In the ensuing years, Kirkland's commercial core shifted to the south, likely sparing the building the fate of urban renewal or being altered beyond recognition.

Lake Washington Boulevard) the building remained occupied on the ground floor but had fallen into serious disrepair by the mid-20th century.

Ground was broken for the building in 1889 at the southeast corner of Market and Picadilly Street (now Seventh Avenue) in what was then Kirkland's main intersection and intended business district.

The first floor was initially occupied by the dry goods business of James Guptill and George Evans (Who were both having homes constructed on Waverly Way during the boom) and The Elder Drug store.

In the 1920s Market Street was designated as part of state highway 2-A, making it the main north-to-south thoroughfare on the Eastside.

After years of neglect, the building was threatened with demolition in the late 1950s because the landlord couldn't afford to make the needed repairs.

[3] William Radcliffe, a local teacher, purchased space in the building's then vacant upper story in 1958 for an art studio.

In 1961, he and a group of local investors, known as the Peter Kirk Syndicate, purchased the building to clean it up and perform needed repairs.

KAC operates a non-profit visual arts school which includes ceramics, printmaking, painting, watercolor, and collage.