It has been a week of quiet transitions and vocal confrontations here in Medina. As the mid-February gray settled over the lake, blurring the line between the water and the sky, our community found itself navigating the complexities of privacy, property, and policy. From the gated driveways of Evergreen Point to the fluorescent hum of the council chambers, the past seven days reminded us that even in a town defined by its tranquility, the outside world has a way of making itself heard.
Gates Relinquishes a Slice of Privacy
For decades, the story of Medina has been tied to the compound at the water's edge—Xanadu 2.0. This week, however, the story shifted slightly from accumulation to divestment. Bill Gates, the city's most prominent resident, has found a buyer for one of the buffer properties that have long insulated his primary estate from prying eyes.
The property in question, a modest-by-Medina-standards four-bedroom home, went under contract on February 11, a mere six days after it was listed. The speed of the sale is notable, even in a market as desirable as ours. Listed at roughly $4.8 million, the home has belonged to Gates since 1995, purchased during the era when he was aggressively acquiring the parcels around his main residence to ensure absolute seclusion.
There is something symbolic in the transaction. For years, these satellite homes stood as a physical wall—empty vessels serving as a perimeter. Now, with the Microsoft co-founder living alone in the main 66,000-square-foot residence following his divorce, the need for such an extensive buffer appears to be waning. The home itself is described as charming, nestled into the hillside with sweeping 180-degree views of the lake, city, and mountains. It offers a rare glimpse into the "ordinary" luxury that exists in the shadow of the extraordinary. Whether the new owners intend to preserve its mid-90s charm or turn the page on a new chapter of development remains to be seen, but for now, the quick sale underscores that the appetite for a piece of Medina remains voracious.
Reported by yahoo.com
Residents Press Council for Stance on Federal Enforcement
While real estate moves quietly on paper, the atmosphere inside City Hall was decidedly more charged. This past week, a contingent of residents returned to the City Council chambers, carrying with them a persistent question that has echoed through our streets since January: Where does Medina stand on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?
The dialogue began weeks ago but intensified during the public comment period of the February 4 meeting, the ripples of which are still being felt. With Mayor Todd Albers and Councilmember Dino DesLauriers absent, the weight of the gavel fell to Acting Mayor Braden Rhem. He faced a room of citizens who felt that the city's previous assurances—that local police would not assist federal immigration enforcement—were insufficient in the face of shifting national policies.
Resident Kendall Arrow took the podium to express a deep dissatisfaction with the city's prior response, criticizing the council for spending mere minutes on an issue of human rights while devoting the bulk of their time to debating water level caps for wake zones. "Silence is not neutrality," Arrow told the council, her words cutting through the bureaucratic air. "In moments like this, your silence is a choice and it leaves residents feeling unprotected."
The tension in the room made clear a growing desire for local leadership to take a more active role in national conversations. Another resident, Cat Rainbow, urged the city to join the Safe and Stable Communities Coalition, a group of 13 cities including Plymouth that is organizing to protect residents from the economic and social fallout of aggressive federal enforcement.
The response from the dais was constrained. Councilmember Mary Morrison stated she had no comment in her official capacity, emphasizing the legal and procedural limitations of their roles. Acting Mayor Rhem expressed personal concern but reiterated the city's reliance on the Mayor's January statement. It was a lesson in the friction between municipal limits and moral imperatives.
Perhaps the most clarifying moment came from Police Sergeant David Hall. When pressed by resident Kyle Gregor on how Medina Police would react to ICE agents operating within city limits, Hall offered a concise operational directive: "We will not interfere but we will not assist." For the residents seeking reassurance, it was an answer, though perhaps not the shield they were hoping for.
Reported by hometownsource.com
A Shift in the Market Winds
If you have been watching the "For Sale" signs around town, you may have noticed a subtle shift in the wind. Data released this week shows that while Medina remains the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest real estate, the market is taking a slight breath. Home values have dipped approximately 0.6% over the past year, settling at a median value of roughly $4.38 million.
This cooling, however, is relative. A glance at the active inventory reveals a market that is as robust and ambitious as ever. There are currently 18 homes for sale, ranging from a "modest" $3.4 million listing on 79th Avenue NE to a staggering $29.9 million new construction project on Evergreen Point Road. The latter, a 12,000-square-foot estate, promises dual kitchens and space for over 100 guests, catering to a buyer for whom entertaining is less a hobby and more a lifestyle.
The data suggests a bifurcation in the market. While the ultra-luxury segment continues to push boundaries with eight-figure listing prices, the broader market is stabilizing. For homeowners, it is a moment to take stock; for prospective buyers, particularly those eyeing the entry-level segment of our zip code, the slight dip in year-over-year values might be a rare window of opportunity.
Reported by zillow.com and redfin.com
Commuter Alert: Woodinville Road Closure
For those Medina residents whose commutes or weekend wine excursions take them north, a significant disruption is on the horizon. Beginning Monday, February 23, a key artery in Woodinville will be severed. Woodinville-Snohomish Road will be fully closed between 132nd Ave NE and the area just east of the post office.
The closure is necessary for the construction of a new roundabout at 133rd Avenue NE, a project aimed at smoothing traffic flow in the long run but guaranteed to cause headaches in the short term. The city advises that while local access to businesses will remain, through-traffic will be diverted. The project is slated to continue through late spring, meaning this detour will be a fact of life for the next several months. Plan your routes to the wineries accordingly.
Reported by woodinville.gov
Your Week Ahead: Weather
Don't pack away the rain gear just yet. We are looking at a quintessentially wet week for Medina, with rain likely on Saturday and Sunday and temperatures hovering in the mid-40s. The clouds will part slightly by mid-week, offering us a cloudy but drier Tuesday before the sun tries to peek through on Wednesday with a high reaching 50 degrees.
Business Spotlight
Studio Wax Esthetics Located just a short drive away in Bellevue, Studio Wax Esthetics has become a go-to sanctuary for Medina residents seeking a moment of self-care. This isn't just about hair removal; it's about a meticulous attention to detail and a comforting environment that puts clients at ease immediately. Whether you are a regular or a first-timer, the staff provides professional, high-quality skin care services that leave you feeling refreshed and polished. It is the kind of local gem where they remember your name and exactly how you like your service.
Queen Bee Cafe Over in Clyde Hill, the Queen Bee Cafe continues to buzz as a favorite morning stop for our community. It is more than just a place to grab a caffeine fix; it is a neighborhood hub where you are likely to run into a neighbor or a friend after school drop-off. Known for their unique crumpets—which are the base for both sweet and savory toppings—the cafe offers a cozy atmosphere that feels like an extension of your own living room. It is the perfect spot for a rainy day meeting or a quiet hour with a book.
Uppercuts Barbershop For a classic grooming experience with modern flair, Uppercuts Barbershop on Main Street in Bellevue is the place to know. They have mastered the art of the traditional cut while keeping up with contemporary styles, making it a reliable spot for everyone from executives to students. The vibe is authentic and welcoming, a place where conversation flows as easily as the clippers. It's a reminder of how valuable a good barber is to the rhythm of weekly life.
Service Professionals When the unexpected happens at home, it's crucial to have reliable numbers on hand. Active Plumbing has built a reputation in the area for prompt, professional service, tackling everything from minor leaks to major pipe overhauls. Similarly, MECO Electric is a trusted name for electrical work, known for helping residents safely navigate upgrades and repairs. Both are solid contacts to keep in your phone for when the need arises.