Followup: West Seattle’s Walker Rock Garden has a buyer

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Walker Rock Garden photo courtesy Lita Gill)
Just six weeks after first word it was going up for sale, West Seattle’s quirky Walker Rock Garden apparently has a buyer. We checked its website for word of upcoming “open” dates for the site, and discovered an undated “breaking news” item declaring: “The property is now under contract so do not wait to come and see the Walker Rock Garden. DO IT NOW!” No future “garden open” dates are listed as of right now, but the Walkers’ granddaughter Lita Gill had told us in a previous exchange that you can contact the listing agent directly to ask (Brad Cooper, 206-383-0197). She told WSB in January that while they hoped to find a buyer who would preserve her grandparents’ rock creations, they wouldn’t require it as a condition of sale. Earlier this month, the property, with a small home on a double lot, was listed for $392,000. We have an inquiry out to see if they’re commenting on the in-progress sale. Meantime, Michael tipped us this past weekend to a new online story with more details on exactly how the Walker Rock Garden’s stonework was crafted – you can read it here.

Jerry Whiting February 28, 2011 (1:07 am)

My kids & I have visited the Walker Rock Garden many times over the years. We even rented a house 5 doors away at one point.

I’m always surprised how few people, including those here in West Seattle, have ever *visited* the WRG. It’s a truly unique piece of folk art. I’d like to thank the family for sharing it with all of us so graciously over the years.

New owners: please think twice about bulldozing it because you got a double lot for cheap. It’s more than something to be razed and “improved”. At least through a big-ass community open house before it’s lost forever. TIA

Sue February 28, 2011 (8:27 am)

Jerry, one of the reasons I’ve never been to the WRG is because it has never been clear to me when I’ve been welcome to visit. There are no signs posted as to hours of entrance, no open/closed sign, only anedotal messages I see online that it’s open on a particular day and time, and usually after the fact. I have always respected that someone lives there and didn’t want me wandering their yard unannounced on a day that wasn’t open to the public. Even the announcement on the website which says to come now, also then says it’s open on 2/20, which was over a week ago.

george February 28, 2011 (9:38 am)

Bye-bye Rock Garden. Looks like a developer will gut it for profit.

Bonnie February 28, 2011 (10:18 am)

Bummer, 2/20 was a last week. Wish I knew about it. I would have gone.

GenHillOne February 28, 2011 (1:33 pm)

Eye of the beholder I guess. I equate this to “shell art” – seashells are beautiful in their natural state, but paint them, use excessive amounts of glue, and put them in unnatural forms? Not so much. I can’t imagine that, although the builders may have been lovely people, all the neighbors love the garden.

thelmasue February 28, 2011 (2:58 pm)

oh dear. there is nothing “shell art” about this garden. nor is it even mostly visible to neighbors. i can’t imagine how a person could not be enchanted by this man’s amazing work of art. i hope the new owners keep and enjoy it for what it is: a fantastic, amazing, inspirational playground and tribute to a man’s hard work and vision. truly wonderful!

Divacreativa February 28, 2011 (5:18 pm)

Yes I agree. Beautiful genuine folk art. Not shell art. I wonder if some enterprising garden group could transplant it? Just sayin…

Sonoma February 28, 2011 (6:08 pm)

It will be interesting to know if the new buyer will preserve this local treasure. It was a lifetime labor of love and is truly one of its kind. I can’t imagine how anyone couldn’t love it.

Kayzel February 28, 2011 (6:49 pm)

Please tell us when we can visit before we can’t anymore. Thanks.

seewhatsealionsstart February 28, 2011 (9:42 pm)

Would be a good piece for RAW Vision Magazine. What a gem this folk art creation!

Jeffrey Bale March 12, 2011 (2:16 pm)

As a stone mosaic artist who has made this craft his life’s work, I find the Walker Rock Garden to be a technical and visionary masterpiece. Many years of extremely hard labor, gathering all of the stone and then arranging it in the most meticulous manner is not to be taken lightly. This if very hard work. As a fine artist in the medium, you can look at the execution of the stone work. It is not sloppy. It is innovative and original. Everything as meaning and tells the story of this couple’s love for the region in which they live. Few people ever undertake such a level of expression in their lives. I sincerely hope that the garden is preserved.

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