Kirkland Urban Infill – High-Density Multifamily Strategy

Mixed Use Infill development for Retail + 115 unit apartment· Kirkland,WA
Project Type: Multifamily Infill Redevelopment
Timeline: Jan to May 2024
Role: Site Planning, Unit Optimization, Financial Feasibility, Visualization
Status: Ongoing – Land assemblage in progress (80% secured)
Outcome: Expanded proposed density from 76 to 115 units with commercial retail retained

Originally scoped for 100+ units, this multifamily site in downtown Kirkland saw its potential reduced after a parcel assemblage issue downsized the site. When I joined the team, a 76-unit proposal was on the table. My role was to reassess the feasibility, reconfigure the plan based on new site boundaries, and maximize unit yield while maintaining project viability.

Through a combination of zoning research, architectural site planning, and unit mix refinement, I successfully brought the project back up to 115 units, retained ground-floor commercial, and unlocked feasibility in a tight urban environment.

My Contributions

  • Reconfigured site plan based on new lot dimensions and setbacks

  • Researched nearby proposals to identify setback flexibility and height precedent

  • Redesigned unit layouts to include study nooks, improve rent potential, and reduce redundancy

  • Strategically added studio and 1BR units to improve density and parking efficiency

  • Proposed additional structured parking via a potential JV with the city (50 stalls on adjacent public land)

  • Explored mechanical parking systems for further capacity

  • Identified lake-facing units and balcony exposure to tier rents based on views

  • Updated the pro forma to reflect more accurate tiered rents and unit-specific assumptions

  • Created massings, test fits, and final 3D renderings for investor presentations

  • Proposed retention of ground-floor retail with triple-net leases for stable cash flow

Result & Takeaway

This project taught me how to turn a shrinking land deal into a growing opportunity. By combining zoning fluency, market awareness, and design logic, I was able to expand the buildable density by over 50%, make the unit mix more market-aligned, and recover the project’s financial feasibility. These are the kinds of infill problems I enjoy solving.

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