Andrews Bay – Anchoring and Partying

Mount Rainier and Andrews Bay from the I-90 Bridge

Paul Allen’s estate is across a narrow part of the Lake from Seattle’s Seward Park. From many lake locations the park appears to be an island but it is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The park is 300 acres of old growth forest with eagles’ nests, a 2.4 mile biking and walking trail circumventing the park, interior trails, numerous picnicking and play areas, an amphitheater, a native plant garden and an art studio.

Andrews Bay is the only place in Lake Washington that is authorized (by the government agencies that patrol the lake) for overnight anchoring. The Bay is north of the isthmus and well protected. The floating bridges reduce the waves from the summer’s prevailing winds which are light and from the north. The park’s peninsula protects the bay during the days and nights when the weather is less than perfect and winds and waves come from the southwest.

Andrews Bay is a popular spot for 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. Seward Park has a rocky beach on the north side of the isthmus (south end of Andrews Bay) where boaters can beach their dinghies and go ashore to enjoy the beauty and activities of the park. The Bay is also known as “Cocktail Cove” and “Party Bay.” It has its own “Andrews Bay Yacht Club.” You can go the link and, if you are a Facebook member, click “like” and become a member.

(This is the fifth 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.)

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.

Paul Allen – Viewing Mercer Island Campus

The following is a guide to Paul Allen’s 9.6 acre multi-mansion estate/campus/compound on Mercer Island.

A – 4 buildings ~200 ft from water: 10,680 sq ft main building with gym and 2 indoor tennis courts; 5,220, 4,210, and 2,050 sq ft guest houses; and 12+ car garages for an antique and race car museum and guest parking.
B – Deceased Mother’s former house, ~50 feet from water, 11,300 sq ft plus 7 car garage.
C – Catamaran, Dragonfly, to drag-and-fly helicopters.
D – Main house including attached indoor pool and lakefront building to the north and wood garden/lakefront house to the south, 9,890 sq ft.
E– Concert hall theater and guest facilities, 11,560 sq ft.
F – 1,750 sq ft house with 100 ft waterfront acquired in 2006 for $5.2 million.
The campus is on pages 64 and 65 in Lake Washington 130 Homes.

Mercer Island Southwest - Mansions

North to South

This is the home of Marty and Sharon Lott. A major expansion of this Mercer Island home was completed over the last three years. It now has a total of 12,310 sq ft. The property is 1.8 acres with 150 feet of waterfront. The Advertising Specialty Institute^® named Marty Lott “2011 Person of the Year.” He and this home were featured in a 2/22/12 Seattle Mansions post. Marty is the founder and president of Issaquah based SanMar. The company is a leading supplier of apparel and accessories. The company is an award-winning supplier of 14 retail, private label and mill brands. It supplies apparel and accessories to screen printers, embroiderers, promotional products distributors, athletic dealers, industrial launderers, etc. SanMar is the exclusive distributor of Nike Golf, OGIO®, New Era® and other name brands.

This mansion is a 2012 listing for $7.3. From the listing by Tere and David Foster, Windermere “A timeless Northwest waterfront retreat by Reid Morgan on Mercer Island. Sited on 118 ft of Lake Washington waterfront, soaring ceilings & walls of windows frame views. Warm beams anchor clean lines. Careful lighting accentuates your finest art collection. Over 6000 sq ft of open spaces. Watch the sun set from your own private deck off the master suite. Spend summers on the lakeside patio featuring a spa & gentle steps to the water. Expansive lawns. Private dock. Your own luxurious escape.” The property is 0.5 acres. It is owned by Walter E. Schoenfeld. He is the former CEO of Seattle based Vans Inc. He also a former General Partner and Owner of the Seattle Mariners and was a Director and Vice President of the Seattle SuperSonics. This property is adjacent to (north of) the former home of Michael Chang on page 66 and the next paragraph.

This is the former home of Hall of Fame tennis star Michael Chang. He holds the record for the youngest male to win a Grand Slam singles tennis tournament. He was seventeen in 1989 when he won the French Open. He sold this mansion in 2008 for $10 million to Stephen S. and Christina Bezos Poore. Christina is Jeff Bezos’ (Amazon Founder’s) sister. Steve and Christina are directors of the Bezos Family Foundation. The Foundation was established by Jeff and Christina’s parents, Jackie and Mike Bezos. The Foundation strongly supports youth-education and health-care programs. Steve has also been active as a donor and board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County and Mercer Island. The mansion has 6,620 sq ft of living area on 0.73 acres with 237 feet of waterfront and on page 66 in LW 130 Homes.

A major expansion of this home was completed over the last three years. It now has a total of 7,370 sq ft. The property is 1.6 acres with 169 feet of waterfront. The home is owned by Paul Maritz. He was with Microsoft from 1986 to 2000. His last position was executive vice president of the Platforms Strategy and Developer Group. He was part of the 5-person executive management team and, according to Wikipedia, was the third-ranking executive behind Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer. He was responsible for most of Microsoft's desktop and server software, including Windows and Internet Explorer. He is now CEO of Silicon Valley based VMware Corporation and was the Silicon Valley Business Journal's 2011 Executive of the Year. More information is in a 2/21/12 Seattle Mansions post.

This is the former home of Mike and Kathy Holmgren. They sold the home in 2008 for $3.7 million to Frank C. and Eileen Ellefsen. Mike was head coach of the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2008. During his reign the Seahawks had 86 wins and 74 losses, 5 division championships and one NFC championship, losing to Pittsburg in Super Bowl XL. He was formerly the head coach of the Green Bay Packers and led them to the Super Bowl championship in 1997. Frank is a co-owner (with Dave Wells) of Puget Sound based Island Tug and Barge. The company, with 13 vessels, is a leader in PNW ship towing, vessel assist and marine construction support. In early 2013 the Ellefsens moved to Mercer Island East Channel (LWC post) and listed this home for $3.9 million. The listing agent is Joan Bayley, Winderemere: “Resort style living! 96 ft of western lowbank wtrfrnt w/a sprawling beach area, newly built yachtsman's dock, fabulous outdoor BBQ space, salt water spa, waterside cabana & a lake level kitchenette perfect for entertaining. State of the art commercial grade ktchn. Dreamy main floor master. Spacious living/dining/family/bonus rms. Detached 2 bdrm guest house. Heated shop w/1/2 bth. Sauna. Solar shades/radiant heat. Gorgeous park-like grounds. Plans ready for permit available for additional level.” This home has 3,670 sq ft on 1.40 acres with 96 feet of waterfront and is on page 67 in LW 130 Homes.

(Updated 4/20/13)

Page numbers refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes

Click on Paul Allen for his compound to the north.

Click on Mercer Island West – Central - Mansions for more mansions to the north.

Click on Mercer Island East Channel South - Mansions for mansions to the east.

Cruising The East Channel – East Mercer Island and Southwest Bellevue

Lake Washington

Page numbers on the map refer to Lake Washington 130 Homes. This area covers pages 68 to 80.

This Lake Washington area east of Mercer Island is “The East Channel.” Some of the area’s most notable mansions include “Southpointe,” the home of the “Bella Rosa” yacht, a mansion barged from Madison Park in the 1940s, and homes in the “Venice of Lake Washington.” The previous 2/16/12 post has more information on these and other homes.

The landmark property at the southern tip of Mercer Island is appropriately known as “Southpointe.” From here there are fabulous views of the lake and Mount Rainier.

Around the point and northeast are the Mercer Island Beach Club and the 9 acre Clarke Beach Park. The 2 acre Beach Club is a member-owned private club and offers members tennis, beach and pool swimming, a clubhouse for club and private parties and boat moorage. The park offers picnicking, fishing and swimming.

Across the channel in Renton is the 19 acre Seahawks headquarters and practice facility which opened in 2008. The facility is state-of-the-art and considered one the NFL’s top 3 team facilities. It has one indoor and four outdoor full-size football fields plus administrative offices, gyms, rooms for lockers, training, dining and conferences and a 146-seat auditorium. The buildings have 113,000 square feet.

The I-90 East Channel Bridge connects Mercer Island to Bellevue. The first bridge here was completed in 1923 and provided the first road off the island. Estates were soon established on the east side of Mercer Island. The first bridge was torn down and one span of the current bridge was built in 1940. The second span was opened in 1992 as part of the I-90 system.

South of the bridge is on the east side of the channel is the mouth of Kelsey Creek and Mercer Slough. The creek is the main tributary to Lake Washington between the 520 Bridge and the south end of the lake. Mercer Slough Park adjacent to the lake is about 300 acres and the largest natural wetland on Lake Washington. Canoes and kayaks for exploring the slough can be rented at Enatai Beach Park under the I-90 bridge.

South of the Kelsey Creek is Newport Shores, “The Venice of Lake Washington.” To the immediate north of the bridge is Beaux Arts Village. It is classified as a town and, with a population of 300, is the smallest municipal jurisdiction in King County. It was founded in 1908 as an artists’ colony and is now a very affluent area.

Luther Burbank Park is on the northeast end of Mercer Island with spectacular views of Lake Washington. It is 77 acres with 4,000 feet of waterfront. There is ample free day moorage at park’s docks. Park amenities include a large children’s play area, an off-leash dog area, group picnic areas, tennis courts, a public boat dock and fishing pier, a swimming beach with lifeguard and an amphitheater.

(This is the seventh 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.)

President Obama at Brotmans 2/17/12

President Obama has returned to the Brotmans for a fundraising brunch today, February 17, 2012. This event was first reported in the Seattle Times in an Associated Press article on February 1 and there was a follow-up article today. The $17,900 per plate brunch for 65 people is at the mansion of Jeff and Susan Brotman. The funds will be used for Obama’s reelection campaign and to support the Democratic National Committee. The Brotmans previously hosted a $7,500 per plate Democratic fundraising lunch with Michelle Obama on October 25, 2010. The mansion is in the exclusive cove of Medina that includes Nathan Myhrvold’s T-Rex house, Charles Simonyi’s Window 2000 house and Gary Reed’s former estate. The mansion is on page 98 in Lake Washington 130 Homes.

Cruising and boating this area is in earlier LW Cruising posts (5/8/11 and 5/4/11).

Jeff is the Chairman and co-founder of Costco. The mansion, as reported in the New York Times, is known as “Their Art House” that includes monumental pieces by Richard Serra and James Turrell. The house was designed by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects who are known for designing art-galleries-cum-residences. The louvers on the front (water side) and roof of the house adjust to provide the optimum natural light on the extensive art collection.