Siding at Kirkland Plaza
Kirkland Plaza is located in the heart of downtown Kirkland and was built in the mid-1970’s. It is home to 28 seniors whose average annual income is $9,553 and on average they have lived there for 8 years. This great community is made up of long-term friends who garden, do puzzles, have monthly potlucks, and generally take care of each other and the property. The siding of the building is in very poor condition, the roof is barely holding on and the windows are single pane aluminum - Brrr! The on-bias design of the exterior siding is both dated in appearance and problematic in function. Woodpeckers have decided it is time to redesign some of the siding, but the residents don’t appreciate their holey style.
We wanted to repair these issues, update the aesthetic in order to fit in with the more modern neighborhood and address some problematic design features – all on a budget. I knew I wanted to eliminate the wing walls, simplify and clean up the lines, and do something different with the roof/gutter interface. I also wanted to use Hardi Plank siding, painting it the buttery yellow I saw on another building. But I lacked the creative talent to draw it out and get the result I had envisioned. I was discussing my difficulties with Paul, our SMR architect partner for Andrew’s Glen, and he offered to look at what I was working on. Though he was sweet about it, I could tell he was less than impressed with the drawings I was working with and generously offered to help me out with some concepts. He was great about incorporating my ideas and practical needs into a new concept that will be affordable, low maintenance and look fantastic. The photograph is current and the drawing is what Paul has envisioned, with my input, for this building.
I am very grateful for our project partners and the opportunity to utilize their knowledge and creativity to improve our existing housing, but I am especially grateful for their willingness to take the time to offer advice and consult with me on these projects.
Work will begin August 1st and should be complete by the end of September, just in time for keeping the senior’s homes cozy this winter! I can hardly wait to see it completed. Sorry Woody, you and your friends will have to find another job!
~ Suzanne Koval, Director of Asset Management, suzannek@imaginehousing.org
Nice work, Suzanne! It’s going to look great!
thanks, suzanne! it’s always a pleasure working with you. i know it is never fun to have your home be a construction site for a month or two, but those new windows are going to feel pretty good this winter!