Kirkland, Washington is a city located in King County, just east of Seattle. It is known for its stunning waterfront views, beautiful parks, and vibrant downtown area. With a population of over 92,000 people, Kirkland is the sixth-largest city in King County and the twelfth largest in the state of Washington.

One of the things that Kirkland is most known for is its love of history. The city has a rich past, and this is evident in the many historic buildings and landmarks that can be found throughout the area. Visitors can take a stroll through the downtown area and see buildings that date back to the early 1900s, or visit the Kirkland Heritage Society to learn more about the city’s history.

Another thing that Kirkland is known for is its thriving arts scene. The downtown area is home to a number of art galleries, and the city hosts a variety of cultural events throughout the year, including the Kirkland Summerfest and the Kirkland Uncorked Wine Festival. Whether you’re interested in visual arts, music, or theater, there is something for everyone in Kirkland.

Costco’s Headquarters

Kirkland, Washington is home to the original headquarters of Costco, one of the largest retailers in the world. The company was founded in 1976 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, and its first warehouse was opened in Seattle in 1983.

Costco’s headquarters was originally located in Kirkland, which is where the company’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature, gets its name. However, the headquarters was moved to nearby Issaquah in 1995, where it remains today. The move was prompted by the need for a larger space to accommodate the company’s rapid growth.

The headquarters is a sprawling campus that includes several buildings, including a 17-story tower that serves as the company’s administrative center. The campus also features a large parking garage, a fitness center, and a cafeteria that serves meals to employees.

Overall, Costco’s headquarters in Kirkland played a significant role in the company’s early success and growth. While the headquarters is no longer located in Kirkland, the city remains an important part of Costco’s history and legacy.

Cultural and Recreational Hub

Kirkland, Washington is known for being a cultural and recreational hub in the Pacific Northwest. With its picturesque waterfront, thriving community, and rich history, Kirkland has something for everyone.

Kirkland Performance Center

One of the highlights of Kirkland is the Kirkland Performance Center, which stands as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and creativity in the heart of the city. The center hosts a diverse array of captivating performances, including music, theater, comedy, and dance. It also offers educational programs for all ages, making it a valuable community resource.

Waterfront Parks

Kirkland’s waterfront parks are another major draw for visitors and locals alike. With five public beaches on the shores of Lake Washington, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The parks also offer scenic walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children.

Art Galleries

Kirkland’s arts scene is sophisticated and international, but also vibrant and whimsical. Art performances, exhibits, classes, and galleries are abundant throughout the city. One of the most notable galleries is the Kirkland Arts Center, housed within a historic building, showcasing the works of local and international talents.

Overall, Kirkland’s cultural and recreational offerings make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique and enriching experience in the Pacific Northwest.

Tech Industry Presence

Kirkland, Washington is home to a thriving tech industry, with a number of notable companies operating in the area. This section will provide an overview of the tech industry presence in Kirkland, with a focus on Google’s Kirkland campus and other tech companies in the area.

Google’s Kirkland Campus

Google’s Kirkland campus is one of the company’s largest engineering centers outside of its headquarters in Mountain View, California. The campus is located in the Bridle Trails neighborhood of Kirkland and is home to a number of engineering teams working on a variety of projects.

The Kirkland campus has been a major hub for Google’s cloud computing efforts, with teams working on products like Google Cloud Platform and Google Workspace. The campus has also been involved in the development of Google’s self-driving car technology, as well as other projects related to artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Other Tech Companies

In addition to Google, there are a number of other notable tech companies operating in Kirkland. These include ServiceNow, Pivotal Commware, INRIX, and Tableau Software, among others.

ServiceNow is a cloud computing company that provides a variety of IT services to businesses. Pivotal Commware is a startup that is developing technology to improve wireless communications. INRIX is a company that provides traffic information and other transportation-related data to businesses and consumers. Tableau Software is a data visualization company that provides software tools to help businesses analyze and understand their data.

Overall, the tech industry presence in Kirkland is strong and growing. With a number of notable companies operating in the area, the city has become a hub for innovation and technological advancement.

Higher Education

Kirkland is home to several reputable higher education institutions. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) is a public technical college located in Kirkland, Washington. It was founded in 1949 as Lake Washington Vocational-Technical Institute and has since then expanded to offer a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degree programs.

LWTech is known for its strong focus on hands-on learning and career preparation. It offers programs in fields such as Information Technology, Business, Health Sciences, Engineering, and Transportation Technology. The college also has partnerships with local employers to provide students with internship and job opportunities.

LWTech has a diverse student population, with students from over 50 countries. The college has a strong support system for international students, including English language courses and cultural activities.

Overall, Lake Washington Institute of Technology is a great option for students looking for a practical education that will prepare them for a successful career.

Historical Significance

Kirkland, Washington is a city with a rich history that dates back to the 1880s. The city has been shaped by a number of factors, including the vision of Peter Kirk, the growth of the steel industry, and the development of the area around Lake Washington.

Peter Kirk and the Steel Mill

One of the most significant figures in the history of Kirkland is Peter Kirk, a British-born steel tycoon who came to the Northwest in the 1880s seeking new development opportunities. Kirk envisioned developing a “Pittsburgh of the West” on the eastern shore of Lake Washington – a bustling new town whose main economy would be focused around steel.

Kirk’s vision became a reality in 1888, when he opened the Kirkland Iron and Steel Company. The steel mill quickly became the heart of the new town, attracting workers and businesses from across the region. Kirkland grew rapidly, with new homes, schools, and businesses springing up to support the growing population.

Heritage Landmarks

Kirkland’s rich history is reflected in the many heritage landmarks that can be found throughout the city. Two of the most notable landmarks are the Peter Kirk Building and the Kirkland Congregational Church.

The Peter Kirk Building was constructed in 1890 as the headquarters of the Kirkland Land and Improvement Company. The building is a prime example of the Victorian architecture that was popular in the late 19th century, with ornate details and a distinctive tower that dominates the skyline.

The Kirkland Congregational Church was built in 1892 and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The church is a beautiful example of the Gothic Revival style, with intricate stonework, stained glass windows, and a soaring bell tower.

Overall, Kirkland’s historical significance lies in its role as a center of industry and innovation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the city is a vibrant community that celebrates its past while looking forward to a bright future.

Wine Industry

Kirkland, Washington is well-known for its thriving wine industry. With a partner-city relationship with Walla Walla, Kirkland is quickly becoming a hub for wine enthusiasts.

Local Wineries

One of the most notable wineries in Kirkland is the Wahluke Wine Company. This award-winning vineyard is known for producing high-quality wines, particularly Washington reds. The vineyard is owned by Milbrandt Vineyards, which won the 2019 Wine Press award for “Washington Winery of the Year.”

Wine Tasting Events

For those looking to explore the local wine scene, Kirkland has plenty of wine tasting events to offer. The Blend by Ste. Michelle is a new immersive tasting room in downtown Kirkland that is worth checking out. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the company that put the Washington state wine industry on the map, opened this tasting room in 2021.

Other popular wine tasting events in Kirkland include the Kirkland Wine Walk, which takes place every third Thursday of the month from June to October. This event allows participants to taste wines from local wineries while exploring downtown Kirkland.

Overall, Kirkland’s wine industry is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts. With its award-winning wineries and exciting wine tasting events, Kirkland is quickly becoming a top wine destination in Washington state.

Outdoor Activities

Kirkland, Washington, is a city that offers many outdoor activities for visitors and residents alike. In this section, we will explore two of the most popular outdoor activities in Kirkland: Marina Park and Cross Kirkland Corridor.

Marina Park

Marina Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The park is located on the shores of Lake Washington and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains. The park is home to many well-known events, including Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland Summerfest, and Kirkland Oktoberfest. These events take place in Marina Park and attract visitors from all over the world.

Marina Park is also a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park features a large grassy area, perfect for picnics and games. The park also has a playground for children and a beach area for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can rent paddleboards and kayaks to explore the lake or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade.

Cross Kirkland Corridor

The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a 5.75-mile trail that runs through the heart of Kirkland. The trail is perfect for hiking, biking, and jogging, and offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The trail is also a great place to walk your dog or take a leisurely stroll.

The Cross Kirkland Corridor is a former rail line that has been converted into a multi-use trail. The trail is paved and wide enough to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. The trail is also wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for people of all abilities.

Along the trail, visitors will find several parks and green spaces, including Totem Lake Park and Juanita Beach Park. The trail also passes through several neighborhoods, giving visitors a glimpse into the local community.

Overall, Kirkland, Washington, is a city that offers many outdoor activities for visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day at the park or an adventurous hike, Kirkland has something for everyone.