KITH, the Kirkland service agency that supports families facing homelessness, celebrated the completion of a major renovation project at a housing complex it owns in Juanita Tuesday, thanking a group of home builders and contractors who volunteered labor and materials for the project.
The kitchens and bathrooms in two of the Salisbury Court complex’s three duplex townhouses were completely renovated in the project that began in the fall, which normally would have cost about $90,000.
It was spearheaded by the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties through its Care Foundation, with the help of a $10,000 grant by Bank of America. Bellevue-based Murray Franklyn, a home builder for some 46 years on the Eastside, was the project lead, coordinating the work of dozens of local contractors who spent many evenings and weekends on the project.
“You’re giving integrity and respect to all these families, so thank you,” Jennifer Baron, executive director of KITH (Kirkland Transitions in Housing), told about 40 people gathered at Salisbury Court.
Ron Boscola of Murray Franklyn said that initially, the plan was to do quick upgrades of the kitchens and bathrooms.
“It was actually a lot of fun,” he said. “Once we put out the call to our trade partners, there were so many who responded they decided we’d do more. They poured their hearts and souls into it because it as something they wanted to do.”
The renovations included new paint, carpets, cabinets, appliances - everything.
A young lady who lives at Salisbury Court with her mother, identified only as Amanda, thanked the trades people involved.
“I love my new kitchen and my mom does too,” she said. “I really like the color of the carpet. It’s really pretty. I love my new bathroom. The mirror is bigger and all the carpet matches. All the new blinds work great. My home is very cozy. Thank you!”
Kirkland Deputy Mayor Doreen Marchione, who once served as director of KITH, was on hand to thank all involved as well. "I just want to thank all the contractors for all the work," she said. "This is just magnificent."
Among the companies who helped with work, materials or donations:
Albert Lee Appliances and Whirlpool
Courtesy Glass
Super Floors
De El Enterprise
Huntwood Industries
Omega Cointruction
Frontier Cabinet
J-Lee Flooring
North Coast Lighting
Roof Truss Supply
Ketchikan Drywall
Metier Drywall
RC Painting
Peltram Plumbing
United Plumbing
Meridian Center Electric
Provident Electric
Marilyn Recycle & Dumpsters
Northwest Cascade
Valley Supply
Sherwin Williams
Shaw Industries
Deeny Construction
Thomas Consulting
Wilson Masonry
Terra Associates
Architectural Elevator Consulting
WMK Construction
Northwest Siding
ProBuild Lumber
Tri-City Truss
Printing Plus
Western Pacific Fence
New Horizons
Painters Unlimited
