Inviting, appealing. The only model is the penthouse 3br (more like 2br with tiny office) that is…read morenot on offer for rent. Nice simple clean contemporary designs. quartz countertops in kitchen. This unit is considered premium because of the wine fridge, led bathroom mirrors, & heated toilet seat (not a toto). I would compare to non-premium units and the cost difference, those are small costs for a developer, & given the upscale vibe it is trying for...wouldn't'; that be standard at least in view units?!? Vela is right in heart of Kirkland, nice for walkability but can get noisy / Note: summer traffic into the heart of downtown Kirkland can take quite a bit of time. If you are new to the area, factor another 20 minutes to get there during summer and or festival/busy times. There is a gym and yoga studio, but you are charged a monthly fee on top of your rent, more like if you were a condo owner.
As of this week (late October 2023), Tyler says they are about 53% occupied.
Note:
Privacy. So you want light & views but all blinds go from top to bottom, verses the bottom up, which is what you need at least for your Bedrooms...otherwise, you are in a fishbowl at a busy aquarium & you are the main attraction. Because you do not own, you cannot change this.
Parking is extra; One spot per bedroom for about $175 each (while spaces last), small storage options for a similar fee, common area fee can be about $150 as well more or less depending on occupancy & sq footage. Add it up, it becomes quite pricy. Thus, you may end up another $500 on a 2br in charges plus of course your utilities/wifi etc as you would have anywhere. the unit below the one I saw would set you back about $5000 monthly.
Asked about who they consider their competition, Tyler said maybe only two developments in Kirkland. I beg to differ, look at Carillon Apartments Residences, more like condos for rent with the western view, upscale remodels, common areas, easier access & more privacy, and most of those do not include extras for parking & common areas. (but always inquire)
Also odd that Tyler said they are leases vs rent. Perhaps leasing sounds better to them...and when I asked about the difference he didn't' know. He seemed a bit confused about condo ownership vs renting at a condo in terms of paying for common areas....as a renter at condo or apartment, usually, one does not pay a separate common area, so they need to be very clear about this early on in their pitch Ie total price. It feels a bit less than transparent re: the many fees. The developer is Continental properties. I would LOOK at reviews for Continental Properties (they also own Voda in Kirkland & another one whose name escapes me, but Tyler can tell you).
We are slowly exploring options for family. We own in Carillon area and have a long family history of owning condos, homes, apartment buildings and also being renters ourselves of all those types of housing. After the experience and understanding the value, I will be looking elsewhere.
Note, all reviews are from people who do not have a yelp presence so feels a bit fake. No photos of their units and no longevity of renting, if indeed they are or become renters. Hopefully CP will do a great job, but my experience didnt feel so clean/clear.
Oh yeah, Tyler D. knew the features of the model penthouse that made it premium but then seemed not to know answers to my questions re: the floor and countertop materials. Turned out he did know but was hesitant to share about the vinyl flooring.
Given the large footprint they have in our sweet little Kirkland, let's hope the Continental Properties is a good neighbor.