Newly on the market for the first time in over 20 years, this incredible work from acclaimed PNW architect, Paul Hayden Kirk is truly a special home. Designed in 1953 for the Reinauer Family, the home is sited on 1 acre of high-bank waterfront property in the heart of Normandy Park, WA which is just a 20 minute drive from downtown Seattle. While the home sits up high off the water and has views that would make even the most discerning person giddy, there is an extra bonus....it has 80' of accessible beachfront which is accessed by a winding path from the home's backyard.
Background
Paul Kirk grew up in the Puget Sound region and the local landscape, climate, and lifestyle influenced his work and life. His father ran an interior design store, providing curtains, drapes, and design services to the growing city of Seattle. At the age of three, Kirk contracted polio that paralyzed his right arm and affected his legs. Kirk drew with his left hand, using a system of weights to hold down the large sheets of paper used for architectural renderings.
Despite his handicap, Kirk was an outstanding student at the University of Washington. He was voted the leader of his architecture class, admitted to the Tau Sigma Delta society of architecture students, and obtained drafting positions at various Seattle firms. Kirk set up his own practice as soon as he earned his architecture license.
By 1950, the post-war economy sparked the biggest housing boom in American history. Paul Kirk was in the right place at the right time. Over the next decade, he would design hundreds of houses and medical clinics, earning accolades and awards. Through the 1960s and 70s, with design partner David McKinley, Kirk expanded his practice to larger and more complex projects including major buildings for the Seattle World’s Fair and the University of Washington.
By 1950, the post-war economy sparked the biggest housing boom in American history. Paul Kirk was in the right place at the right time. Over the next decade, he would design hundreds of houses and medical clinics, earning accolades and awards. Through the 1960s and 70s, with design partner David McKinley, Kirk expanded his practice to larger and more complex projects including major buildings for the Seattle World’s Fair and the University of Washington.
An Intimate Evening with Ken Tadashi Oshima and Dale Kutzera
When my client initially called to list her home, my creative marketing wheels immediately began turning to attempt to present the home in the best way possible. I approached a dear friend who is a very notable Seattle-based architect asking him if he knew anyone at the UW School of Architecture he could introduce me to. He instantly put me in touch with renowned Professor of Architecure, Ken Tadashim Oshima. At the same time I reached out to acclaimed Paul Kirk historian, Dale Kutzera, who wrote the book on Kirk entitled, PAUL HAYDEN KIRK AND THE RISE OF NORTHWEST MODERN. I asked both if they would be interesting in attending my cocktail party to provide a few remarks on whatever it was they wanted to speak about. Ken decided he would talk about the influence of Japanese and Pac Rim culture on the PNW Midcentury Modernist Movement while Kutzera would talk about the life and legacy of Kirk. What ended up unfolding was an incredible dance of both guys playing off of one another's deep knowledge and appreciation and appreciation for the modernist movement. Guests were blown away...we all felt like we had gone to a full-blown lecture, but to have it as an intimate, fireside chat in one of Kirk's most extraordinary examples was absolutely next level. It's one event I definitely will never forget and am forever grateful to both Ken and Dale for making the evening so special!
The home is currently offered at $2,850,000. For interest or inquiries of the home or to schedule a private tour, please reach out to me directly at Eric Akines, 206-859-1119 or eric@realresidential.com.
Comments