing wft & dock. The tranquil setting with views of Seattle & Seward Park, is a refuge from City life and a return to Old MI. Water fowl, eagles, and marine activity, rolling lawn and well tended gardens frame the property. Owner will act as steward for this special property which includes a pioneer cottage and renovated caboose! Architecturally Significant home worthy of remodel. A Sanctuary!” The property is owned by Barbara L. Davidson.

This modern mansion is owned by Joseph and Judy Schocken and is 5,400 sq ft on 0.87 acres with 200 feet of waterfront and a private beach. President Obama selected Joseph Schocken from Mercer Island as an advisor for the Administration’s JOBS Act signed into law in April 2012 (5/24/12 Seattle Mansions post). Schocken attended the Rose Garden bill-signing ceremony. Joseph is considered to be one of the Democratic Party elite. He and his wife, Judy, have raised millions of dollars for the Democratic Party. This includes fundraisers at their beautiful Mercer Island waterfront mansion. They have personally donated close to a million dollars over the years. They have spent weekends on Nantucket with John and Teresa Heinz Kerry. He is a member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and attends dinners with the Committee’s high-level National Advisory Board. Joseph is president and founder (1987) of Broadmark Capital, LLC, a prominent Seattle investment bank.

(Updated 4/20/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

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

Click on Paul Allen for his compound to the south.

Click on Mercer Island Southwest - Mansions for more mansions to the south.