A Sovereign State

We’re thinking of renaming Winslow Way Wenzlau Way, after the fine local architect Charlie Wenzlau, whose projects are sprinkled liberally through the main part of this town. After walking through a model at Madrone Village, a formidable spot on the western end of Winslow Way, I’ve got to admit that I like this more than I intended to.

I know Charlie faced the conundrum of adding a third layer of units to the initial design, and it is no easy task to make 38 dwellings, plus offices and retail spaces flow with the surroundings, not to mention making peace with the entire small forest that was removed to put in the project. But he had to since he lives here and has to drive by it everyday. Prices have dropped (like almost 50K on some units) due in part to the influx of condo sales offices opening for business on Bainbridge so the time is right to pounce. But I wouldn’t advise buying an investment property in here due to the teensy little issue that there are no renters on this island. Wenzlau’s calling this one “urban, but with old fashioned manners due to its casual New England styled architecture blended with northwest materials.” We’ll see how the old fashioned manners play out as harried ferry commuters who missed their connector buses attempt to park by the international grocer/coffee bar which will reportedly anchor the interior square.

All in all, Madrone Village is a luxurious alternative to your bonus room for relatives who’ve fallen in love with Bainbridge and decided to move up here to be close to you, and it’s convenient to Town and Country Market, the Winslow Clinic, and the library. The biggest drawback? Building names: Challenger, Nautilus, Reverie, Sovereign, Ticonderoga to name a few. “Yeah, that’s right, one pepperoni and one pesto chicken. I’m in the Sovereign.”
Like hell you are.

298 Winslow Way West
www.madronevillage.com
Elevator access, underground parking.
$379,000-$845,000
Homeowner’s dues TBD