Kirkland Acquires Former Church for Community Hub
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Kirkland Acquires Former Church for Community Hub
- The City of Kirkland is set to purchase a former Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints property in the Kingsgate neighborhood for $10 million, significantly higher than its initial asking price.
- Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett confirmed in April 2026 that the agreement was accepted, with the transaction expected to close by early October 2026.
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The City of Kirkland is moving forward with plans to acquire a 3.28-acre property that previously housed a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in its Kingsgate neighborhood. The purchase price for the property, located at 13220 NE 132nd Street, is $10 million, which reflects a substantial increase from the initial asking price of $7.3 million in March. Kirkland City Manager Kurt Triplett confirmed the acceptance of the $10 million purchase agreement in April 2026, with the transaction anticipated to finalize by early October 2026.
The city intends to transform the 15,635-square-foot building into a community center, addressing a need for increased recreation and enrichment opportunities in an underserved area of Kirkland. The existing structure is considered well-suited for various programs, including art, music, preschool, and sports, and could potentially house an 8,000-square-foot gymnasium. Future considerations for the expansive site also include the development of additional park amenities or even affordable housing units.
The acquisition comes after competitive bidding from private developers who reportedly sought to demolish the church and build high-end housing. By securing the property, Kirkland aims to prevent further gentrification in a neighborhood that includes the Kirkland Heights, a 276-unit low-income housing complex. The city’s strategic purchase is intended to provide residents of Kirkland Heights with convenient access to public preschool programs, youth services, and community recreation. The Kirkland City Council unanimously approved a letter of intent to purchase the property in April 2026, recognizing its potential to fill program and facility gaps identified in the city’s 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan.