Sometimes a “mix-up” is a good thing.
New mixed-use, residential/retail developments in Redmond’s two urban centers, Downtown and Overlake, are turning those areas into bona fide neighborhoods, because shopping and recreation are within easy walking distance of apartments and condominiums.
And the whole community wins when a new, ground floor business is a martial arts school operated by a world-renowned family.
The Ch’i Life Kung Fu Studio will be the anchor of the soon-to-open White Swan Condominium building in Overlake. Located at 2222 152nd Ave. NE, between the Office Depot and the Silver Cloud Hotel, the four-story White Swan building offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom homes, most with a bonus area for a den, study or office. Prices range from $224,990 to $389,990 on the second and third floors. Spacious top-floor penthouses range from $499,990-569,990.
Unlike most new construction, the White Swan condos include side-by-side model refrigerators with ice makers and filtered water as well as full-sized washers/dryers. Other features are hardwood floors in the entry and kitchen, slab granite counters, balconies, electric fireplaces, ample storage, secure parking, extra soundproofing and a fitness center.
Phones started ringing as soon as the building broke ground, said Jayne DeHaan of Seattle-based RE/MAX Metro Realty, who is marketing the White Swan homes with Sherry Sahlstrom of RE/MAX Eastside Brokers. Interested parties include young Microsofties, retirees/empty nesters and “snowbirds” who spend part of their year in the Pacific Northwest and also have homes elsewhere. All are looking for low-maintenance living and proximity to work or commerce, said DeHaan.
As for the business tenants, the attraction to this location was “to bring the biggest (martial arts) school here to the Eastside,” said the modest and affable Kung-Fu Master John S.S. Leong, who has owned and operated the Seattle Kung-Fu Club since 1963.
He trained Marc Singer of “The Beastmaster” fame. And a 40th anniversary Seattle Kung-Fu book included congratulations to John and his clan from dignitaries such as former Washington Governor Gary Locke, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray and former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske, who is now President Obama’s “drug czar.”
In addition to the flagship Seattle Kung-Fu location in Chinatown, the Leongs operate two other schools in Seattle as well as in Singapore and Beijing.
John’s son, Master Robin Leong, appeared in the action dramas “Triple Nine” and “The Challenge” and will oversee the new school in Redmond.
John said Ch’i Life Kung Fu Studio will offer instruction for both adults and children, with emphasis on teaching discipline, respect, honor and dignity.
While some practice martial arts for self-defense, “it is also very meditative,” DeHaan added, making it a desirable commodity in the busy Overlake neighborhood.
Ch’i Life Kung Fu Studio is expected to open in November, with demonstrations by famous martial arts, “promoting good health and agility,” John said. He also would love to bring fun International District traditions such as Lion Dances and Dragon Dances to Redmond.
About 8,000 square feet of the Leongs’ space in the White Swan building will be used for martial arts instruction while another 4,000 square feet or so will be retail space with martial arts equipment and other Asian products.
The White Swan Condominium building is open for viewing from noon- 5 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. For information, call 1-888-388-SWAN or visit www.whiteswancondos.com.
For information about the Ch’i Life Kung Fu Studio, visit www.chi-life.com or www.seattlekungfuclub.com.
Or call (206) 624-3838.
