Representatives of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty were joined by Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen, Kirkland City Council members and members of the community Thursday for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the official opening of the Connoisseurs of Life Showroom – a retail lifestyle showcase converging homes, art and wine in the heart of downtown Kirkland.

“We extend a warm welcome to Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty,” says Amy Walen, Mayor of The City of Kirkland. “The vision statement for Kirkland is to be ‘an attractive, vibrant and inviting place to live work and visit’ and as I tour the Connoisseurs of Life Showroom I am experiencing this very doctrine come to life.”

More than 100 people attended the grand opening celebration.

“We have created a retail experience that’s far greater than a one dimensional real estate brokerage,” said President and CEO of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Dean Jones. “The Connoisseurs of Life Showroom is a community living room where consumers and premier lifestyle brands can interact while enjoying a fine wine, beautiful artwork and inspiring homes for sale.”

Retail partners include Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, DeLille Cellars (operating as Maison DeLille), Wipliance, Alchemy Collections, Masins Furniture, LightArt, Cobalt Mortgage, The Island Gallery and The Snap Bar.

“I think the Connoisseurs of Life Showroom has the potential to become the Times Square of downtown Kirkland,” said Executive Director of The Chamber of Commerce for Kirkland Bruce Wynn. “With its central location, high visibility and digital displays it’s not only one of Kirkland’s newest lifestyle attractions but will likely become one of the most popular.”