I have been fortunate enough to live on Mercer Island for the better part of 30 years. However, it wasn’t until I started working in real estate at John L. Scott on the Island almost 11 years ago that I started to learn about the history of the Island, and see the changes as I grew.
That’s also given me an insight as to where the Island may be headed in the coming years.
The past
Many Islanders may think of the first establishment here being the Roanoke, and you wouldn’t be far off in that assumption.
Prior to that, C.C. Calkins built the Calkins Resort in what is now the East Seattle neighborhood, very close to where Calkins Landing currently is. It was a place where visitors could take rowboats and later, ferries, to the landing for a destination trip to explore the island.
Shortly after Calkins Resort burned down in 1908, the Roanoke Inn (Mercer Island’s longest-standing business) was built, acting as an all-in-one location for travelers to sleep, eat and drink.
Fast forward 25 years when the I-90 floating bridge was built and Roanoke’s name grew with its popularity.
The present
Jump ahead 86 years and we get to see Mercer Island as it is today – a warm, welcoming suburb filled with residents of all ages and ever-expanding business establishments.
Residents are appreciating the variety of new businesses that have opened on Mercer Island. Courtesy John L Scott
One thing that locals have more than likely noticed is the new apartment buildings that have gone up in recent years. Whether you like them or not, the influx of residents has been great for the businesses and community who frequent them.
Moreover, the addition of new bars, restaurants and bakeries have filled the gap that many islanders felt was lacking over the last few years.
The Crawlspace Gastropub is a great new restaurant and bar that combines flavors from Hawaii and Korea. I feel like each time I go there (which is…a lot), there are more and more people there trying their rotating dishes and cocktails.
Asa is a new cocktail bar that opened recently with a cozy New York-esque vibe with an exceptional drink menu and great service.
Looking for some pastries for your Sunday morning? Head to either Macrina or Shawn’s – both locations have just about everything you could want and the quality is out of this world.
The future
Although I wish I had a crystal ball, I unfortunately do not. But seeing the trajectory of the island over the past five to 10 years, I have nothing but the highest of hopes for Mercer Island.
There’s been a major influx of not only people moving to Mercer Island, but people on the Island moving to a different spot on the Island because they don’t want to leave. I think that speaks volumes about who we are as a community and what the Island offers to its residents.
Although there’s some bias from me, I think we have the perfect location, being sandwiched between Seattle and Bellevue, only separated by a short drive across I-90 either way, whether you’re commuting for your job or just wanting a night out in the city.
I know there are many wonderful places to live in the greater Seattle area, but I for one, am proud and excited to be an Islander.
Want to know more about Mercer Island, or the housing market here? Shoot me a follow and send me a message on Instagram @connorholden_realestate!
