Kirkland authorizes letter of intent to buy former LDS church at 132nd, staff to return with purchase-and-sale terms

The Kirkland City Council on April 21 authorized the city manager to submit a letter of intent to purchase the former LDS church at 13220 NE 132nd Street, a time‑sensitive property the city described as a potential neighborhood recreation center in the Kingsgate area.

The 7‑0 vote authorizes the manager to deliver the LOI and directs staff to return with a purchase‑and‑sale agreement and proposed funding options if the city is the successful bidder. Council also directed staff to submit a second letter explaining why the city should be considered the preferred purchaser.

The site, listed at $7.3 million in staff materials, is 3.28 acres with a 15,000‑square‑foot masonry building containing a gym, chapel and kitchen, and 211 parking stalls. Parks and recreation staff said the property sits “kitty‑corner” to 132nd Square Park and would help fill program and facility gaps identified in Kirkland’s 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan.

“Adding this site would bring service to an underserved quadrant of the city,” Parks Director Lind Wagstra told council, pointing to program wait lists for preschool tumbling, camps and adult classes. Recreation Manager Sarah Sheloner said the church’s many mid‑sized rooms could accommodate roughly 80% of the programs now constrained by facility space.

Finance staff presented a range of funding scenarios and trade‑offs. Kevin Pelring, the city’s financial planning manager, said the city can afford the acquisition only by making “hard choices” among capital projects and listed potential sources including park impact fees, REET/REIT proceeds, bond reallocation and grants. He warned 2027 will be a costly year because of startup expenses for the Kraken Iceplex and a new community center, and recommended options such as limited opening, leasing or closing and reusing another facility to manage operating costs.

Council members urged staff to move carefully but quickly. Mayor Kelly Curtis called the prospect “an exciting opportunity” to provide neighborhood recreation and emergency‑shelter capacity east of I‑405, and several members said they preferred pursuing the LOI now and resolving financing later. Deputy Mayor Black and others pressed for short‑term use options and for staff to return with detailed financing and operational plans.

The motion to authorize the LOI, as amended to add the phrase “subject to market conditions,” was moved by Council Member Falcone and seconded by Council Member Prim; the amendment to the LOI language was adopted before the main motion passed unanimously. Staff said the council will receive the purchase‑and‑sale agreement and funding options if the city is successful in the next steps.

If the city proceeds, staff plans to bring a detailed plan that addresses staffing, short‑term uses and operating costs before finalizing a purchase.