Bellevue's Asian population is steadily approaching the 25% mark, which will become evident in next year's census. That gives it the highest percentage of Asians north of the Bay Area and west of the Eastern seaboard. That market isn't meant to cater to the needs of everyone, especially not with the likes of stuffy, rich, old white people. But Bellevue needs to be able to support a denser concentration of Asian businesses than what it already has. Being that West Lake Hills is within the 148th corridor smack in between Downtown, Crossroads, and South Bellevue, I would think it would be a great locale for that type of venture.

I'm not saying it's apt to happen anytime in the future, but I would like to see some kind of anchor on which Bellevue can at least boast about its high Asian population, rather than having businesses scattered across the city like pigeon droppings.

Isn't Uwajimaya sort of like this? There's already one in Bellevue, and it doesn't look like it gets too much business.

Bellevue's Asian population is steadily approaching the 25% mark, which will become evident in next year's census. That gives it the highest percentage of Asians north of the Bay Area and west of the Eastern seaboard. That market isn't meant to cater to the needs of everyone, especially not with the likes of stuffy, rich, old white people. But Bellevue needs to be able to support a denser concentration of Asian businesses than what it already has. Being that West Lake Hills is within the 148th corridor smack in between Downtown, Crossroads, and South Bellevue, I would think it would be a great locale for that type of venture.

I'm not saying it's apt to happen anytime in the future, but I would like to see some kind of anchor on which Bellevue can at least boast about its high Asian population, rather than having businesses scattered across the city like pigeon droppings.

The Eastside is so unsegregated it's almost boring. Seattle isn't much better on a major city scale, either.

Redmond is 10% Asian-Indian now (with Bellevue and Sammamish at 4-5%), I think the area could support some type of "Little India," but I know it will never happen.

Immigrant populations tend to be noticable when they're in walkable, higher-density areas. Places with business districts. Generally a new immigrant population needs a lower-cost, high-vacancy urban district to gradually take over.

In Seattle (including Bellevue), the dense, walkable areas aren't cheap, because they're new, and even if they aren't, they're probably in sought-after central locations. Therefore, our recent immigrants go to places that are cheap but aren't as walkable, which often means sprawly apartment complexes to the south, as well as south Bellevue.

In theory, since we've been building apartments consistently for generations, and since we have a fair number of neighborhood business districts, Seattle could be primed for that sort of neighborhood takeover. However, even those 1925 cool buildings and 1965 monstrosities tend to be pretty full. It's a lower version of the San Francisco effect, where the inner city is just too expensive to aid in diversity of anyone who isn't well-off, willing to be a roommate, or subsidized.

Bellevue's Asian population is steadily approaching the 25% mark, which will become evident in next year's census. That gives it the highest percentage of Asians north of the Bay Area and west of the Eastern seaboard. That market isn't meant to cater to the needs of everyone, especially not with the likes of stuffy, rich, old white people. But Bellevue needs to be able to support a denser concentration of Asian businesses than what it already has. Being that West Lake Hills is within the 148th corridor smack in between Downtown, Crossroads, and South Bellevue, I would think it would be a great locale for that type of venture.

I'm not saying it's apt to happen anytime in the future, but I would like to see some kind of anchor on which Bellevue can at least boast about its high Asian population, rather than having businesses scattered across the city like pigeon droppings.

Depends though. I'm Asian, and my family rarely, if ever, go to 99 Ranch market anymore. What Bellevue needs is a more upscale Asian grocery store like a competitor to Uwajimaya. I'm getting a bit tired of almost all the Asian stores looking, smelling, and feeling like crap haha

Most of us are fine with Safeway, especially the younger generations.

Immigrant populations tend to be noticable when they're in walkable, higher-density areas. Places with business districts. Generally a new immigrant population needs a lower-cost, high-vacancy urban district to gradually take over.

In Seattle (including Bellevue), the dense, walkable areas aren't cheap, because they're new, and even if they aren't, they're probably in sought-after central locations. Therefore, our recent immigrants go to places that are cheap but aren't as walkable, which often means sprawly apartment complexes to the south, as well as south Bellevue.

In theory, since we've been building apartments consistently for generations, and since we have a fair number of neighborhood business districts, Seattle could be primed for that sort of neighborhood takeover. However, even those 1925 cool buildings and 1965 monstrosities tend to be pretty full. It's a lower version of the San Francisco effect, where the inner city is just too expensive to aid in diversity of anyone who isn't well-off, willing to be a roommate, or subsidized.

Yeah, South Park is Metro Seattle's most Hispanic neighborhood. But almost nobody other than residents goes down there, so who is going to notice other than demographics geeks? :)

Sammamish has some sub-divisions dominated by Asians, it's strange.

Yeah, South Park is Metro Seattle's most Hispanic neighborhood. But almost nobody other than residents goes down there, so who is going to notice other than demographics geeks? :)

Sammamish has some sub-divisions dominated by Asians, it's strange.

Why is that strange?

^ I just wouldn't have expected demographics to differ so much from sub-division to sub-division, especially in a place like Sammamish.

June 22, 2009
'The Great Urban Debate,' Seattle or Vancouver, BC . . . or Bellevue?
Steinbrueck and Gordon Price, former council member of British Columbia's largest city, wrangle over whether Seattle or Vancouver is the better city.
By MARC STILES
The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (http://www.djc.com/news/ae/12007273.html) Staff Reporter

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3565817340_bc2c10ef93.jpg
(Bellevue, seen above, got mentioned in the great debate, and find out how below.)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

In a Thursday debate over whether Seattle or Vancouver, B.C., is better, the consensus winner was... Bellevue.

Seattle's Peter Steinbrueck and Vancouver's Gordon Price, both former members of their city councils, squared off in what was more of a friendly discussion than “The Great Urban Debate,” which was how the event was billed. In a twist, Price argued for Seattle, and Steinbrueck for Vancouver.

^ I just wouldn't have expected demographics to differ so much from sub-division to sub-division, especially in a place like Sammamish.

Quite weird isn't it? Even in school, there are massive Asian cliques. I'm not in those though because they're pretty much all annoying :lol:

Quite weird isn't it? Even in school, there are massive Asian cliques. I'm not in those though because they're pretty much all annoying :lol:


It's the same in Bellevue. I've found the cliques at the high school I went to in Bellevue to be a lot less "serious". You could "intermingle", and people wouldn't judge you. I wish it was like this here in Texas. :ohno:

It's the same in Bellevue. I've found the cliques at the high school I went to in Bellevue to be a lot less "serious". You could "intermingle", and people wouldn't judge you. I wish it was like this here in Texas. :ohno:

Yeah well you're...in the deep down conservative south. Anyone remember the Texan governor suggesting seceding from the union? :nuts:

Immigrant populations tend to be noticable when they're in walkable, higher-density areas. Places with business districts. Generally a new immigrant population needs a lower-cost, high-vacancy urban district to gradually take over.

In Seattle (including Bellevue), the dense, walkable areas aren't cheap, because they're new, and even if they aren't, they're probably in sought-after central locations. Therefore, our recent immigrants go to places that are cheap but aren't as walkable, which often means sprawly apartment complexes to the south, as well as south Bellevue.

In theory, since we've been building apartments consistently for generations, and since we have a fair number of neighborhood business districts, Seattle could be primed for that sort of neighborhood takeover. However, even those 1925 cool buildings and 1965 monstrosities tend to be pretty full. It's a lower version of the San Francisco effect, where the inner city is just too expensive to aid in diversity of anyone who isn't well-off, willing to be a roommate, or subsidized.

Well, alot of new asian immigrants chose Bellevue suburbs not because its "cheap", they go there because of the schools. Alot of asian families with means are known to pick places because of its nice school districts. And so I don't think all new immigrants are poor. Have you been to Bellevue high's parking lots? Lots of beemers and mercedes driven by asian kids.

I didn't say "all," and the people you're talking about probably include a lot of longtime residents (whether 5 years or two generations), not just recent immigrants.

You do make a good point. There's the "Richmond" model where new construction can be dominated by immigrants, who in that case would tend to be middle-class at least. But in existing areas, if you see a wave of move-ins there were probably a lot of vacancies first.

Yeah well you're...in the deep down conservative south. Anyone remember the Texan governor suggesting seceding from the union? :nuts:

Yes. I remember that, and I read about it recently too. :lol:

The south tower crane is down. One section of the north tower crane has been removed and looks to be coming down by this weekend as well.

Bellevue is no longer little Dubai. I guess the rapid progress on the property is going to be very good for Bellevue in the future.

Speaking of Bellevue demographics, school districts have to compile ethnic statistics every school year... Giving us a taste of how the ethnic make-up of areas have changed since the last census. Whites are usually underrepresented in (public) school info compared to their actual population, especially in places like Seattle, nevertheless it's very interesting.

Stevenson Elementary (Crossroads area) in Bellevue is now 83% non-white. Ardmore Elementary (north of Crossroads, east of Microsoft Campus) is 71% non-white. Lake Hills Elementary is 68% non-white. These are all in the same general area--Eastern Bellevue (but not extending to Lake Sammamish... white people tend to hold their ground when proximity to water is involved).

^^Somerset is 50% Asian, Newport is 37%.

I find it very interesting that Whites are already the minority on Somerset. :)

The south tower crane is down. One section of the north tower crane has been removed and looks to be coming down by this weekend as well.

Bellevue is no longer little Dubai. I guess the rapid progress on the property is going to be very good for Bellevue in the future.
I was wondering when those were coming down. They've got about 3 months to get the site ready for opening of the shopping center. Lots of work to do after the cranes come down.

^^Somerset is 50% Asian, Newport is 37%.

I find it very interesting that Whites are already the minority on Somerset. :)

Why is it that you find it interesting. It seemed innevitable while I was growing up. By the book.

^^When I moved to Bellevue 9 years ago, there were a lot less minorities than there are now. As far as I remember, it was mostly whites and asians...and I almost never saw a black person. Bellevue's a lot more racially diverse now. :cheers:

I didn't say "all," and the people you're talking about probably include a lot of longtime residents (whether 5 years or two generations), not just recent immigrants.

You do make a good point. There's the "Richmond" model where new construction can be dominated by immigrants, who in that case would tend to be middle-class at least. But in existing areas, if you see a wave of move-ins there were probably a lot of vacancies first.

I'm partially glad that we're not like Richmond though. That Asian invasion brought havoc to traffic conditions there because everyone from Hong Kong drove like mad.

Well, alot of new asian immigrants chose Bellevue suburbs not because its "cheap", they go there because of the schools. Alot of asian families with means are known to pick places because of its nice school districts. And so I don't think all new immigrants are poor. Have you been to Bellevue high's parking lots? Lots of beemers and mercedes driven by asian kids.

Ohhhh yes. I've got friends who moved every three or four years to be near a good school. Quite pointless IMHO...

^^Moving every 3-4 years to go to a good school is pointless, but I think a move to Bellevue because of the schools is not. There are a lot of great opportunities in the BSD for students that aren't available at too many other places.

I was in downtown Bellevue the past few days...Ummm usually there's only that one bum on the pedestrian corridor playing sports radio...now I'm starting to see more and more...like in front of Bellsquare and even in Old Bellevue. Great!! now i can imagine them taking over downtown Bellevue Park and the transit center. One reason I love Bellevue is its cleanliness and how I don't get hit up for change every block like in Seattle. Hopefully this is just a temporary thing because of the recession...and that they'll get back off the streets once they find a job. But considering most homeless are forever freeloaders who don't want a job, I won't hold my breath.

Sigh.

I can't believe this region's affliction to homeless. They are still human beings! Bellevue has a lot to offer but the one thing I can't stand is the idea that "clean" means driving a car no older than 10 years and having an income of 6 figures. It's too cozy and artificial for me, it's not a good example of what the country, and especially the world, is really like.

I can't believe this region's affliction to homeless. They are still human beings! Bellevue has a lot to offer but the one thing I can't stand is the idea that "clean" means driving a car no older than 10 years and having an income of 6 figures. It's too cozy and artificial for me, it's not a good example of what the country, and especially the world, is really like.

I have only met one person that likes homeless people. Many of us live in DT Bellevue instead of Seattle because we don't like the homeless, druggies and the crazies that DT Seattle has. Call me too clean and artificial but I don't like smelling pee all the time.

I can't believe this region's affliction to homeless. They are still human beings! Bellevue has a lot to offer but the one thing I can't stand is the idea that "clean" means driving a car no older than 10 years and having an income of 6 figures. It's too cozy and artificial for me, it's not a good example of what the country, and especially the world, is really like.

I've never gotten that impression. But, aside from appreciating the density and shiny new buildings, I don't particularly enjoy downtown Bellevue either.

By the way, that "bum" with the radio usually sits across that one way street from Lincoln Square. It's usually when a Mariners game is on the radio. He's a very nice man and he has never asked me for money. I've talked to him a couple times after he said hi.

KeyBank District Headquarters to Stay in Downtown Bellevue

DowntownBellevueNetwork (http://www.downtownbellevue.com/2009/06/22/keybank-district-headquarters-to-stay-in-downtown-bellevue/)

AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

By Michael / June 22, 2009

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3315927278_3ac080d74f.jpg
(Bellevue, Washington.)

KeyBank will maintain their district headquarters that is in Downtown Bellevue at Key Center, on the corner of 108th at NE 6th and Bellevue Way, according to an article on Friday by the Puget Sound Business Journal (http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/06/22/story6.html).

After searching for alternative space, KeyBank’s Rick Wirthlin said, “The landlord made it very attractive for us to stay where we were.”

The new lease will extend the current lease, which expires in July 2010, for an additional 5 years. KeyBank will lease a total of 70,200 square feet on the 2nd through 4th floors.

I didn't know that KeyBank was considering to leave Bellevue... Glad they stay in Bellevue.

Downtown Bellevue from the ground. A little montage of Bellevue's new skyline.

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/BellevueSkyline.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/BellevueBuildings.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/BellevueTowers.jpg

The West entrance to the Bravern and the condos

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/TheBravernEntrance.jpg

North Bravern condo tower

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/TheBraverncondos.jpg

South Brvern condo tower

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/Bravernsouthcodotower.jpg

The Westin Tower from different angles

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/Westinstraightup.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/WestinandBellevueart.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/Westin.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm193/PeopleCore/MoreWestin.jpg

Awesome shots! Great job, Frasier! :cheers:

I was in downtown Bellevue the past few days...Ummm usually there's only that one bum on the pedestrian corridor playing sports radio...now I'm starting to see more and more...like in front of Bellsquare and even in Old Bellevue. Great!! now i can imagine them taking over downtown Bellevue Park and the transit center. One reason I love Bellevue is its cleanliness and how I don't get hit up for change every block like in Seattle. Hopefully this is just a temporary thing because of the recession...and that they'll get back off the streets once they find a job. But considering most homeless are forever freeloaders who don't want a job, I won't hold my breath.

Sigh.

To the contrary, I'm counting on Bellevue's growth to take some of the street people away from Seattle.

I don't know if the number of street people is growing (due to the economy, reduced entitlements and services, and bums moving from here from elsewhere) or shrinking (due to a lot of excellent new housing projects).

They've been concentrated in Seattle historically, because only Seattle had the density (enough pedestrians with money), transit, cheap housing, and social services. But now, Bellevue and to a lesser extent other places are developing dense centers. Also, as the suburbs age, their housing is aging, and some of it is becoming (or already is) truly low-cost. Formerly, only the central city had older, lower-cost housing. Plus Bellevue has a small but growing amount of social services and social housing.

July 9, 2009
Bentall stops construction on the 15-story Summit III
By LYNN PORTER
The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (http://www.djc.com/news/re/12007886.html)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20090709/SummitIIIrendering_web.jpg
Image courtesy Bentall Capital
BELLEVUE - The developer is capping the structure at grade. A one-acre concrete deck will cover seven levels of underground parking.
Bentall Capital has stopped construction of its speculative 15-story Summit III office building in downtown Bellevue because it has no tenants for it in this down market, an executive with the Vancouver, B.C.-based firm said Wednesday.

At least it isn't a hole in the ground. It would be better if made it into a little park for now though.

I was really hoping that all of our projects would finish up and not be stranded, I guess the good news is that when the next boom happens hopefully that building will be much taller.

^^ I hope so too!

I wish both Seattle and Bellevue have rule for any projects that are on hold (only when they don't start digging) should put lawn over the site just to keep neighborhoods nice. I think Coeur d' Alene, Idaho done that because all sites I have seen are covered by lawns. It helped Coeur d' Alene stay clean and looking great as usual. I think Seattle and Bellevue should do same thing.

Wow, that building was put on hold during the last recession. At this rate it's going to take about 20 years to get built. :P

^^ I hope so too!

I wish both Seattle and Bellevue have rule for any projects that are on hold (only when they don't start digging) should put lawn over the site just to keep neighborhoods nice. I think Coeur d' Alene, Idaho done that because all sites I have seen are covered by lawns. It helped Coeur d' Alene stay clean and looking great as usual. I think Seattle and Bellevue should do same thing.

That's not realistic. You're talking about dirt lots. This one has a garage underneath it.

That's not realistic. You're talking about dirt lots. This one has a garage underneath it.

Yes like my post "(only when they don't start digging)". I meant dirt lots. :)

What I saw in Coeur d' Alene was impressive and I came back just few years later and these few lawn sites I remember have been developed and some lawn sites still left to be developed. I think that will help to create more open spaces for both Seattle and Bellevue only for short terms.

^ I think that's a bad idea. If private land is allowed to be used as a nice public space, then the community tends to go into filthy-populist-mode and whine when the space is developed--"Save the park! Stop the greedy developer!"

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009442785_summit10.html

Well, apparently Bentall is going forth with at-grade construction, everything in between where the tower will be set back and the street-- green space, yada yada, but the actual structure itself will be held off indefinitely.

^ nice! Looked like it was the city officials idea. If only the ones in Seattle thought along the same lines.

I don't recall any project in Seattle building to the ground level then stopping.

The eastern most (closest to 405) building in the Summit ofice project was capped at 2-3 stories for at least one year before completely the rest of the 9-10 floors. It looks like Summit C is already above grade and will have at least one floor complete. Cement support structures are 10 feet above NE4th and 108th in some places.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009442785_summit10.html

Well, apparently Bentall is going forth with at-grade construction, everything in between where the tower will be set back and the street-- green space, yada yada, but the actual structure itself will be held off indefinitely.
I added a new category to the front page and put it there.

I guess this will be the 2009 version of 2001's Bellevue Tech Tower.

I don't recall any project in Seattle building to the ground level then stopping.

I meant about keeping an unfinished project an eyesore for years (the man-ray site - which could've been a park or plaza, the 2nd and pine site - which they could've removed the chain link fence in place for an architectural wall like this bellevue building will do, or at least improve the pedestrian experience somehow).

Lincoln Square was a huge hole for a while..that looked really ugly.

Yes it was Lincoln Square, but primarily it was the Westin Hotel & Tower that was halted during construction for a few years.

As for Summit C, it actually will not get a "1st floor" as the support structures is all that you will see. Notice as they are also "capped" flat. Good to hear/see that they won't leave it an ugly blight on the city. I'm guessing that City of Bellevue had a lot to do with that after experiencing the ugliness of the Tech Tower Hole of 2001.

Lincoln Square stopped around ground level in a messy way for a few years, then they built the retail and first tower, then they built the office tower.

I recall the early 2000s slump very well. It was ugly. I still have some newspaper clippings over when Lincoln Square was on hold.

Well i guess Bellevue learned from the slump that leaving holes in the ground are ugly. I'm glad they took action this time around!!

Bellevue Towers, other new condo projects cutting prices
Bellevue Towers, the region's tallest luxury condo project, is cutting prices 20 percent to kick-start anemic sales. Other projects coming online are cutting prices, too.

By Eric Pryne / EDITED July 14th, 2009.
The Seattle Times (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009466104_bellevuetowers14.html)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)


By the numbers

Bellevue Towers: 184 of 539 units presold, but only 43 have closed.

Enso: 136 units; no closings.

Escala: Nearing completion; approximately 270 units.

Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue: 82 of 143 units closed.

Four Seasons Private Residences: 22 of 36 units closed, none since February.

Olive 8: 28 of 229 units closed.

Washington Square: 171 of 379 units closed.

Sources: King County; Seattle Times staff

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3118089093_638c226e7a.jpg
(The Bellevue Towers.)


BELLEVUE - The developer of the region's tallest luxury condo towers says it's cutting prices an average of 20 percent in hopes of kick-starting sales.

Only 43 of the 539 units at Bellevue Towers in downtown Bellevue have sold since closings began in January, according to county records. "We're trying to respond to the marketplace and to what our buyers have been telling us for the last four to six months," Mark Edlen, a principal with developer Gerding Edlen, said Monday.

Bellevue Towers is one of more than a half-dozen high-rise, high-end condo projects in downtown Bellevue and downtown Seattle that have recently been finished or are nearing completion.

Sales or presales at all have been anemic. Gerding Edlen's announcement is perhaps the most dramatic response so far to the realities of the new, chillier marketplace.

In Seattle, a spokesman for Vulcan Real Estate said prices of all 136 units at its almost-finished Enso condominium in South Lake Union also are being reduced, but would not say by how much.

Most other developers have been reluctant to cut prices across the board. But some have been quietly settling for far less than list price on a negotiated, case-by-case basis, said James Stroupe, a Windermere Real Estate agent who specializes in condo sales.

He said across-the-board cuts could attract some prospective buyers who have been waiting for developers to make such a move.

"People scared"

"People are scared to close," Stroupe said. "They're afraid they'll be upside down (owe more than the home is worth) right away."

The two Bellevue Towers, 43 and 42 stories, are the city's tallest buildings. When the project held its grand opening in February, Edlen said sales were going well and predicted 100 percent occupancy within two years.

But "the market has adjusted downward," said Patrick Clark, of RealtyTrust, the firm marketing the project, "and we have to respond to that ...

"We've hit the reset button."

With the price cuts, he said, the least expensive condo in the towers is listed at $349,000, down from $399,000. The most expensive unit has dropped from $4.4 million to $3.35 million.

One-third presold

The average price is $927,000, he said, down from $1.18 million.

Bellevue Towers had presold 184 units, about one-third of the project, almost all before March 2008. Clark said 34 of those buyers backed out, usually because they couldn't sell their existing homes, or couldn't find financing, or feared their units no longer were worth the price they had committed to.

Reduced prices also are being offered to 113 presale buyers who haven't closed or canceled, Clark said.

Like Gerding Edlen, Vulcan, too, has offered price cuts to Enso's presale buyers, who have put deposits down on about 60 percent of that project's units. Closings have not begun at the 19-story building.

Edlen said he didn't know whether Bellevue Towers' price cuts would prompt similar moves by other developers of downtown high-rises. "Everybody's got their own strategy," he said.

Some observers have maintained that sales will pick up soon because savvy buyers will recognize supply is limited.

After the current crop, few, if any, additional new condo projects in downtown Seattle or downtown Bellevue are scheduled for completion before 2012.

But Clark said the inventory of unsold units in new or nearly finished buildings in the two downtowns tops 1,800, and price cuts will help unclog the pipeline.

At Olive 8 in downtown Seattle, county records indicate only 28 of 229 units have closed. But David Thyer, president of developer R.C. Hedreen, said his firm has no plans to cut prices.

"We're not inclined to discount the product to generate sales," he said. "We're long-term players. We have the support of the hotel [a new Hyatt occupies Olive 8's bottom 17 floors]. We're going to wait this out."

Hedreen has extended the contracts of some of the 180 presale buyers, Thyer said, and is acting as a lender, offering second mortgages to others to help close sales.

"We're doing lots of creative things to get through this," he said.

At Escala, another luxury downtown Seattle condo tower near completion, Eric Midby, of Lexas Companies, said the developer has no intention of reducing prices.

In downtown Bellevue, county records indicate 171 of 379 units have closed at Washington Square, finished early last year. The developer initiated a lease-to-own program earlier this year.

Two other luxury condo towers in Seattle were completed late last year.

At Fifteen Twenty-one Second Avenue, 82 of 143 units have closed, according to county records. Twenty-two of 36 units have closed at the ultraluxury Four Seasons Private Residences — none since February.

Eric Pryne: 206-464-2231 or epryne@seattletimes.com

Shit... That might means it will take developers another year or so to break ground for new condo towers for both Seattle and Bellevue... I don't think any developer want to take that risk to build condo towers while other condo towers aren't doing so well these days now. Many developers would feel more confident to build new condo towers when most of residential units get sold or sold out. That isn't looking good right now. :(

That's absolutely crazy. I had no idea it was that bad.

It's unfortunate, but I'm not surprised. Bellevue got the sour end of the stick as its development boom came right on the cusp before the recession.

Shit... That might means it will take developers another year or so to break ground for new condo towers for both Seattle and Bellevue...
Probably more like 2-3 years. Maybe more.

I really think that a lot of people on this board have underestimated the depth of this recession. I don't feel we've hit the bottom yet.

We had recessions twice in a decade and I think it's enough. I don't need to see many recessions and need a long break from that.

Damn I'm thinking I need to find some cash and buy my self a second unit. Anybody want to loan me a few thousand?

Probably more like 2-3 years. Maybe more.

Possibly so.

Real estate tends to be shaken up worse than everyone else in recessions because our business is contingent on the welfare of other industries. Some sectors have already bottomed out; I think we're getting there.

Damn I'm thinking I need to find some cash and buy my self a second unit. Anybody want to loan me a few thousand?

Do you think it's a good idea for a college graduate to live in the Bellevue Towers?

Do you think it's a good idea for a college graduate to live in the Bellevue Towers?

If I had to guess, I'd say the vast majority of people living in the Bellevue towers are college graduates....?

I think that one issue people may be having is that if you are younger, its normal for real estate prices in this market to go up 7-10% annually, after all, they have done that most of their life and thats what their parents and their friends have talked about most of their lives.

I think we've had a paradigm shift in this market, and any price escalation that we have in the future is going to be rooted more in reality. If you are younger, you may see this recession and the price reductions that have occurred as an anomaly and an opportunity to buy, but if you do so it should be for housing, not an investment.

I don't recall any project in Seattle building to the ground level then stopping.

Actually, there was a project in the U-district on University between Campus Parkway and 40th. It was dug about three stories deep, built up to ground level and, then it mysteriously stopped. It stayed all steel beams for about a year, then it was filled with dirt in to ground level, covered with a kind of mangy grass, then fenced. It now looks pretty ugly and is useless. Go figure.

Here's what it looks like:

http://faculty.washington.edu/gloftus/Downloads/UglyLot.jpg

That project was supposed to be a new campus information center for visitors. It would have housed a welcome area, the campus tours and some other stuff. There was some sort of disagreement between UW and the construction firm, lawsuits and whatnot. Needless to say it wasn't finished and UW has abandoned the project for now.

Ahh, the College Inn. But yeah, I never knew what was going on there.

I didn't know that too.

Wonder why this is in a Bellevue development thread. I didn't know about that either.

^^A page or two back, we were talking about a building being put on hold for now, and what they should do with the hole that was there already.

Last I heard, the UW and the contractor were in litigation, or going in that direction.

The empty lot at the SW corner of 108th and NE 10th is being turned into a grassy lawn. This is part of the Washington Square block, since it'll be years before they develop this site it's great to have some more green space in the area.

Bellevue gets the call for telecom Cbeyond’s regional HQ

An Atlanta-based telecommunications company is setting up its Northwest regional headquarters in Bellevue.

Publicly traded Cbeyond Inc., which provides telecommunications services to small businesses, expects to hire about 100 people, mainly in sales, for its new headquarters in Bellevue’s Factoria neighborhood.

“It’s obviously a good business environment; there’s a lot of growth going on in Bellevue,” said Steve Zimba, vice president of marketing at Cbeyond. “It’s a great central location and attracts high quality employees.”

Cbeyond’s arrival will help maintain the Eastside as a hub for the telecommunications industry, which has had a presence there since McCaw Cellular Communications and the early days of mobile phones.

Cbeyond’s decision to locate in Bellevue is partly due to a yearlong recruiting campaign by enterpriseSeattle. Formerly known as the Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County, enterpriseSeattle is an economic development partnership representing King County and its 39 cities.

Cbeyond is setting up shop directly across the street from T-Mobile, a telecom that also offers a package of services to small businesses. Cbeyond has leased approximately 19,000 square feet of space in Sterling Plaza II at 3545 Factoria Boulevard S.E.

Vice President and General Manager Jonas Fruge will head the new Bellevue office.

Cbeyond could create hundreds of additional jobs should it decide to open a call center in the Puget Sound area. While the company has no immediate plans for a call center in this region, Zimba said, “We’re always looking at our options on the West Coast. We might move some operations into that area because of the time zone. If we do, we’re clearly going to evaluate Seattle as an option.”

Cbeyond expects to eventually capture as much as 20 percent of the small business market in the Puget Sound area. That would add approximately $25 million to the company’s roughly $350 million in annual revenue, Zimba said.

The Puget Sound region is the 13th market Cbeyond has entered since it was founded in 1999. The company also operates in Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Detroit, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Washington, D.C. The company plans to expand to 25 markets eventually, Zimba said.

EnterpriseSeattle CEO Tom Flavin helped Cbeyond put together meetings with community leaders in Bellevue, including members of the Bellevue City Council and Bellevue Chamber of Commerce. “The enterpriseSeattle folks had a good influence on us, as did the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce,” Zimba said. “They impressed upon us the opportunities available to get involved in the business community to grow our business out here.”

Flavin said: “The thing they (Cbeyond) emphasized to me is that it felt like they were coming to a welcoming community that was anxious and happy to have them here.”

EnterpriseSeattle also provided economic and demographic data and regulatory information to Cbeyond and helped the company obtain a $150,000 work force training grant.

Cbeyond looked hard at locating in Portland, where it plans to offer services.

Cbeyond provides voice-over-internet telephony and other communications services to 44,000 small businesses across the United States, including broadband voice and mobile communications, email, web hosting, data backup and security.

Its competitors include Verizon, Qwest and AT&T. Forbes magazine recently named Cbeyond the sixth-fastest growing technology company in the country.

Flavin said enterpriseSeattle has a pipeline of about 160 companies that are prospects for locating in the Puget Sound area. The economic-development group is targeting clean tech, software, interactive media companies and life sciences firms.

http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/07/20/story4.html?b=1248062400^1861808

Hyatt Regency Bellevue Opens Doors to New 733-Room Expansion with a 733 Hour Celebration
Joe Kennedy | July 20, 2009 | The Bellevue Business Journal (http://bellevuebusinessjournal.com/2009/07/20/hyatt-regency-bellevue-opens-doors-to-new-733-room-expansion-with-a-733-hour-celebration/)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)
http://bellevuebusinessjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hyatt-150x142.jpg
(The new Hyatt Expansion in Bellevue.)

BELLEVUE - On July 31, 2009, Hyatt Regency Bellevue - one of the premier Northwest hotels located on the Eastside–will complete a $185 million expansion, bringing 60,000 square feet of meeting space and 733 luxury guest rooms to the Puget Sound. To commemorate the soon-to-open second tower, Hyatt Regency Bellevue announced a “733 Hours Rate” offering 733 hours of room rates as low as $73.30.

Just two weeks away from opening the doors to its much anticipated second tower, Hyatt Regency Bellevue recently announced a spectacular summer special in celebration of its soon-to-open expansion. For approximately 733 hours (from August 1-31, 2009), the hotel will be offering 73 rooms each night for a commemoratively low rate of only $73.30 on Fridays and Saturdays and $173.30 for weekday stays Sunday through Thursday.

“We are very close to introducing one of the largest hotel ballrooms, a total of 60,000 square feet of event space and 733 beautiful guest rooms to the Puget Sound,” stated General Manager Rolf Osterwalder. “And we’re inviting our customers and community to celebrate with us with our special ‘733 Hours Rate’.”

Available on a first come, first serve basis, the “733 Hours Rate” will be available to the first 73 guests to book overnight stays between August 1 and August 31, 2009. Guests must book by August 17, 2009, reference the “733 Hours Rate,” and prepay for their stay to qualify. Reservations may be made online atwww.bellevue.hyatt.com or by calling Hyatt Hotels & Resorts at 1-800-223-1234.

Two years in the making, Hyatt Regency Bellevue broke ground in 2007 on the $185 million expansion, which will officially open to the public on July 31, 2009. The new striking and state-of-the-art 17,745 square-foot Grand Ballroom will be the largest hotel ballroom on Seattle’s Eastside and third largest in Washington State. Additionally, the 13,755 square-foot Evergreen Ballroom, a 120-seat executive auditorium and seven versatile conference suites will also be housed within the new tower.

For the past twenty years, Hyatt Regency Bellevue has been a much sought after location for community events and group meetings, a luxurious retreat for out-of-town guests, and a relaxing staycation destination for locals just looking for a night away. Bellevue is an urban oasis in an area Seattle residents call the “Eastside.” Nestled just nine miles east of the city, between Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountain Range, this tourist-friendly and picturesque city represents a vibrant fusion of dining, entertainment, shopping and diverse cultural opportunities. Guests at Hyatt Regency Bellevue are just minutes away from numerous Washington wineries, world class recreational opportunities, and the many unique attractions that have made Seattle famous.

What's the latest on the twin towers across the street from the Hyatt (on Bellevue Way)? I haven't been to Bellevue in a while.

What's the latest on the twin towers across the street from the Hyatt (on Bellevue Way)? I haven't been to Bellevue in a while.
There is no development going on across Bellevue Way from the Hyatt, as far as I know. Last I checked, International Jewelers and a few other retailers occupied a strip mall property on the corner of Bellevue & NE 8th. Are you talking about Washington Square on the north side of the Hyatt?

I think he is referring to the Avalon Towers across the street and as far as I know they are still working on on them.

That's the name! Thanks! Just wondering how high they have gotten.

Last I saw they were around 6 or 7 floors above street level. (topping out at 14 and 24 floors)

Isn't that the tallest Avalon building in the US, when completed? I know Avalon manage and owns many buildings in some US states. I even lived in Avalon apartment complex in Bothell.

Last I saw they were around 6 or 7 floors above street level. (topping out at 14 and 24 floors)

It's climbing quick, they're working on the 10th floor now. I have no idea how all these new apartment buildings are going to fill up. Ten20 has been open for 7 months and its still mostly vacant.

It's climbing quick, they're working on the 10th floor now. I have no idea how all these new apartment buildings are going to fill up. Ten20 has been open for 7 months and its still mostly vacant.

According to downtownbellevue.com, Ten20 is leased at over 70% occupancy. http://www.downtownbellevue.com/2009/07/28/ashton-bellevue-luxury-apartments-pre-opening-tour/

On the luxury scale, Ten20 and Ashton will be at the very top, followed by Avalon Tower, Elements Too, and Belcara?

According to downtownbellevue.com, Ten20 is leased at over 70% occupancy. http://www.downtownbellevue.com/2009/07/28/ashton-bellevue-luxury-apartments-pre-opening-tour/

On the luxury scale, Ten20 and Ashton will be at the very top, followed by Avalon Tower, Elements Too, and Belcara?

I doubt that figure very much. I have friends who live there and I never see anyone in that building.

Yeah, I agree with BellevueBoy, I find it very hard to believe that Ten20 is at 70% occupancy.

Any updates on the Cadillac dealership development and what's the status with PACE?

"one-bedroom homes start at $1,349 a month".

This is a very decent rate for a luxury rental. Dunno whether they are going to jack up the parking rate.

Avalon Meydenbauer was going at $1500 a month before the economy tanked.

Silver Cloud Inns & Hotels Buys Land in Downtown Bellevue for Future Development
By Lea / The Downtown Bellevue Network (http://www.downtownbellevue.com/2009/07/29/silver-cloud-inns-hotels-buys-land-in-downtown-bellevue-for-future-development/)
August 1, 2009
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/3026314531_e035a82821.jpg
(The current Silver Cloud Inn in Bellevue.)

BELLEVUE- According to an article in The Seattle Times today, the Silver Cloud hotel chain has bought 0.7 acres of land in Downtown Bellevue on the corner of 108th Ave. and 6th St. across from the Bellevue Transit Center. Paying $9.5 million for the site, the Bellevue-based regional hotel chain made an investment for their future.

“We may build something there someday, but not with the market the way it is,” said Silver Cloud majority owner Jim Weymouth. The site, which is currently home to a store an an old office building, had been on sale by Utah-based Wasatch Development. Wasatch is also the owner of what was to be the Washington Square “Superblock”, which is also up for sale for $113 million.

Silver Cloud Inns & Hotels has 10 hotels in Washington and Oregon, one of them already being in Downtown Bellevue on 12th Street.

Controversial Helistop Approved at Bellevue Place

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/1001335344_7d9fe3c177.jpg
(Helicopters are approved to land in downtown Bellevue on top of certain skyscraper.)

By Michael / The Downtown Bellevue Network (http://www.downtownbellevue.com/2009/07/24/controversial-helistop-approved-at-bellevue-place/)
August 2, 2009
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

The highly controversial City of Bellevue hearing for Kemper Development’s application for a helistop on top of the Bank of America Building at Bellevue Place has been approved.

The City of Bellevue’s approval allows for 5 operations per week and prohibits any type of activity on Sundays or legal holidays.

Some residents have been very against the idea of a helistop due to the noise that it may cause. Several tests have been run over the last year and have shown that there will not be a noticeable noise impact to the community.

City Hearing Examiner Christopher Mathews stated, ‘The proposal is consistent with the goal of remaining competitive in the next generation, and of improving the viability and accessibility of downtown Bellevue.”

This seems like a fair decision. The project will be closely watched, and both a Website and phone number will be set up to allow for feedback once the helicopters are allowed to fly and land on top of the Bank of America Building.

^^

Idiot Kemper supports a private helipad for himself, but not East Link. He only cares about himself and the money his customers give him.

^^

Idiot Kemper supports a private helipad for himself, but not East Link. He only cares about himself and the money his customers give him.

I agree. That's why I decided to stop shopping at any of his shopping malls until he changes his attitudes toward to East Link. I can live without a Bellevue Square anyway.

The helipad was originally built when Bellevue Place was built in or around 1990. That's almost 20 years without use. Consider the benefit to downtown Bellevue when silicon valley companies and vendors from around the world come to see Microsoft or the countless other large corporations located in the class "A" office space.

Business executives fly into Boeing field on business jets and take a quick 10 minute ride across the lake on a helicopter to downtown Bellevue. This sounds more like a benefit to businesses in downtown Bellevue than Kemper.

How can you fault a guy who just spent $100 million plus on the Hyatt expansion. Don't forget connecting Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square parking garages 30-40ft below NE 8th street.

Did anyone realize Valve is now located in the Bank of America building? How many game of the year awards have they won over the years? Now they can fly in investors or vendors to visit their headquarters.

With the worst recession since World War 2, I think anything that stimulates business or the economy is a good thing.

To appease those who are angry, I will post new aerials shortly:cheers:

I also should note that I voted "yes" to all the light rail initiatives for the eastside.

How can you fault a guy who just spent $100 million plus on the Hyatt expansion. Don't forget connecting Bellevue Place and Lincoln Square parking garages 30-40ft below NE 8th street.

...

With the worst recession since World War 2, I think anything that stimulates business or the economy is a good thing.

I am unhappy about the stupid lawsuit Kemper brought on East Link myself. I still think having a Light Rail will only benefit Bellevue downtown especially with the bridge tolls coming up.

I have learnt to ignore all the trolling about Bellevue though. I think having a helicopter is quite a cool thing, and the City Hall did the correct thing to limit it to 5 trips a week within business hours. :cheers:

I could care less for Kemper's politics, he can do what he pleases. I am just happy to see progress in Bellevue... whether he wants Light Rail or not. Not my problem, and his opinion. I am excited for the helipad and who knows what else he will have planned for this wonderful city.

I cant thank him enough for making the second great skyline in the Middle Puget Sound. :) For that I thank Mr. Kemper and his big dreams and plans.

I don't understand why you guys are so against it. It's just a helicopter pad, and it's not going to be used 10 times a day.

He's a rich man, and he's done a lot for Bellevue.

I cant thank him enough for making the second great skyline in the Middle Puget Sound. :) For that I thank Mr. Kemper and his big dreams and plans.

I can go further and say Bellevue is the 3rd greatest skyline in all of Pacific Northwest. :cheers:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/chuckwolfe/library/DSC_0959.jpg

I don't understand why you guys are so against it. It's just a helicopter pad, and it's not going to be used 10 times a day.

He's a rich man, and he's done a lot for Bellevue.

Agreed, we shouldn't let another issue cloud this one.

I like the way Kemper Freeman did to downtown Bellevue. He has a great vision for this city. He should think about commuters' needs too. Traffics in downtown Bellevue have got worsen now. Try to imagine how bad it will be within next decade from now. He wanted to improve roads and widening freeways/roads. It won't solve traffic problems period. Having mass transit is better long term solution for Bellevue and the suburbs. I think Kemper Freeman shouldn't waste his millions dollars on silly lawsuit and he should use his lawsuit money to invest more in downtown Bellevue. He has to accept that many and many people voted for expanding Link and move on whether he likes it or not.

Yes, Bellevue skyline is second best skyline in Pacific Northwest.

I like the way Kemper Freeman did to downtown Bellevue. He has a great vision for this city. He should think about commuters' needs too. Traffics in downtown Bellevue have got worsen now. Try to imagine how bad it will be within next decade from now. He wanted to improve roads and widening freeways/roads. It won't solve traffic problems period. Having mass transit is better long term solution for Bellevue and the suburbs. I think Kemper Freeman shouldn't waste his millions dollars on silly lawsuit and he should use his lawsuit money to invest more in downtown Bellevue. He has to accept that many and many people voted for expanding Link and move on whether he likes it or not.

Yes, Bellevue skyline is second best skyline in Pacific Northwest.

I agree with you. I think he really needs to focus on Bellevue development and consider supporting transit because Bellevue will not stay as a car city forever, bad idea. Bellevue will become denser and traffic will continue to get worse as it grows...so it makes sense to have great transit system linking Seattle and Bellevue and the suburbs as well. It's kinda like linking Minneapolis to St. Paul in a way or Ft. Worth with Dallas.

Yes, Bellevue skyline is second best skyline in Pacific Northwest.

I assume your ranking goes like
Vancouver
Bellevue
Seattle?

:cheers: :)

I assume your ranking goes like
Vancouver
Bellevue
Seattle?

:cheers: :)

I know I'll get flamed, but I like both Seattle's and Bellevue's skylines more than Vancouver's. :colgate:

I know I'll get flamed, but I like both Seattle's and Bellevue's skylines more than Vancouver's. :colgate:

Have you been to Vancouver? I would be surprised by this claim if you've visited. Bellevue is very nice & new, but comparing it to Van is like comparing Jersey City to Manhattan. But I won't flame you.

I will likely in turn get flamed by someone else though. Expect "oh we have so much culture Vancouver is so bland, etc" posts. Cheers. :cheers:

In the short while I've been here, this has been a pretty friendly place/site. In any event, one shouldn't have to be concerned about being flamed over an honest opinion.

That said, Bellevue has culture?

Photo updates. All taken 8/2 (Sunday)

Avalon Towers
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3788013274_7a77415619_b.jpg

Belcarra Apartments
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3787063357_59ac9801a5_b.jpg

The Ashton & Ten20 (both completed)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3528/3787831596_10c3ddeb72_b.jpg

City Center Plaza
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2483/3787062895_2d57172e8d_b.jpg

Elements Too
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3787918504_3d03892422.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3451/3787816650_a86c7c9e23.jpg

Belcarra Apartments
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/3787063357_59ac9801a5_b.jpg


Was this guy a woodframe or concrete?

^^Concrete.

Why do they like the boxy design so much? Ten20 and Ashton looks exactly the same as Washington Square.

Elements Too is a very interesting building. Hope we'll have more of that.

bouldergrad I think the Belcarra Apartments are a concrete base with wood on top, a classic 5+1 I think.

I assume your ranking goes like
Vancouver
Bellevue
Seattle?

:cheers: :)

Vancouver isn't in the Pacific NW. :)

I'm assuming they mean

Seattle
Bellevue
Portland

I don't know that I would put Bellevue over Portland yet. Portland is on the water, has more diversity in the buildings, and has a whole lot more infill.

It'll take a few more economic booms with different architectural designs before Bellevue gets up there with the more established cities.

Quick edit: Portland's skyline also includes bridges.

Vancouver isn't in the Pacific NW

Yes, Vancouver is in the Pacific Northwest. You might need to google that up. Alaska, BC, Washington, and Oregon, maybe extreme North California are in Pacific Northwest category....

Some people add Idaho to that list as well.

Some people add Idaho to that list as well.

Yeah, even Montana too. The funny thing is that Idaho and Montana isn't at the pacific ocean...which doesn't make sense.

We're going off topic...let's go back to Bellevue development talk. :)

Just one last point on the subject what defines a region such as the PNW are several geographical factors and cultural considerations.........topography, climate vegetation along with traditional similarities and contacts with native cultures. It is somewhat arbitrary even with all that. That said S.E. Alaska down through Northern California and over to extreme western Montana are more or less accepted as making up the PNW.:)

Yes, Vancouver is in the Pacific Northwest. You might need to google that up. Alaska, BC, Washington, and Oregon, maybe extreme North California are in Pacific Northwest category....

You make it sound like there's a "right" answer. There isn't.

I agree with you. I think he really needs to focus on Bellevue development and consider supporting transit because Bellevue will not stay as a car city forever, bad idea. Bellevue will become denser and traffic will continue to get worse as it grows...so it makes sense to have great transit system linking Seattle and Bellevue and the suburbs as well. It's kinda like linking Minneapolis to St. Paul in a way or Ft. Worth with Dallas.

Yeah. It is seem like Kemper Freeman haven't done his homeworks on public transit and why it is good for Bellevue and his properties. I suspect there is real reason why he is so anti-transit. I think he is afraid if East Link got built and it will bring poor people to his malls and will hurt his propeties. I heard some people with money tends to think that public transit is for low income people which is bs.

I assume your ranking goes like
Vancouver
Bellevue
Seattle?

:cheers: :)

:lol::lol::lol:

No. My ranking goes:

Seattle
Bellevue
Portland

Vancouver skyline is impressive but almost no interesting looking buildings but Vancouver is improving lately since they changed the height limitation. I still think they should change their design codes to allow developers to build crazy/colorful towers than just plain gray and green towers.

In the short while I've been here, this has been a pretty friendly place/site. In any event, one shouldn't have to be concerned about being flamed over an honest opinion.

That said, Bellevue has culture?

Bellevue reminds me a lot of Orange County in many ways.

I love Element Too! It is one of my favorite buidings in Bellevue. Bellevue Towers are my number one favorite towers in Bellevue.

It's pretty obvious that Freeman is discriminating the poor ( one could even use worse words ). He is a pretty good businesman, but he definitly doesnt think of the light rail in terms of bussiness and the opportunities it brings. He thinks of it, in terms of the type of people, he is afraid, that East Link might bring to Bellevue.

And that's fine with me - as wrong as discriminating is, he has a right to not let certain people into his house. But making the whole region suffer because of his beliefs and agenda, is not right. Ultimately, Bellevue does not belong to him and I'm sure East Link will be built. There's always bumps on the progression road.

The Belcarra is a concrete base with wood frame above the first floor. Belcarra is not a good name for the complex. It's too hard to remember or pronounce.

Kemper did not develop/envision Lincoln Sqaure. It was designed and developed by a Vancouver, BC developer. I'm going by memory but the guy who developed Lincoln Square is Ian Gillespie (spelling of last name is just a guess). Lincoln Square was sold and/or forclosed at least 3 times before Kemper picked it up for somewhere around $45 million and finished the project. I thought it was more but that's the figure commercial real estate guys have told me.

There is much more to downtown Bellevue than Kemper's stuff. The Bravern does not get mentioned nearly enough here. The Bravern has completely suprised me with its sophistication and elegance.

Nice pics Kub!

Vancouver isn't in the Pacific NW. :)

I don't know that I would put Bellevue over Portland yet. Portland is on the water, has more diversity in the buildings, and has a whole lot more infill.


Funny you should mention. One job that Bellevue has not done well is its waterfront.

Yes Bellevue is on the water too :cheers: but no one notices it among the glitzy skyscrapers.

City Hall just finished acquiring the piece of lakeside land though, so I am very excited about the coming meydenbauer waterfront park.

http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/meydenbauer_project_intro.htm

I really like the grass lawn placed at Washington Square. Almost a monument to what may have been (or a grave?).

I think Kemper Freeman would be astonished and amused that we think he opposes rail because it would bring poor people to his mall.

I really like the grass lawn placed at Washington Square. Almost a monument to what may have been (or a grave?).

Very nice indeed.

I wonder whether Seattle & Bellevue have different laws regarding abandoned project lots?

Why every single empty lot in Seattle downtown have to be an ugly pay-parking?

Yes, Vancouver is in the Pacific Northwest. You might need to google that up. Alaska, BC, Washington, and Oregon, maybe extreme North California are in Pacific Northwest category....

I Google'd it and found different answers on different websites.

So if we are counting British Columbia I'd put Bellevue as fourth. Bellevue doesn't have a very wide skyline but it is helped out quite a bit thanks to the 40+ floor towers.



Quote:
Originally Posted by AzChristopher View Post
Vancouver isn't in the Pacific NW.

I don't know that I would put Bellevue over Portland yet. Portland is on the water, has more diversity in the buildings, and has a whole lot more infill.
Funny you should mention. One job that Bellevue has not done well is its waterfront.

Yes Bellevue is on the water too but no one notices it among the glitzy skyscrapers.

City Hall just finished acquiring the piece of lakeside land though, so I am very excited about the coming meydenbauer waterfront park.

http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/meydenb...ject_intro.htm


The main reason I said it isn't on the water is that downtown isn't. Most skyline photos from that direction have the water and then a hill that blocks the lower part of the buildings, making everything look shorter.

However, after looking at a bunch of photos on Flickr the one linked below was probably my favorite regarding an attempt at a water front skyline view. It looks more dense than the others from that angle thanks to the photographer skirting the hills.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rutlo/2903517707/sizes/l/

Very nice indeed.

I wonder whether Seattle & Bellevue have different laws regarding abandoned project lots?

Why every single empty lot in Seattle downtown have to be an ugly pay-parking?

I'm guessing because there is plenty of free parking in downtown Bellevue but not Seattle. A pay lot in Bellevue probably wouldn't make much money.

August 5, 2009
Development partner eyed for Washington Square
By LYNN PORTER / The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (http://www.djc.com/news/re/12008789.html)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20090805/WeymouthMap_web.jpg

BELLEVUE- Wasatch Development Associates is in “final negotiations with a substantial group” that would develop the next phase of the firm's Washington Square superblock in downtown Bellevue with a mixed-use project of “likely” 300,000 to 400,000 square feet and parking, Wasatch President Troy Thompson said.

Very nice indeed.

I wonder whether Seattle & Bellevue have different laws regarding abandoned project lots?

Why every single empty lot in Seattle downtown have to be an ugly pay-parking?
Downtown Seattle has been much denser much longer. And unlike Bellevue, it did not grow up around a large suburban mall.

August 5, 2009
Development partner eyed for Washington Square
By LYNN PORTER / The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (http://www.djc.com/news/re/12008789.html)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20090805/WeymouthMap_web.jpg

BELLEVUE- Wasatch Development Associates is in “final negotiations with a substantial group” that would develop the next phase of the firm's Washington Square superblock in downtown Bellevue with a mixed-use project of “likely” 300,000 to 400,000 square feet and parking, Wasatch President Troy Thompson said.

I'm very curious to find out who the partner is and what they may have planned. Whatever it is though, it's likely at least 3-4 years out.

August 5, 2009
Development partner eyed for Washington Square
By LYNN PORTER / The Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce (http://www.djc.com/news/re/12008789.html)
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20090805/WeymouthMap_web.jpg

BELLEVUE- Wasatch Development Associates is in “final negotiations with a substantial group” that would develop the next phase of the firm's Washington Square superblock in downtown Bellevue with a mixed-use project of “likely” 300,000 to 400,000 square feet and parking, Wasatch President Troy Thompson said.

Isn't that the old Barnes and Noble?

I thought it was the site just purchased by Silver Cloud.

A mixed-use project of 300,000 to 400,000 square feet is not very large isn't it?

The City Center Plaza 2 is 600,000 square feet so this is probably a medium-size tower similar to Key Center.

Maybe that still leaves room for another tower later. There maybe another phase after that and they are just being conservative knowing it will take a while for the economy to turn around.

Isn't that the old Barnes and Noble?

No, it is the two small retail buildings on 108th Ave across from the transit center. It is the property that Silver Cloud bought.

^^Oh, thank you. It's the little stores and restaurants. :)

A mixed-use project of 300,000 to 400,000 square feet is not very large isn't it?

The City Center Plaza 2 is 600,000 square feet so this is probably a medium-size tower similar to Key Center.

The article mentions it'll be an office project with some retail. They claim that they got a major tenant lined up and want to break ground in 2010.

The article mentions it'll be an office project with some retail. They claim that they got a major tenant lined up and want to break ground in 2010.

I am actually hard-pressed to think what kind of "major-tenant" retail Bellevue needs.

Hope more good restaurants from Seattle then! :cheers: The few along Bellevue Way are forever packed though the food is average.

I am actually hard-pressed to think what kind of "major-tenant" retail Bellevue needs.

Hope more good restaurants from Seattle then! :cheers: The few along Bellevue Way are forever packed though the food is average.

Oh I meant a major tenant for the office portion. I'd be a little disappointed if its that small of a project though, a few years ago they had planned a 450 hotel/condo tower on that corner.

I checked out the Belcarra leasing office this week and they told me they are in negotiations with a Brazilian steakhouse (iPanema?) and a Thai restaurant for the ground level retail space. I'm stoked for the steakhouse but how many Thai restaurants does DT Bellevue need? Don't get me wrong, I love Thai food but we already have Chantanee, Tangerine, Nibanna, King & I, Tewada, Thai Grill, and Pochana. Then you got the fusion restaurants like Zen, Tao, and coming soon Wild Ginger, that serve Thai dishes. I'd love to see a Korean restaurant open in downtown.

It's pretty obvious that Freeman is discriminating the poor ( one could even use worse words ). He is a pretty good businesman, but he definitly doesnt think of the light rail in terms of bussiness and the opportunities it brings. He thinks of it, in terms of the type of people, he is afraid, that East Link might bring to Bellevue.

And that's fine with me - as wrong as discriminating is, he has a right to not let certain people into his house. But making the whole region suffer because of his beliefs and agenda, is not right. Ultimately, Bellevue does not belong to him and I'm sure East Link will be built. There's always bumps on the progression road.

I work at Bellevue Square and it is not a mall for the rich. Please!! It is a regional mall where people come from all walks of life from all over metropolitan Seattle.

^^There are people in Bellevue Square from all walks of life, but lately more upscale stores have been coming in. Not everyone can afford these.

I hope some decent restaurants will open at Belcarra, I wouldn't trust the words of an eager leasing agent though.

I live at Avalon Meydenbauer now and they don't have that many interesting tenants on the first floor.

Home sales, prices static in Bellevue

The Bellevue Reporter (http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/52884927.html)
By Staff
August 10, 2009, 8:46 AM ·
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2006/3545439732_878d1408f9.jpg
(The City of Bellevue is selling single family homes, and prices are static.)

BELLEVUE-More single family homes were sold in Bellevue in July than June, but prices are basically static, according to a report issued by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Twenty-eight homes in West Bellevue closed in July, at a median price of $1,060,500. In June, 27 homes closed at a median price of $1,175,000.

In East Bellevue, 67 homes closed in July, up from 47 in June. The median sales price for a July sale was $500,000; in June it was $507,000.

Pending sales and new home listings remained stable over the two months in both East and West Bellevue.

However, pending sales were up in July from a year ago.

In West Bellevue, there were 45 pending sales in July, up from 17 in July 2008. In East Bellevue, there were 77 pending sales this July, compared with 55 in July 2008.

Condo sales showed similar trends.

In East Bellevue, 13 condo sales closed in July at a median price of $475,000. In June, 17 sales were closed at a median price of $445,000. In East Bellevue, there were 21 closed sales in July at a median price $285,000. In June, 15 condo sales closed at a median price of $319,990.

There were fewer pending condo sales in July from June. In West Bellevue, 22 condo sales are pending. In June the number was 23. In East Bellevue, 31 sales are pending. The June number was 43. Figures for both parts of Bellevue were up from a year ago.

Real estate officials said July’s unseasonably hot weather curtailed activity for several showings and open houses, as brokers and agents said buyers and sellers postponed tours, saying it was just too hot.

“The hot July weather aside, the variable results we saw in July reflect what we’d typically expect from a recovering housing market – a few steps forward for some areas, a step back in others,” said Ron G. Sparks, managing vice president of Coldwell Banker Bain. Whereas comparisons to a year ago reflect some substantial gains, on a month to month basis we’re probably going to experience some “spongy” results for a while, he added.

Brokers say first-time buyers who are motivated by a looming deadline for the tax credit are propelling activity.

For the four-county Puget Sound region, the median selling price for last month’s completed sales of single family homes (excluding condos) was $314,000, about 13.5 percent less than the year-ago price of $363,000.

On a cautionary note, Realtors noted that there is very likely to be a shortage of homes and townhouses in some Seattle neighborhoods by next year as builders can’t get prices that cover construction costs.

Northwest Multiple Listing Service, owned by its member brokers, is the largest full-service MLS in the Northwest. Its membership includes approximately 27,000 brokers and agents. The organization, based in Kirkland, currently serves 19 counties in western and central Washington.

In West Bellevue, there were 45 pending sales in July, up from 17 in July 2008.

I'd love Bellevue to prosper and grow, but the downtown condo market is currently screwed. Sometimes the PR campaign from NWMLS is really inaccurate.

Stumbled on a high quality pic of Hanover's future project on the former Cadillac dealership site. Bond, add this to the first page. I'll dig up the thread on this project and throw this bad boy on there too.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c316/ACN425/HanoverCadillac.jpg

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009643442_webbellevue12.html

The Times says that downtown Bellevue will get its own police squad in anticipation of growth. I didn't know they didn't already have one yet.

I posted this in the hanover cadillac thread, but I've been updating my google map to include all downtown Bellevue projects as well.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&gl=us&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&t=h&msa=0&msid=114816772988846579112.000470e800b1f3fc37a06&ll=47.614293,-122.198943&spn=0.003016,0.009291&z=17

Good job! That's a really useful tool.

There's a couple projects you omitted, most notably the NE 8th Tower across from the Bravern. Here's a compilation of all the projects in the pipeline:

http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/pdf/PCD/Major_Projects.pdf

Bellevue lobbying for new Indian consulate | City competing with Seattle to land the post

By JOSHUA ADAM HICKS
Bellevue Reporter (http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/business/52915517.html) Staff Writer
Aug 10 2009, 7:09 PM
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3565817340_bc2c10ef93.jpg
(Bellevue is looking to house the consulate of India within the city.)
BELLEVUE- Bellevue boasts one of the highest concentrations of Asian-Indians in the state, putting it in a prime position for taking advantage of a recent trade boom with India.

The city is now competing with Seattle to land a new general consulate for the Puget Sound region. At stake is the opportunity to attract new businesses and play a prominent role with the second fastest-growing economy in the world.

U.S. exports to India have skyrocketed since 2000, increasing from $3.7 billion to $21 billion – more than 450 percent.

Indian exports to the U.S. were about the same during that period, representing a rare trade balance between America and another economic heavyweight.

"What we're doing in Bellevue is trying to position ourselves so our businesses can benefit from this opportunity," said Bellevue economic development manager Tom Boydell.

Aerospace and technology companies, as well as professional- and financial-services groups, stand to benefit the most from this new trade relationship, according to Boydell.

Agriculture isn't far behind. Exports of edible fruits and nuts from Washington matched the dollar value of exports in aerospace parts in 2007.

This spells opportunity for local corporations, but Debadutta Dash, co-chair of the Washington State and India Trade Relations Action Committee, suggests that the Eastside business community isn't doing enough to make inroads with Indian businesses.

"I've seen a lot of business leaders from India not getting proper attention when they come here," Dash said. "People are talking about it in the news, but there's not enough action going on to translate into real business with India."

Bellevue has taken steps to encourage more relationships by starting a campaign called "Initiative India", which aims to increase economic opportunities and establish a local connection with the Indian community. The city has also partnered with various trade groups to organize workshops that focus on business with the country (click here for more info).

Bellevue already has more than a few allies in its bid to land the consulate, with 15 percent of the state's Indian population – around 6,000 people – living in the city.

"A lot of people from the Indian community have given their recommendation and said they'd pretty much prefer to see it in Bellevue," Boydell said.

Dash, who lives in Seattle, agrees. He says the presence of so many Indians on the Eastside makes Bellevue a better location for the consulate, which mainly handles passports and visas.

The nearest Indian general consulates in North America are in San Francisco and Vancouver, B.C. at this point.

Dash says that's too far when 10 Indian firms have their U.S. headquarters on the Eastside, 30 percent of the global workforce for Redmond-based Microsoft is Indian, and the State Bank of India is considering opening a branch in Bellevue.

The way things are going with the local technology industry, some say the Eastside could end up on par with Silicon Valley in terms of its Indian demographic. Bellevue's Asian-Indian population has grown 1,000 percent since 2000.

Dash says a nearby consulate office would make life easier and more comfortable for members of the Indian community.

"They'll feel like they are in the middle of home," he said. "It's a family affair kind of thing."

That doesn't mean either city will miss out by failing to land the new consulate. As Boydell puts it, the post will be a win-win for the entire region.

"Whether the consulate is in Bellevue or Seattle, it'll mean something significant for whole area," he said.

^^I'm not too surprised about that because I see a lot of Indian-Americans when I work in Bellevue.

Depends. If the goal is to be close to Indian expats who work at Microsoft, then locate on the Eastside. If the goal is to be close to trade companies, shipping, or the airport, then Downtown Seattle is preferable. I have a feeling that both are important.

Still surprised there's nothing resembling a "Little India" on the Eastside. Not to say there aren't concentrations of Indians in certain areas, because there are, but they're usually mixed with other minorities and there's no Indian-dominated retail area, either.

I was in dt Bellevue today and noticed an empty lot where it looked like there had been a building that had been demolished a long time ago, just parts of a foundation. It is on 111Ave NE and 3rd Pl which is across the street from those new apartments being built across from city hall. Does anyone know if there are any plans for that piece of land? I didn't see any land use signs it just seems to be a prime piece of real estate sitting there.

I was in dt Bellevue today and noticed an empty lot where it looked like there had been a building that had been demolished a long time ago, just parts of a foundation. It is on 111Ave NE and 3rd Pl which is across the street from those new apartments being built across from city hall. Does anyone know if there are any plans for that piece of land? I didn't see any land use signs it just seems to be a prime piece of real estate sitting there.

A new Marriott hotel is proposed for that site. It was scheduled to break ground a year ago but like every other project, it got delayed. Haven't heard anything about it in a while so I presume this one is on hold indefinitely.

Still surprised there's nothing resembling a "Little India" on the Eastside. Not to say there aren't concentrations of Indians in certain areas, because there are, but they're usually mixed with other minorities and there's no Indian-dominated retail area, either.

Have you seen the Pink building in Sammamish on 228th? And the huge blow-up cow they put up for a festival of some sort these few days? I thought that was pretty neat haha :lol:

Redmond ranked No. 10 'Smarter City' among smaller-sized cities in the nation
By MARY STEVENS DECKER
Redmond Reporter Reporter (http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/red/news/52995162.html)
Aug 17 2009, Edited
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3462759830_5e78a1aa39.jpg
(A new Smarter Cities Web site has ranked Redmond the No. 10 "smaller-sized city" (population 50,000-99,999) in America.)

REDMOND- A new Smarter Cities Web site has ranked Redmond the No. 10 "smaller-sized city" (population 50,000-99,999) in America.

The Web site exposes the diverse and proactive work being done across the country to make cities "smarter" — in other words, more efficient, livable and cleaner.

"From healthier air and cleaner water to better transportation and greener buildings, cities are once again becoming the most desirable places to live ... and helping to reshape the environment responsibly," according to a press release from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

The cornerstone of Smarter City is City Rankings, highlighting the top 15 "smart cities" in the nation, broken down by population size (small, medium or large) and ranking a total of 660 cities in all.

To offer more perspective, the No. 10 Smarter Cities in the medium (population 100,000-249,999) and large (population 250,000-plus) categories are Laredo, Tex. and Chicago, respectively.

Not too shabby.

The top 15 cities in each category are profiled, along with photo galleries at http://smartercities.nrdc.org/ to give readers a clearer understanding of why these cities are admired. Additionally, top cities are ranked by individual features such as air quality, water, recycling practices and so forth.

Redmond placed No. 6 among small cities for green building and No. 10 among small cities for transportation.

There's also a "Cities to Watch" section to highlight up-and-coming communities.

The site grew out of the Smarter Cities Project, formerly part of National Geographic's Green Guide and now affiliated with the Natural Resources Defense Council. The data for ranking, however, is independent of the NRDC and was collected and crunched with the help of a researcher from the Yale School of Foresty and Environmental Studies.

"The intention of the rankings is to foster a little friendly competition, as well as provide a forum for exploring the progress American cities are making in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth," the NRDC announcement said.

And how did Redmond's neighbors fare in comparison?

Bellevue was ranked No. 2 for standard of living and No. 8 for air quality among medium-sized cities. Kirkland, Sammamish and Woodinville, which have populations of less than 50,000, were not ranked.

Redmond Reporter Reporter Mary Stevens Decker can be reached at mdecker@redmond-reporter.com or (425) 867-0353, ext. 5052.

Bel-Red developers could pay to increase density with proposed 'smart growth' agreement
By JOSHUA ADAM HICKS
The Bellevue Reporter (http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/53175437.html) Staff Writer
Aug 13 2009, 4:01 PM
AJM STUDIOS.NET Northwest Development News Center (http://usaspatriot.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=places&action=display&thread=575)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3615189407_6d52a068ca.jpg
(Downtown Bellevue as seen from the Bel-Red area.)

BELLEVUE- Developers could buy their way to increased density for Bel-Red corridor projects under a new agreement proposed Thursday by King County Executive Kurt Triplett.

The agreement would allow developers to purchase development rights from rural private properties that have a direct connection to Bellevue residents.

Among the list of qualifying lands would be forest acreage visible from Interstate 90 in the Mountains to Sound Greenway, farmlands in the Snoqualmie Valley that supply Bellevue farmers markets, and forests in the White River watershed, where Bellevue gets its drinking water.

Developers who buy rural property rights could build additional square footage in future commercial and residential projects along the Bel-Red corridor, which has been re-zoned for mixed-use buildings.

The Cascade Land Conservancy has given its blessing to the proposed deal.

"This agreement is a perfect example of how transfer of development rights can conserve our precious resource lands while also helping our cities and towns grow robustly," said Cascade Land Conservancy President Gene Duvernoy.

Under the deal, King County would give Bellevue $750,000 in dedicated open space funds in exchange for accepting rural development rights. Bellevue would then use that money to uncover Kelsey Creek and transform the nearby land into an urban park.

Bellevue Mayor Grant Degginger called the proposed agreement "'smart growth' exemplified," while Triplett said it "harnesses the private market to protect lands, rather than using increasingly scarce public dollars to buy them outright."

The King County Council is reviewing the agreement.

Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at 425-453-4290.

Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at jhicks@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4290.

Sounds reasonable. More urban parks are much appreciated.

I hope the city can acquire the parking lot between Galleria and Lincoln Square. Looks like the perfect place for a nice urban park among all the skyscrapers, especially when Lincoln Square II comes up.

The piece of land will be super expensive though.

^^That would be a great idea, although I doubt that will happen. They are cutting back on expenses that have to do with the parks in Bellevue and King County as a whole. For some reason, I don't like the downtown park too much.

I love the downtown park! I just wish they bought the little strip mall kitty corner Bellsquare so the park fronts along Bellevue Way to make a stronger, more formal entrance to the park.

I'll be happy if they manage to keep every one of the other parks open with regular landscaping and maintenance. :) I miss Bellevue's parks. All of them are clean and well-maintained, not to mention you're never far from one.

I love the downtown park! I just wish they bought the little strip mall kitty corner Bellsquare so the park fronts along Bellevue Way to make a stronger, more formal entrance to the park.

Same here! I actually emailed the city a couple years ago asking if they had any plans on doing that. Unfortunately they do not but they do plan on building out the SE quadrant of the loop to complete the park. Why they didn't do that when the park was originally built is beyond me.

^^What do you mean by that? There's no more public space that they can build on, right?

Same here! I actually emailed the city a couple years ago asking if they had any plans on doing that. Unfortunately they do not but they do plan on building out the SE quadrant of the loop to complete the park. Why they didn't do that when the park was originally built is beyond me.

The city of Bellevue aquired the SE corner of the downtown Bellevue park 3-5 years ago. The reson the full circle was not complete was due to lack of ownership. Maybe the city is lazy or it's the economy but they need to finish what they promised.

Seriously, they may have bought the SE corner 5 years ago and didn't finish it yet. It's a bit upsetting not having a full circle. I can't sleep at night thinking about it, lol:cheers:

I love the downtown park! I just wish they bought the little strip mall kitty corner Bellsquare so the park fronts along Bellevue Way to make a stronger, more formal entrance to the park.

Absolutely agree!

I guess this is one of the things we can hope for a future date when they have another park levy.

I love the downtown park! I just wish they bought the little strip mall kitty corner Bellsquare so the park fronts along Bellevue Way to make a stronger, more formal entrance to the park.

I love your idea! You should suggest Kemper Freeman to do that!

^ After some digging in the king county assessor maps, it looks like the city of bellevue actually owns/used to own/sold/? a lot of the strip malls around the park in 1997...It says they were the last "buyer", but the site lists the companies as the current taxpayers. Not sure what's going on lol.

When they built the park back in the 80's there was not the budget to buy and develop the land along Bellevue Way. Maybe with the recession and decreased values now would be the time.

I am wondering how come we don't have thread for Kirkland? My boyfriend and I went there today and we were blown away by good number of new mid-rise developments went up in downtown Kirkland area recently. I think it would be nice to have Kirkland thread that will help anyone like us to stay catch up with their new developments. I took some pictures of downtown Kirkland area with new developments and construction. I would love to create a new thread for Kirkland but the problem is I don't really know much about their new developments, names, information, and status. That would be nice if anyone who knows more about Kirkland developments to create a new thread. I can post pictures of new developments and construction there.

News about Kirkland would go in here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=576471).

Bellevue has 'regional deal' in place for future Bel-Red development

A deal between Bellevue and King County allows developers to build more densely in the city's Bel-Red neighborhood, in exchange for payments that allow the county to preserve between 3,000 and 6,000 acres of rural land.

By Katherine Long

Seattle Times Eastside reporter

Bellevue and King County have reached a complicated deal that allows developers to build more densely in the city's Bel-Red neighborhood, in exchange for payments that will permanently preserve from 3,000 to 6,000 acres of rural land in the county.

The deal is also the last hurdle in a long process to open up Bel-Red to complete redevelopment. Now that all the legal agreements are in place, the stage is set for developers to begin submitting their plans and redesigning the area.

City plans call for the 900-acre Bel-Red corridor — an area of sprawling warehouses and steady truck traffic — to be turned into the region's first development of 12- to 15-story office buildings and apartments, designed from scratch around planned light-rail stations.

And it's become a darling of smart-growth advocates, who often cite it as a visionary plan.

"This is smart growth in action," said Jeff Pavey, a program director for the Cascade Land Conservancy, a land conservation and stewardship organization.

The transfer of development-rights agreement between the city and King County means Bellevue will allow a developer to buy the right to build more densely in the Bel-Red area in exchange for saving land outside of the city. Even though the property saved won't be in Bellevue, city officials decided it was part of good regional planning.

Under the agreement, in exchange for being allowed to build more units, a developer would buy development credits to preserve farmland and woods in specific areas of rural King County.

For example, a farmer could offer to sell the development credits on his farm. The developer would make an offer to the farmer to buy those credits, which would preserve the farmland. In the past, some credits in the region have sold for $20,000 each, but the dollar value is variable — it's determined by negotiations between the rural landowner and the developer.

Each credit purchased allows the developer to build an additional 1,333 square feet, or about one residential unit, in the Bel-Red corridor. The program is limited to 75 credits, or 100,000 square feet of development area, whichever comes first.

"We're acting in a regional manner," said City Councilman John Chelminiak.

Bellevue is giving something up by transferring the development rights to rural King County. But the money will preserve land in the White River watershed, for example, where Bellevue's drinking water comes from. In the long run, that may save money the city would have to spend treating drinking water, he said.

The city will direct developers to purchase development rights in a couple of specific areas that are outside the city but have a close connection to Bellevue, including farms in the Snoqualmie Valley that supply the Bellevue farmers market; the Mountains to Sound Greenway along Interstate 90; and the White River watershed.

As part of the agreement, King County also will pay Bellevue $750,000 to buy 1.3 acres of open space in the Bel-Red area. The gravel parking lot that's being purchased will one day become part of a restored stream tributary.

With the economy still in the doldrums, no new development is likely to happen in the near future, said Paul Inghram, comprehensive planning manager for Bellevue. But with all the agreements in place, everything is ready to roll when the economy picks up.

Katherine Long: 206-464-2219 or klong@seattletimes.com

Copyright © The Seattle Times Company

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009818539_bellevuedevelopment07m.html

This is exciting. The Seattle area needs more mixed-use urban centers, especially sustainable one's like this, centered around two light rail stations. Twenty years from now our city will be completely different!

Eh, I have mixed feelings about this kind of thing. We need to encourage as much density around light rail stations as possible, and I don't really think adding so many restrictions is a good thing. Seattle does the same thing with the affordable housing incentives...

Furthermore, they say 12-15 stories. Why not more? Why have height restrictions at all here? If a developer wants to build a 25 story tower across the street from a light rail station, isn't that a good thing?

I think 12-15 stories is just fine. You want this to be a vibrant neighborhood, but not a regional urban center. We already have those in Downtown Bellevue and Downtown Seattle (among a few others).

I think 12-15 stories is just fine. You want this to be a vibrant neighborhood, but not a regional urban center. We already have those in Downtown Bellevue and Downtown Seattle (among a few others).

I wasn't saying it should be a regional center. But when the alternative is more auto-oriented suburbs, I think we should focus much growth as possible around light rail stations.

Anyone going to the grand opening of the Bravern I think it opens on Friday at 10 am

Bgwah, I'm not sure what you're talking about. The Bel-Red corridor redevelopment is supposed to be situated around the NE 16th St ROW for light rail. East Link will run through it and transit-oriented development is its purpose.

Bgwah, I'm not sure what you're talking about. The Bel-Red corridor redevelopment is supposed to be situated around the NE 16th St ROW for light rail. East Link will run through it and transit-oriented development is its purpose.

I'm saying I want even more density than they're planning for.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/3905524295_6109fc38b4_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3906301210_d05f10f200_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/3906301684_71173c1ff0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3478/3905522423_c8bd530bcf_b.jpg

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Very nice!

Reminds me of Vegas- in a good way.

Same here.

Wow! I am glad The Braven isn't tacky as Las Vegas. Very well designed upscale shopping mall. I am very looking forward to check it out when I get back from my trip.

Interesting...

The DJC had a special section last week focusing on downtown Bellevue, http://www.djc.com/special/Bellevue2009/

This is quote from the first article.

A few years ago an out-of-town real estate investor, examining an aerial photograph of downtown Bellevue, asked in jest, “Is this Bellevue … or Shanghai?”

That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. :lol:

The Bravern is turning out to be a real gem. Tasteful, classy and a great welcome sight to those entering Bellevue from 405. Kudos to Schnitzer West for their design work.:cheers:

So I right across the street at the Bravern, next to the courtyard marriott, there was a sign for "The New Bellevue", and here is the website: http://thenewbellevue.com/

Anyone know what is going in here?

There's been a concept for a mid-price residential project just east of the Marriott.

As a condo buyer, websites like that REALLY annoyed me. I'll "register" when you give me a price and floorplan. Until then, your project doesn't exist.

So I right across the street at the Bravern, next to the courtyard marriott, there was a sign for "The New Bellevue", and here is the website: http://thenewbellevue.com/

Anyone know what is going in here?

Probably Vida. Was supposed to be mid-price condos a few years ago...not sure what's been happenin since.

http://www.urbancondospaces.com/vida-bellevue/

There's been a concept for a mid-price residential project just east of the Marriott.

As a condo buyer, websites like that REALLY annoyed me. I'll "register" when you give me a price and floorplan. Until then, your project doesn't exist.

Agreed. Few times I tried to get more information on some condo projects like Insignia Living or AVA and I got nothing from them.

Dont get mad at them trying to get some buzz during the Bravern Opening.
They probably are working on changing the concept of the Vita and dont have much more than a campaign banner (and a one page website).

It looks like Bellevue just released a report on commute mode: http://www.northwesthub.org/bellevue-2008-mode-sure-survey-233. DT Bellevue's bus commute rate is approaching 20%!

Bellevue developer sees a Bravern new world of opportunities

Bellevue project may be redrawn to capitalize on the nearby Bravern; also, Washington ranks high on Forbes list of "best states for business."

By Times business staff

Bellevue planners this month approved a 12-story residential project across busy Northeast Eighth Street from the brand-new, four-tower Bravern complex.

Trouble is, that's not what the property's owners want to build anymore. Instead, sparked partly by the posh Bravern project — with Neiman Marcus and Microsoft as major tenants — the developers see bigger opportunities.

Denver-based ProNet Capital, which controls the one-acre vacant lot in the middle of the block on Eighth between 110th and 112th avenues Northeast, is talking about a 23-story, mixed-use tower that could include shops, a hotel, medical offices and condos.

Nothing's for certain yet, say ProNet principals Matt McDonald and Scott Boatman, but the site definitely won't become an apartment complex, the most recent plan.

The property was acquired in 2007 by ProNet, which calls itself a "boutique private-equity firm focusing primarily on real estate and development opportunities," and Tonsing Properties of San Francisco.

They quickly proposed a 12-story, 240-unit condo tower they called Vida, noteworthy largely for the small size — and price — of its units: some as small as 400 square feet, as inexpensive as $275,000.

But then the real-estate market imploded, and Tonsing principal Ray Tonsing said last fall that Vida would be converted to apartments to increase the odds of getting financing.

Since then ProNet has bought out Tonsing, and Boatman and McDonald say mixed-use is the way to go.

The downtown Bellevue apartment market has become somewhat saturated, they say.

And mixed-use projects are easier to finance now than pure residential, says Dean Jones of the Seattle condo-marketing firm Realogics, who is working with ProNet.

Boatman says ProNet has spoken with some downtown Bellevue employers about buying condos in bulk in the new tower to host guests or employees visiting from other cities.

He says they've approached The Bravern's owner, Schnitzer West, and Su Development, which has built apartment towers to the Northeast, about the possibility of skybridges between the buildings.

ProNet hopes to have a plan by early next year, Boatman says.

Whatever that is, he adds, it almost certainly will entail more work with Bellevue's planners.

— Eric Pryne

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009945220_sundaybuzz27.html

Sounds cool. Although I don't know about the skybridge idea. They need someway to get people out onto the streets in downtown Bellevue! It's just weird being the only person on the sidewalk while walking by 400 foot tall buildings...

That's good to hear although whatever they propose, it won't get built for a while. I'd like to see a mixed use project like that on the Beacon Capital site to the west of the Bravern but I think that project is going to be strictly office with a small amount of retail space.

When do you suppose the Beacon Capital tower will break ground?

When do you suppose the Beacon Capital tower will break ground?

No idea. I'd say summer 2010 at the earliest but 2011 may be more likely. Bentall halted construction on Summit C so that should say something about the outlook on the downtown Bellevue office market. The earlier the better though, that project along with the future phases of Washington Square will go a long way towards bridging the gap between the Bravern and the Bellevue Collection.

Friday rush hour...skyline popping over the morning fog. Nice way to start the day!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/3963312909_ef99b85d15_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/3964096310_e5eb8216bc_o.jpg

^^ Very cool!

Not really related to Bellevue, but how's the new I-405 pavement in South Bellevue? Is it nice and quiet?

Extremely quiet............hope they pave it like that all the way thru downtown

Cool fog pics! Thanks!

Neat fog pictures!

I lived in Bellevue for 8 years and I've never seen fog forming like that around 405. Nice pics! :)

Extremely quiet............hope they pave it like that all the way thru downtown

I doubt it. That's a test section for Open Graded Friction Course (quieter) asphalt. It would be nice if there was better pavement through Bellevue.

Ha! Cool pics!

Tower developer says ‘now is the right time

# GIS International Group says it is lowering prices on European Tower, its 17-story Bellevue condo project.
By JOURNAL STAFF

The developer of the stalled European Tower in Bellevue sent a letter to prospective buyers recently saying “now is the right time to begin construction” on the high-rise condo project, and that it could be completed in the summer of 2011.

The letter from Eugene Gershman, chief operating officer of GIS International Group, does not give a start date for building the one-unit-per-floor project, which is planned for 930 109th Ave. N.E.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12010573.html

^ Yeah right.

^^Well if the company has enough financing...I don't know how it works in the private sector, but bids for government projects are coming 20% to 30% lower than engineering estimates.

Maybe lower construction costs?

^^Well if the company has enough financing...I don't know how it works in the private sector, but bids for government projects are coming 20% to 30% lower than engineering estimates.

Maybe lower construction costs?

They've been setting dates, and never fulfilling them, for years now. I simply don't believe anything the European Tower developers say anymore...

I'll believe it when I see it.

Bellevue is looking great! I wish the height limit wasn't so restrictive. I would love to see a good 650 footer. Now that would look great!

Went to the Bravern today. Holy crap, it has to be one of the nicest buildings in Bellevue. I just wish the stores were a bit less high-end :lol:

I'm surprised that it's completely outdoors though. So I guess people will just freeze during the winter months? The only heating I saw were a few fireplaces.

The bathroom lights are cool though. I opened the door and it was completely dark. Then I stepped in and all the lights came on.

Great addition to Bellevue.

^^Where have you seen a retail area in Bellevue heated by fireplaces? :P

I'm pretty sure they have AC...

visited Bravern recently also, it is very nice...but they charge you for parking? Have they not learn from Galleria? Granted it is a much nicer development and all that, and they probably want to attract wealthy clients by doing this paid parking deal, but its a mall! In the suburbs! So get a clue! I love Bravern, don't get me wrong, I was counting on them to give Kemper a run for his money...but the paid parking thing I believe is a wrong move. South Coast Plaza has way more fancy stores and the parking is free...Oh, and when I was in Bravern, it was sad and empty.

visited Bravern recently also, it is very nice...but they charge you for parking? Have they not learn from Galleria? Granted it is a much nicer development and all that, and they probably want to attract wealthy clients by doing this paid parking deal, but its a mall! In the suburbs! So get a clue! I love Bravern, don't get me wrong, I was counting on them to give Kemper a run for his money...but the paid parking thing I believe is a wrong move. South Coast Plaza has way more fancy stores and the parking is free...Oh, and when I was in Bravern, it was sad and empty.

What is so hard about getting your ticket vallidated? It is a downtown shopping center and they have to limit the all day parkers........

Oh, and when I was in Bravern, it was sad and empty.

I am not sure how their sales will compare with other cities, but shops like LV and Hermes are not meant to be "thronging".

I am not sure how their sales will compare with other cities, but shops like LV and Hermes are not meant to be "thronging".

I went to Brooks Brothers Country Club Collection during the first couple weeks and they remarked how good their business had been since they opened, though it doesnt take many sales for the dollars to add up.

visited Bravern recently also, it is very nice...but they charge you for parking? Have they not learn from Galleria? Granted it is a much nicer development and all that, and they probably want to attract wealthy clients by doing this paid parking deal, but its a mall! In the suburbs! So get a clue! I love Bravern, don't get me wrong, I was counting on them to give Kemper a run for his money...but the paid parking thing I believe is a wrong move. South Coast Plaza has way more fancy stores and the parking is free...Oh, and when I was in Bravern, it was sad and empty.
On this forum, we generally dislike too much free parking.

I guarantee you that what's slow at H&M is a week's worth of sales at Jimmy Choo.

I guarantee you that what's slow at H&M is a week's worth of sales at Jimmy Choo.

I don't know how much business H&M does in one day, I think you might be surprised how well the high-end shops do, especially around sales season.

That's quite understandable because those shops' leasing and personnel cost is significantly higher than H&M.

There's another twin tower project north of Bellevue Square....something with Avalon project. They're building that pretty quickly! I'm surprised they were building it during the bad economy. I think they started claddling on the exterior, not sure.

There's another twin tower project north of Bellevue Square....something with Avalon project. They're building that pretty quickly! I'm surprised they were building it during the bad economy. I think they started claddling on the exterior, not sure.

Yes assuming you are talking about NE 10th St & Bellevue Way, it's the Avalon luxury rental.

Took a few photos around the City Center Plaza beside Bellevue Transit Center... hope you guys like it.

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000042.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000045.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000050.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000048.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000052.jpg

http://i894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/BellevueGuy/P1000060.jpg

Real nice, Guy. Bellevue would make a great setting for that show, "Life After People."

Bellevue is looking great! I really like how it doesn't just have short boxes like other small cities.

Nice pictures. I wish Bellevue skyline have better lighting at night time to give us something nice to look at night time.

Nice pictures. I wish Bellevue skyline have better lighting at night time to give us something nice to look at night time.

Lol it's partially my point-and-shoot camera's fault. The night scene is quite good for a small city like Bellevue.

Great pictures. Just creepy that there's no people.

Great pictures. Just creepy that there's no people.

Ya it's a small park area surrounded by office buildings, so they are almost empty on a Sunday afternoon.

Lol it's partially my point-and-shoot camera's fault. The night scene is quite good for a small city like Bellevue.

A while ago, I was in downtown Bellevue at night time and I didn't see any building lights up at night time only flight warning lights (red lights).

A while ago, I was in downtown Bellevue at night time and I didn't see any building lights up at night time only flight warning lights (red lights).

How long was the "a while"?

All the office and hotel buildings are nicely lit up (Bravern, City Center, Lincoln Square, Hyatt, Expedia, the couple of older buildings along 108th Ave). I think Bravern and City Center makes downtown look dramatically better especially when approaching from 405 South.

The apartment / condos along 10th St are well occupied too (Ten20, Washington Square, Ashton, Elements).

It's a shame that the tallest two Bellevue Towers are really dark because they can't sold many units now.

^^ Around 1-2 months ago. I didn't see it from South 405. I saw it from north 405. I should try another side of downtown Bellevue at night time when I can.

^^ Around 1-2 months ago. I didn't see it from South 405. I saw it from north 405. I should try another side of downtown Bellevue at night time when I can.

The view from the downtown park is pretty nice.

That plaza next to the transit center is always empty unfortunately. :(

How long was the "a while"?

All the office and hotel buildings are nicely lit up (Bravern, City Center, Lincoln Square, Hyatt, Expedia, the couple of older buildings along 108th Ave). I think Bravern and City Center makes downtown look dramatically better especially when approaching from 405 South.

The apartment / condos along 10th St are well occupied too (Ten20, Washington Square, Ashton, Elements).

It's a shame that the tallest two Bellevue Towers are really dark because they can't sold many units now.

I actually just signed a lease for Ten20. Looking forward to living there. My view is to the Northwest though, but still should be great to live so close to everything - including WORK as I work downtown Bellevue. :banana:

Congratulations on that. Living near work is utter bliss in my opinion.

Wow, that would be great to be able to walk to work. You could also walk home for lunch. :)

Yes assuming you are talking about NE 10th St & Bellevue Way, it's the Avalon luxury rental.

Yeah...that's what I thought. :)

Kevin Wallace's proposal for the East Link Light Rail through DT Bellevue:
http://seattletransitblog.com/2009/11/17/kevin-wallaces-vision-line/

How worthless. It's almost like noone wants it in downtown Bellevue. the idea is to get people to walk. IMO it's too far to walk from this proposed station to employment or shopping. A six-block moving sidewalk?! Are you kidding me? If they wouldn't do it at Sea-Tac, it won't happen in Bellevue. If it does, it will cost as much as the damn tunnel add-on probably!!

I don't like it. It will not help boost ridership much and downtown Bellevue workers to change their commute habits. I hope they will drop his idea and stick to tunnel option that actually go though downtown Bellevue.

Who's the idiot that proposed this? NO ONE will ride the Link to Bellevue if the station is built there. That is an idiotic proposal. Don't even get me started on that white tarp-looking thing going through half of DT Bellevue..disgusting.

It looks like he wants Bellevue to look like the Denver airport.:lol:

Damn, you beat me to it! :lol:


Edit:
Okay, what the hell? It put me ahead of you?

It looks like he wants Bellevue to look like the Denver airport.:lol:

Its like a mini D.I.A. in bellevue :D:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/02/amazing_airports/image/5_denver.jpg

While I agree this isn't the most ideal alignment, and it will reduce ridership significantly, the guy does have a few good points:

-This won't suck as bad as a surface route through Bellevue
-It will be cheaper than a tunnel

I'm not willing to walk that far to Bellevue Square, and I'm not even lazy compared to most people. This would be a horrible idea.

By the way, I love the airport at Denver. The layout is awesome. :)

The dude proposing it is on Kemper's payroll so he is advocating for an alignment that doesn't disrupt the downtown Bellevue streets. i agree with you all though, it's a terrible idea and shouldn't even be considered as an option.

Also, he owns a few properties right next to this proposed station...

The design sort of reminds me of the viaduct which is an eyesore. The distance to the core area would be less of an issue if it weren't for weather considerations. While budget considerations are important they really need to think long term. That is not the most efficient use of a limited resource..........land. A tunnel would be most effective although funding it will be a major problem. Once the Bel-Red corridor gets developed that line will become increasing important so it really needs to be done right the first time.

Also, he owns a few properties right next to this proposed station...

Yes, this should be pointed out more.

Although I can understand wanting the station near your properties... In fact, I find it perplexing that Freeman doesn't want the station as close to the Bellevue Collection as possible. I wonder if he is actually worried about "poor people" or some such non-sense.

^^ Yes he is worried about "poor" people going in his malls. I know that not every shopper in his malls are rich or middle class. He will always come up with different excuses.