As the name suggests, the north end Gold Coast neighborhood is lovely. The Gold Coast is exclusively waterfront properties. The iconic island watering hole, The Roanoke Inn, is located in this neighborhood, as is the VFW Hall. The Hall was the political meeting place of yesteryear. Today, the Roanoke Inn is where politicos gather to informally discuss city matters and local issues.
The Gold Coast contains two streets which end at the lake. Roanoke Landing is developed, with grassy areas and park furniture. Faben Point, named for Captain Vince Faben, is the undeveloped street ending of SE 20th St. Legend has it that Captain Faben was quite a grumpy old man, even though he enjoyed hobbies like playing the flute and sailing his yacht. During the early 1900s, he would get after the island children who would swim north along the Gold Coast shore to the point, because they were always on a mission to nick some apples from Goldberg’s orchard.
The newest homes on the Gold Coast date back to the 1970s. At least a third of the homes predate WW2. When discussion started prior to the construction of the I-90 Floating Bridge, this neighborhood gathered together to protest against building the bridge. Gold Coast residents were in fact greatly impacted by the building process, which was their major concern as the project was in its infancy. Despite the difficulties back during the construction, today the residents benefit from the gorgeous Park on the Lid, which spans over the area where I-90 cuts across Mercer Island. This park has 2 soft ball fields, 2 basketball courts, 4 tennis courts, a picnic shelter, 2 playground areas, public restrooms and lovely open spaces. It’s also easy to access the I-90 bike trail from this neighborhood.
By Lisa Lewis. Copyright 2012 WRE/Mercer Island.
