I would love to see something like a streetcar along 148th, maybe starting from the future I-90 light rail line near the transit center and Bellevue College, connecting potential TODs such as the former K-Mart property, then moving over to 156th to connect with Crossroads, and eventually getting to East Link in the Overlake area.

148th is an interesting street to me. Not in a good way, either. Whenever I drive down it (admittedly, infrequently) I feel as though I'm in Southern California. All those housing developments off of it, with their walls facing the street, the fancy entrances, etc. I can't imagine it's a nice street to walk down.

I wonder why developers/cities don't try and have townhomes with front porches face streets, with houses behind, it'd make a nicer streetscape.

148th is an interesting street to me. Not in a good way, either. Whenever I drive down it (admittedly, infrequently) I feel as though I'm in Southern California. All those housing developments off of it, with their walls facing the street, the fancy entrances, etc. I can't imagine it's a nice street to walk down.

I wonder why developers/cities don't try and have townhomes with front porches face streets, with houses behind, it'd make a nicer streetscape.

It's kind of a busy street for that.

Well, if you design the street so that traffic can't go so fast, then high-traffic doesn't matter. And even if traffic is fast, I think pedestrian-friendly development can survive that.

I think every project in the "under construction" list on page 1 can be moved to Complete. There are currently no highrises under construction in dt bellevue right now.

I think every project in the "under construction" list on page 1 can be moved to Complete. There are currently no highrises under construction in dt bellevue right now.
Good point. I'll move them to the Completed Projects thread later, I just changed "Under Construction" to "Completed" for now.

It's been a while since I've seen an updated version of this document:
http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Development%20Services/lu_majorprojectslist_4Q10.pdf

The list is looking a bit thin compared to 3-4 years ago but there's still a decent amount of projects in the works

Cool. I didn't know about most of those projects.

Someone misspelled Bellevue on the first page...

Anyway, what's going on with the Cadillac site? Also, are they expanding the main library?

Looks like the library thing is a three-story parking garage. I'm interested to know what the Cadillac site thing is too. Also, what's the "8th Street Office Highrise"? Lol pretty generic name...

Isnt that 8th Street one the BoA proposal?

Looks like the library thing is a three-story parking garage. I'm interested to know what the Cadillac site thing is too. Also, what's the "8th Street Office Highrise"? Lol pretty generic name...

Gotcha. I wonder if it's just the garage.

I never liked that library much. :cheers:

I've never actually been inside, although the Gandhi statue outside is cool.

Gotcha. I wonder if it's just the garage.

I never liked that library much. :cheers:

For what it's worth its actually a very nice library. Amazing how busy it always is, so its definitely serving its purpose and giving nearby residents a place to go for books and other gathering events. I don't see how a library can ever be a bad thing for a neighborhood. :banana:

Someone misspelled Bellevue on the first page...

Anyway, what's going on with the Cadillac site? Also, are they expanding the main library?

The Cadillac site is (was?) owned by Hanover, who built Ten20 Tower and Ashton on the corners of 108th & 10th. Their original plans were to build another apartment tower, but as we all know - thats not happening and is why the corner sits as is with a vacant car dealership on it. It's major PRIME real estate, especially with the Performance Arts Center going up across the street and its dang close location to Kemper Land (aka The Collection that is Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt, etc.). :ohno:

Well, apartments are renting pretty well in Downtown Bellevue as well as Seattle, right? Right now the market is probably saturated, especially with the Bravern turning into apartments, but maybe in a couple years the apartment market in Downtown Bellevue will be demanding new construction. We're seeing that happen in Seattle as we speak!

The Soma Phase One Towers, are those replacing the Legacy Tower that was supposed to go where Sea Garden currently is on 2nd and 106th?

The Soma Phase One Towers, are those replacing the Legacy Tower that was supposed to go where Sea Garden currently is on 2nd and 106th?

Yes. They recently said they are planning to break ground next year.

The Cadillac site is (was?) owned by Hanover, who built Ten20 Tower and Ashton on the corners of 108th & 10th. Their original plans were to build another apartment tower, but as we all know - thats not happening and is why the corner sits as is with a vacant car dealership on it. It's major PRIME real estate, especially with the Performance Arts Center going up across the street and its dang close location to Kemper Land (aka The Collection that is Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt, etc.). :ohno:

Is it confirmed that it's not happening or is it just delayed?

For what it's worth its actually a very nice library. Amazing how busy it always is, so its definitely serving its purpose and giving nearby residents a place to go for books and other gathering events. I don't see how a library can ever be a bad thing for a neighborhood. :banana:
It's in no way a bad thing. It is a very nice library and has a ton of books.

The Cadillac site is (was?) owned by Hanover, who built Ten20 Tower and Ashton on the corners of 108th & 10th. Their original plans were to build another apartment tower, but as we all know - thats not happening and is why the corner sits as is with a vacant car dealership on it. It's major PRIME real estate, especially with the Performance Arts Center going up across the street and its dang close location to Kemper Land (aka The Collection that is Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Hyatt, etc.). :ohno:

That area has been up for redevelopment for as long as I can remember. I used to live at the old wooden apartments at the corner of 108th and 10th. There were talks to sell that land, along with the land that Belcarra and Washington Square now occupy. It'd be nice to see the old Cadillac site redeveloped as well.

OH GOSH HOW DO I INSERT A PIC?

Put the picture on the internet, then click the button above the reply box that looks like a picture of mountains with the sun over them and insert the URL of the image.

Put the picture on the internet, ---- What internet? Facebook? Flickr?

Personally I use Imageshack (http://imageshack.us/) but anything will virtually work, you just need the address of the image.

Or Photobucket.com. It is much easier to load pictures and copy the image links and paste it on here.

OH GOSH HOW DO I INSERT A PIC?

Edit: wrong thread. :D

Thanks everyone~

Here's the pic I took on Main/Bellevue Way. Anyone know what this building is? It seems they are putting some solar panels on top??

Interesting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/overthecascades/5314166670/

Thanks everyone~

Here's the pic I took on Main/Bellevue Way. Anyone know what this building is? It seems they are putting some solar panels on top??

Interesting.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/overthecascades/5314166670/

I used Flickr but the image still is not showing. here's link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/overthecascades/5314166670/

http://www.issaquahpress.com/2011/01/04/bellevue-college-president-sketches-bold-vision-for-issaquah-campus/ article about Bellevue College's planned expansion to Issaquah Highlands! I hadn't heard of this before now. Too bad probably 90% of the students would come by car...

I used Flickr but the image still is not showing. here's link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/overthecascades/5314166670/

according to the city of Bellevue's website it's a residential building, but I go by it almost every day, and it looks a lot more like commercial to me....

^ Agreed and the signage at the site isn't really helpful either.

Thought you guys might be interested to read this article:

Kemper Freeman quits Bellevue business group his father founded

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014158819_kemper08m.html

Too bad that local big land-owners haven't evolved without bigger outside interests playing a role. Would have been very noble to see Kemper evolve into a leading supporter in rapid mass transit/mixed-use development and know that it was one of our own generating inner growth and better growth in the region.

Is he still pushing for expanding the freeway system? I think he should take a look at some of those projects around the country, especially down here in Houston. I-10 was expanded dramatically, but the traffic is still a nightmare. He should be pushing for light rail and public transportation, especially since I believe it would bring more people to his downtown property.

Is he still pushing for expanding the freeway system? I think he should take a look at some of those projects around the country, especially down here in Houston. I-10 was expanded dramatically, but the traffic is still a nightmare. He should be pushing for light rail and public transportation, especially since I believe it would bring more people to his downtown property.
In Bellevue, it's Kemper Freeman's way or the highway. Wait, they're one in the same!

Was in downtown Bellevue today and noticed there's scaffolding around the Paccar building. Does anyone know if they're just cleaning the outside, or is something more interesting afoot?

Been up there for some time. gotta believe its for cleaning/maintenance.

Oh, thanks. Hadn't been there a while myself.

Marriott restarts Bellevue project

BELLEVUE — Marriott resubmitted plans for a 15-story hotel in downtown Bellevue, city records show.

Norwalk, Conn.-based HEI Hotels & Resorts had submitted plans for the 378-room project on a vacant block at 200 110th Ave. N.E., in 2008. The project includes development of a city park at Northeast Second Place and 110th Avenue, according to city documents. Other project details are in today's upcoming projects.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12026602.html

http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/pdf/Development%20Services/Major_Projects.pdf

There's a pretty generic rendering of the Marriott on this pdf....

I don't like that rendering. It looks like a really boring building. I would have thought that Marriott would build a hotel in Bellevue. I guess they decided to franchise.

I don't know about Marriott specifically, but most hotels are owned by someone else, and "operated" by a chain under a long-term contract.

What I heard on the radio was that it was another Courtyard by Marriott. I'm assuming that's a mistake as they are rarely that large (tall). And is 6 blocks away the one on NE 8th

I don't know about Marriott specifically, but most hotels are owned by someone else, and "operated" by a chain under a long-term contract.

Marriott has some hotels that it owns. The franchise hotels tend to be older and dirtier than those owned by Marriott. The only reason I know this is because my mother works for them and we get cheap/free rooms whenever we go on vacation.

Very boring design. Maybe the city will get involved and push for something a little more modern.

http://www.ci.bellevue.wa.us/pdf/Development%20Services/Major_Projects.pdf

There's a pretty generic rendering of the Marriott on this pdf....
The design of the performing arts center looks pretty interesting.

BTW, looking at the map on that document, is Bellevue Way now called 104th Ave NE???

this is my first time hearing/seeing anything about Bellevue. Is it its own city or is it a satellite city (suburb) of Seattle?

^^
It's a suburb directly across Lake Washington from Seattle (a couple miles as the crow flies). I'm sure many would consider Bellevue its own city and economy but I think it's a stretch. It became what it is today thanks to 2 bridges linking Seattle to the eastside of Lake Washington.

^okay thanks. I just google mapped it and it seems pretty cool to me. Seems like Seattle's Oakland...

^okay thanks. I just google mapped it and it seems pretty cool to me. Seems like Seattle's Oakland...

More like Seattle's San Jose.

^okay thanks. I just google mapped it and it seems pretty cool to me. Seems like Seattle's Oakland...

Eastsiders are going to love that comparison.

More like Seattle's San Jose.

Agreed.

I was making the comparison more for the downtown area, not the total package....

Hm it seems like, comparing the Seattle area with the Bay Area, Bellevue correlates pretty well with San Jose and Tacoma correlates pretty well with Oakland. It's interesting how most cities have edge cities like those.

Tom Perea lives on an island. A land-locked island. One surrounded on all sides by Bellevue.

But Perea is not alone; he is one of more than 5,000 residents living in three remaining unincorporated areas encased within Bellevue's city limits. Those areas, while classified as Bellevue addresses on letters and bills, are enclosed by bureaucratic walls that disqualify them from city services, instead forcing them to rely on the ever-dwindling amenities provided by King County.

"King County has huge problems fiscally," Perea said. "They would love nothing more than for us to be incorporated into the city. We're down to almost no police coverage."

But thanks to efforts from Perea and other residents to push for representation, that existence for residents of Eastgate, Hilltop/Horizon View and Tamara Hills may soon come to an end.

The Bellevue City Council took the first step toward adding the remaining unincorporated areas Monday, by unanimously supporting a new annexation program.

The annexation would allow the city to collect taxes on those residents and extend services such as police, fire and utilities.

The proposed annexation area possesses 5,554 residents living in 2,123 homes on 750 acres. Those homes reach a total of more than $1 billion in additional assessed value.

Though it will allow Bellevue to expand its tax base, the annexation will have more than $1 million estimated cost exceeding the new revenue. But, a small loophole exists until 2015 where cities can use sales tax revenue to offset shortfalls caused by annexation. This rule allows the state to collect less of the existing tax revenue and divert extra dollars to the city. Council members saw the need to act quickly, so as to use the tax break.

"We will have a net deficit on the operating side, but we’re going to get continuing pressure to annex anyway," said councilmember Grant Degginger. "So we should take advantage of this opportunity of the next 10 years."

Should annexation occur, the new Bellevue residents will receive an upgrade in city services, and cheaper property taxes (Bellevue charges $7.89 per thousand of assessed value, while the county charges $10.26). Utility prices would be higher, but the end result is still a major savings for residents.

Bellevue previously attempted in 1990 to annex the Eastgate area, which represents 4,967 of the new residents, with a vote passing easily. But when it became apparent that residents would be forced to pay off some of the city's bond debt, the people voted it down and Bellevue declined to continue with the annexation process.

Interim Planning Director Dan Stroh said annexation will still retain a condition of paying a portion of the city’s bond debt, but because of a significant savings from lower property taxes, the new Bellevue residents won’t see much difference, if any, in their bills.

This time around, Perea said, annexation has more momentum in the city-less areas. Perea has worked with other residents to lobby Bellevue to begin the process. Perea said he's constantly asked by residents hungry for more coverage when they will finally get to be a part of Bellevue.

"Pretty much everywhere I go throughout the neighborhood that's one of the first things they want to talk about," he said.

Residents' meetings with the city began over a year ago, Perea said, but they had been on the shelf while Bellevue pushed through the budget process. But now, with the process finished, all involved have highlighted the importance of getting these 5,500 people the services their neighbors receive.

"The citizens in this area live in Bellevue," said councilmember Claudia Balducci. "They're mailing addresses say Bellevue. I think it's about time we bring them into the fold."

With the council’s support of the annexation, the staff now will go out into the area and survey the populations of the areas to be annexed. Staff will seek to gain a majority approval, so it can be brought back to the council for approval. A final ordinance would come back to council April 2012 for decision.

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/117204113.html

I wonder if Bellevue will break 150,000 by the next census?

^okay thanks. I just google mapped it and it seems pretty cool to me. Seems like Seattle's Oakland...

It's a fair comparison in terms of location.

Seattle/San Francisco
Tacoma/Oakland
Bellevue/San Jose

That seems pretty accurate!

EDIT: Just saw your post alexjonlin. Beat me to it :lol:

I wonder if Bellevue will break 150,000 by the next census?

140,000 seems possible if Eastgate is annexed, and even that might be a stretch. The Bel-Red redevelopment would need to be well underway (ie, many completed residential projects with residents moved in) by 2020 to have any chance of 150,000, I think.

Thank you Mr. Bond http://freeimagestock4you.com/img/C/O.gif

I Hope you can get your license to Bill ;)
http://freeimagestock4you.com/img/o/Bi.png

Tacoma and Oakland is kinda big difference to me. Oakland has better skyline and its 2 times bigger and has heavy rail system.

I would say that Tacoma is Seattle's Fresno.

Regarding the proposed Marriott, Bellevue has needed a major hotel close to the convention center for years now but I think this one is still too far. It's a good 1.5-2 Bellevue sized blocks away. The site across 112th and adjacent to 405 from Meydenbauer Center could be an ideal location for a proper convention hotel.

The empty lot across NE 6th adjacent to City Hall could work too. Anyone remember back in the late 90's when a group was proposing a mid-sized sports arena there?

Bellevue planners approve 15-story Marriott hotel

Bellevue city planners this week approved a 15-story, 378-room Marriott hotel in downtown Bellevue.

But Liz Stead, the city's urban design planning manager, said the developer, Connecticut-based HEI Hotels & Resorts, hasn't applied for building permits and there's no sign construction is imminent.

HEI originally won city approval for the hotel in 2008, Stead said, and reapplied to keep the project alive.

The hotel would be built at Northeast Second Place and 110th Ave. N.E. HEI has agreed to provide a corner of the 1.3-acre property to the city for a pocket park.

HEI owns and operates 37 hotels in 16 states, including the storied Algonquin in New York, according to the company's website.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2014788236_bellevuehotel16.html

Real Estate Buzz: Twin towers for site in Bellevue CBD?

There's a good chance one of the next big projects in downtown Bellevue will be across the street from Downtown Park now that a long-held parcel there is on the market.

Mark C. Anderson of Colliers International landed the assignment after working for eight years with the Bates family, which has owned it for 71 years. He is listing the Bates site for $17.15 million, and says this is a rare opportunity to acquire property in an area that has “almost impenetrable barriers to entry.”

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12029044.html

What parcel is this? There's more than one street around the Downtown Park. :)

According to the parcel viewer, the Bates Oil Company owns the neighboring parcels at:
120 104TH AVE NE
10429 NE 2ND ST

Looks like it'll be the adjacent sites that currently house Fatburger/Oma Bap (formerly Baja Fresh) and EE Robbins.

I'm glad this is moving forward. I always liked Elements Too and it looks like Soma Towers will have a unique and interesting design as well.

New Bellevue downtown high-rise receives design approval

By NAT LEVY
Bellevue Reporter Staff Writer
May 20 2011, 2:59 PM

The newest Bellevue high-rise is a step closer to beginning construction.

Su Development received design approval May 19 for Soma Towers, a two-building development that will feature mixed-use retail, restaurants and residential units.

The development is located at the corner of 106th Avenue Northeast, and Northeast Second Street.

The towers, one of which is 21 stories, the other 18, are scheduled to be built one at a time. The first tower was scheduled be built this year, with the second coming approximately two years later.

Representatives from Su Development did not return phone calls requesting comment.

The developers must now begin applying for permits. Bellevue planner Ken Thiem said the permit process may take anywhere from four to eight months, for a variety of reasons.

The first step in the process for the developers will be gaining the necessary authority to begin excavating land for the five-story underground parking lot.

The buildings will feature a window-heavy, curved exterior. The towers will be linked by a three-story podium.

Above the podium and retail spots, the towers will feature 266 residential units, including 34 affordable housing units.

Thiem said the Soma application isn't showing to be a trend for new downtown high rises. One other development received design approval downtown, but that appears far from beginning construction.

"We're all reading that things are picking up," Thiem said. "If we had two or three of these applications in, I would say it would be a clear sign that things are picking up."

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/bel/news/122363274.html

I live at Washington Square and the concierge told me that they are going to start digging at the corner of 106th and NE 8th by the end of the year for phase 2. That will be surprising since there hasn't been any announcement that they've even applied for permits but I hope it's true. The second phase will consist of a hotel, office space, and retail.

Chicago-based Cantera to build 160-unit apartment in Bellevue

Chicago-based Cantera Development Group LLC plans to start construction of a 160-unit apartment building in downtown Bellevue next spring.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y237/MetroGuy03/BelPark_View1_big.jpg

The nine-story complex is being designed by Weber Thompson for a site across from Bellevue Downtown Park.

http://www.djc.com/news/re/12030808.html

Where exactly will this be? I'm picturing near Old Bellevue but for reason thought it might be on the backside of the park.

I am glad to see somethings are popping up here and there

That is an extremely boring design. Better than nothing, though.

It's going on the corner of 2nd & 102nd. There's a fenced off area on that corner with a sign about a coming hotel. It's across from the SOUTH entrance to the park. No clue how this building will fit on that site, but them maybe I'm not remembering its size correctly.

It's going on the corner of 2nd & 102nd. There's a fenced off area on that corner with a sign about a coming hotel. It's across from the SOUTH entrance to the park. No clue how this building will fit on that site, but them maybe I'm not remembering its size correctly.

I believe this project is going up across the street from the hotel. It will be the SE corner of 102nd and NE 2nd while the hotel is going on the SW corner.

This is the website for the hotel:
http://www.bellevueparkhotel.com/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015760617_soundtransit29m.html

More street-level retail please.

I'm glad they're starting to pop up, but I'd rather walk by a dozen small retail stores than one or two giant ones. It would really liven up downtown in the off-peak hours.

Everything's only accessible from inside the malls it seems like...

Found some renderings for the proposed Marriott hotel near city hall:
http://www.toddassoc.com/conference07

Pretty boring and uninspired design but still better than nothing.

Blah

Good to see more height a little south of Bellevue's main core though.

Kinda sorta looks like the Hyatt.

Kinda sorta looks like the Hyatt.

Yeah I could see that. It's sad that the two newest hotel towers in downtown Bellevue will have such boring designs. I want to see more glass towers like the Westin and Bellevue Towers.

This new Marriott is in kind of an awkward location for a hotel, surrounded by residential buildings and old single family homes. However, the proposed light rail station will have an entrance across the street and it will be the just a couple blocks south of the Bravern.

Eh it has a hospital vibe :dunno:
Guess its better then nothing.

Wow, that is extremely boring.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I saw a sign across from the Bravern that there is something to be built...but I'm not too sure what it will be. Anyone have any info?

Wow, that is extremely boring.

On a somewhat unrelated note, I saw a sign across from the Bravern that there is something to be built...but I'm not too sure what it will be. Anyone have any info?

Hmm. The southwest corner of 110th and NE 8th is supposed to be an office tower one day, and the Northeast corner next to the hotel on the empty lot is a stalled condo project.

^^Yeah, 110th and NE 8th is the lot I'm referring to. That's a good chunk of space.

There’s exciting news coming from Washington Square Condominium, which I’ll get to in a bit.

Washington Square is a significant super-block development in downtown Bellevue, just northeast of Bellevue Square. Presently, only the first phase of the project has been completed — the two 22-story condo towers with 377 residential units. The project is currently 66% sold, so there are still quite a few new homes to choose from.

Washington Square Condominium features a variety of home styles, layout options and finishes from 667 square foot open one-bedrooms to spacious 3,400+ square foot three-bedroom townhomes.

Price and size ranges:
* One-bedrooms (open, 1-bedroom, 1 + den): $452,000 to $879,000
* 667 to 1,074 square feet

* Two-bedrooms (2-bedroom, 2+den): $735,000 to $1,508,000
* 1,142 to 1,887 square feet

* Penthouses (1 + den, 2-bedroom, 2 + den): $794,000 to $3,406,000
* 926 to 2,810 square feet

* Townhomes (2-bedroom, 2 + den, 3 + den): $1,219,000 to $2,495,000
* 1,714 to 3,472 square feet

View available Washington Square homes for sale (includes resales)

Amenities include concierge services, an owner’s lounge with a chef’s kitchen, a large fully equipped fitness center with spa and massage rooms, a billiards room and a dog park. Additionally, the townhomes feature private garages and personal elevators. The project is Fannie Mae and FHA approved and they’ve paid off their construction loan, so financing shouldn’t be a problem.

There is, however, a challenge that potential and current owners are contending with…Washington Square has a number of owners in distressed situations.

Of the 9 active listings 4 are short sales; all 6 of the properties currently in escrow are either short sales or bank-owned; and 13 of the 18 closed sales so far this year have been distressed properties. That is placing considerable pressure on values and is hampering the movement of the remaining developer units. Washington Square has only closed 2 new units all year (based on NWMLS data – however, they have not reported all their sales to the NWMLS).

For buyers, this can offer amazing opportunities, particularly with the foreclosed bank-owned properties, which have sold for up to 49% below their original sale prices back in 2008.

That said, the residential towers comprise only a portion of the planned 10.5-acre superblock development, which will encompass retail, office, hotel and residential towers (think Lincoln Square & the Bravern). The developer expects the homes to gain value when the superblock is completed. It has the potential to be a vibrant and swanky urban village with restaurants, shops, entertainment and a neighborhood market.

The exciting news is the additional phases, including a new condominium tower, are undergoing preliminary concept design. The developer anticipates starting the design review process with the city in early 2012 with groundbreaking late next year or early 2013. If those plans hold, this will likely be the first development of the next condo construction cycle. That would roughly translate to a late 2014 to 2015 completion date, by which time, the current Washington Square and Bellevue Towers inventory should be sold out.

http://seattlecondosandlofts.com/2011/10/washington-square-update-bellevue

I'll believe it when I see it. :P

I'll believe it when I see it. :P

Amen.

That said, it would be cool to see lenders finding their balls again and funding projects like this.

Lenders will alter their agressiveness on spec lending as soon as ecah figures out the total losses taken from the last batch of foreclosures. Some AMAZING things are being done in the residential lending game - but, only for existing portfolios. That's right: modifications. These will take a big hit to earnings as lenders try to save loans and avoid foreclosures. At the same time, partial losses are being (small gulps) taken daily to appease investors.

It will take time. Don't blame the banks (completely). Blame the greedy average American who played the real estate market 'flip' game too agressively and killed the market for everyone else.

Bravern for sale.

http://www.king5.com/news/Bellevues-Bravern-Is-For-Sale-133206188.html

Well if they're being honest and it's just so they can reload then hopefully they are lining up something good.

They needed/need a better mix of stores. You just can't go all high end.

Sure you can. There are plenty of shopping centers like that worldwide and they do just fine. Just gotta have the right clientele nearby.

Am I the only one who thinks the Bravern looks out of place? Both in terms of look and location...

Am I the only one who thinks the Bravern looks out of place? Both in terms of look and location...
Yeah, Freeman in the article is right about it being too far away. Some really big stuff has to happen between the two ends. Otherwise they're practically stuck in their own worlds.

Yeah, Freeman in the article is right about it being too far away. Some really big stuff has to happen between the two ends. Otherwise they're practically stuck in their own worlds.

It does have a huge anchor tenant though. They will be fine as long as Neiman Marcus is at that location.

Your Local Market is opening on Nov. 11th. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the work that has been done to get the old Safeway up 'n ready with a brand new grocery concept for Bellevue.

Yeah, Freeman in the article is right about it being too far away. Some really big stuff has to happen between the two ends. Otherwise they're practically stuck in their own worlds.

Yeah, it's way too far. Bellevue Square is upscale shopping compared to anything offered on the Eastside except for the Bravern. Most of us can't even afford to look in its direction. :lol:

I, for one, have never been on that plot of land since the Dairy Queen was knocked down.

Your Local Market is opening on Nov. 11th. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the work that has been done to get the old Safeway up 'n ready with a brand new grocery concept for Bellevue.

What have they done to it? Any real work in the interior?

The exterior has been repainted and that's about it. It honestly doesn't excite me at all. :ohno:

We'll see if it has anything to offer. What I can see so far is that their website has been created by someone who has no idea of how Google works and has idiotically put most text into images.

Your Local Market is opening on Nov. 11th. I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the work that has been done to get the old Safeway up 'n ready with a brand new grocery concept for Bellevue.

Hopefully the store only signed a 2-3 year lease because I want to see the Lincoln Square expansion to get built sooner than later.

Hopefully the store only signed a 2-3 year lease because I want to see the Lincoln Square expansion to get built sooner than later.

I don't know if it is going to happen. I hear the new arena might be on that property still. Your talking what ? About $200 million for the complete property!

I don't know if it is going to happen. I hear the new arena might be on that property still. Your talking what ? About $200 million for the complete property!

The old Safeway property in downtown? It's far too small for an NBA arena.

The old Safeway property in downtown? It's far too small for an NBA arena.

I am talking about option 3 on this site.. Safeway Complex off 124th

http://www.pacificnorthwestcoastbias.com/where-to-build-an-nba-arena-in-bellevue/

^ They're talking about the old Safeway store by Lincoln Square, not the distribution center.

Yeah, we were referring to the old store, not the distribution center. I don't see the first two locations on that site as options. The downtown park will stay just that...a park. The city will not give up that land.

The second option is a nightmare when you factor in traffic from 405 and how close the arena would be to the freeway.

The distribution is by far the best choice, but I'm not sure if I'd support an arena being built in Bellevue. To me, it just feels like a "Seattle thing."

Yeah, we were referring to the old store, not the distribution center. I don't see the first two locations on that site as options. The downtown park will stay just that...a park. The city will not give up that land.

The second option is a nightmare when you factor in traffic from 405 and how close the arena would be to the freeway.

The distribution is by far the best choice, but I'm not sure if I'd support an arena being built in Bellevue. To me, it just feels like a "Seattle thing."

I don't think so. I think it is a King County thing. If an owner wants to build it in Bellevue, Renton etc why shouldn't they??? Why should they make an arena in Seattle when the city chased the Sonics out of town??? I would be more than happy for Bellevue or some other city to get the sonics.

Hopefully an arena can be built in the spring district, so jobs can be created and a NBA and NHL team can come to the Seattle area.

My major question is why would an owner want to bring a team back to Seattle area? What advantages do business owners have in Seattle area compared to Texas or North Carolina???

http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business

If the owner expects the public to pay for a large portion of it, then we get a say in its location. And most of us probably want it in Seattle.

And they weren't "chased" out of Seattle. Don't be silly.

If the owner expects the public to pay for a large portion of it, then we get a say in its location. And most of us probably want it in Seattle.

And they weren't "chased" out of Seattle. Don't be silly.

What is silly is that there is no team.... I'm going to study the memorial Stadium thing and see how it works!!

If an owner wants to build it in Bellevue, Renton etc why shouldn't they??? Why should they make an arena in Seattle when the city chased the Sonics out of town???

They weren't "chased out of town," they were sold...

If the owner expects the public to pay for a large portion of it, then we get a say in its location. And most of us probably want it in Seattle.


I don't doubt that most of the funding would come from taxes and I'd only support it if it was built in Seattle as well.

They weren't "chased out of town," they were sold...



I don't doubt that most of the funding would come from taxes and I'd only support it if it was built in Seattle as well.

Just want to add that I'm in total agreement with this ^^

Just want to add that I'm in total agreement with this ^^

Well I know that the landing in Renton is off the table and there is a small chance in Bellevue at the Safeway Distribution Center. I checked into the Memorial Stadium thing and as I investigated it, it looks so much better. No building parking structures. Only building the building and that is pretty much it. if you check here, you can see all the parking lots around the area.

Here is what I found out....

Currently, Key Arena is up for sale for $53 million on loop net in July. Don't know how long it will on there but it is. Memorial Stadium is available for purchase but it is co-owned by Seattle Schools with the City and they are looking for another place for football games and graduation ceremonies. They found a place that is a parking lot to take over but they want someone to buy the land and then swap that land for the Memorial Stadium. If it is me, done deal!

I honestly don't care where it goes as long as it's Seattle- not greater Seattle metro area (meaning no Bellevue, Renton, Redmond...blah blah blah). I would love for it to be in the Stadium District but I don't see it happening. I am also ok with it returning to Seattle Center as it would help draw people there again on a regular basis plus it's far enough away from SafeCo and CenturyLink to prevent parking chaos in the event of game day overlaps. Key Arena is a dump and an eyesore so even if the new arena doesn't end up there I hope they do something better with that space.

Whatever scenario plays out I just hope they end up deserving to wear Seattle across their chests by actually being located in Seattle. And if NHL does come I hope they revive Seattle Metropolitans- the team has 100 year old heritage and a Stanley Cup! 3 times we played for the Cup and we were the first ever American team to win it. Let's try to pick up where they left off.

^^ Yeah im with you in that it would be nice to see it in the stadium district to create a sort of sports complex mecca, even integrating with the new waterfront. Although that might never come true, the memorial stadium spot I think is the prime location in my book.


Oops this the bellevue thread, sorry back on topic

Back to Bellevue-

I picked up a book originally printed in 1994 called Above Seattle by Robert Cameron and by God, Bellevue has come such a long way in that time! Wow! It looks like a small Tacoma in this book and contrast that to today's Bellevue and massive growth explosion is putting it mildly. I knew it was mostly new development but this puts it into better perspective for me.

Bellevue is a smaller version of Mississaugua a suburb of Toronto http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=441769&page=205

A much, much, MUCH smaller version. Bellevue is more like Rosslyn across the water from DC.

Bellevue is a smaller version of Mississaugua a suburb of Toronto http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=441769&page=205
I can't pin it down, but there's something about Canadian cities which look ... Canadian. Even the skylines from afar. It looks like Burnaby or Vancouver or Calgary or ... [insert Canadian city here]. But it doesn't look like Denver or Seattle or Charlotte.

I can't pin it down, but there's something about Canadian cities which look ... Canadian. Even the skylines from afar. It looks like Burnaby or Vancouver or Calgary or ... [insert Canadian city here]. But it doesn't look like Denver or Seattle or Charlotte.

They all have the same generic condo towers, usually an abundance of them (relative to American cities).

:naughty:I just like the name Mississaugua

They all have the same generic condo towers, usually an abundance of them (relative to American cities).
Maybe that's it. But even the street views look ... different. And I'm not talking about the street signs either.

NEway this is off-topic.

Maybe that's it. But even the street views look ... different. And I'm not talking about the street signs either.

NEway this is off-topic.

That's funny, Bond. I've had conversations about this with a certain friend of mine whenever we are driving around downtown Vancouver. There is something distinctly Canadian about the streetscape, but we can never quite put a name to it.

The best word I can come up for it is 'whimsical', in that Canadian buildings are a bit more playful or expressive. Perhaps, too, they are more distinctly contemporary, in that they are representative of a certain time period. A friend of mine from Vancouver mentioned this the last time he visited Seattle: he can always tell which decade a condo in Vancouver was built in, but it was harder for him to pinpoint in Seattle or Bellevue.

I think that the new border crossing facilities at the Peace Arch are representative of the difference between architectural styles. The new Canadian building contemporary, expressive, and quirky while the new building on the US side is decidedly more subtle, orderly, and utilitarian.

Nowadays, architecture is becoming more sophisticated on both sides of the border.

Apple Store Designer's Border Station Avoids Hysteria, Concrete (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-04-18/apple-store-designer-s-border-station-avoids-hysteria-concrete.html)

Maybe Canada's economy has been more or less robust relative to the US in certain time periods, so subtle architectural differences related to certain eras are more or less represented in one place or another?

But whatever. Actually, I thought Canadian cities had more utilitarian buildings? Like all those residential tower blocks.

New York Times and yahoo news report that the new Tateuchi Center in Bellevue will *welcome* cellphone use (texting and tweeting, but not phonecalling) during live performances. Hmmmm.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2011/11/28/business/28cellphones/28cellphones-blog480.jpg

http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/omg-theater-allow-cell-phones-during-live-performances-221000475.html

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/the-show-is-starting-please-turn-on-your-cellphones/

I guess this is the latest rendering.

http://www.tateuchicenter.org/images/photos/TCrender.jpg
http://www.tateuchicenter.org/about

Now I wonder when they're ever gonna get around to building the thing. It says it will open in 2014. Haven't been by there in a couple months, any ground work yet?

I think they are still in the fund-raising stage. Not quite half way there if I recall correctly.

No work being done on that corner. I passed by today.

I like it. Looks good!

Ad on seattletimes.com for the Bellevue Collection (I think this is just the fancy name for Bell Square)

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h17/seasun_01/bellevuesnow.jpg

Not really news but I just wanted to suggest that showing a big intersection with a traffic jam - even with snowflakes - isn't that appealing to a lot of potential customers. Although I realize it's a stretch for me to give marketing advice to Kemper - who is very successful. I just would've gone for a street level shot of a little kid enjoying the fake snow.

It would have been even better if the left turn traffic from NE 8th westbound onto Bellevue Way southbound was all backed up due to those parking at Bellevue Square. Now THERE'S your holiday memory!!

It would have been even better if the left turn traffic from NE 8th westbound onto Bellevue Way southbound was all backed up due to those parking at Bellevue Square. Now THERE'S your holiday memory!!

No kidding! Such a disaster over there this time of year.

Northgate way is pretty similar though.

Real Estate Buzz: Touchstone drops Bellevue superblock plan
By MARC STILES
Real Estate Editor
Touchstone Corp. won't develop part of a superblock in downtown Bellevue after all.

Touchstone's VP of Development A-P Hurd said this week her company is “out of contract” on the southern part of the block bounded by Northeast Eighth and 10th streets and 106th and 108th avenues northeast. The first phase would have been a 15-story complex with 250 hotel rooms and 320,000 square feet of office and retail.


Bummer.

I guess I'm not surprised at this point.

I think this has been semi-obvious for a while now. </smart ass>

I'd thought there was a "non-downtown-Bellevue East side thread, but I couldn't find it, so this seemed like the next best place to post this.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017100680_issaquah27m.html?syndication=rss

I'd thought there was a "non-downtown-Bellevue East side thread, but I couldn't find it
There's a link to that thread on the first post, first page of this thread, beneath the big picture at the top of the post.

Just a random comment, but NE 10th St has sure turned into a nice stretch of high-density housing. A nice mix of mid-rises and high-rises in the 20-25 floor range --- tall and dense but not so much that it completely chokes out light. They are also fairly spread out. There's not too much retail, a good amount of open space and parks, the street has nice landscaping, and the townhomes are a nice finishing touch. It just seems like a really good example of a pleasant high-density residential neighborhood. Hopefully it continues and the vibe spreads to other nearby streets.

This must be the first year in a decade or so that we entered the new year and there's zero new construction in downtown Bellevue. Even the last few years there's been at least 1 project underway (Avalon Towers, SoMa). When will this drought end?

There was A LOT of inventory added to downtown Bellevue. Initially it was condos that got converted to apartments, but there still is a lot of inventory, and its not middle of the market. Now, granted, Bellevue is a more affluent demographic than most cities, but I still think it will be a while before there is any new construction.

This is some of the worst news to come out of Bellevue in a while...

http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/136773168.html

This is some of the worst news to come out of Bellevue in a while...

http://www.bellevuereporter.com/news/136773168.html

Hmm... Well, the Eastside is probably one of the most populous suburbs without a Wal-Mart in the entire country. It was bound to happen eventually!

Too bad Costco didn't work out there.

Anti-Walmart drama- how cliché

Good for them. Wish downtown would get one like DC got just to see the dramatics that would follow.

DJC:

A Chinese developer paid just over $7 million for a downtown Bellevue property at 201 106th Ave. N.E. where a 20-story mixed-use project can be built.

Here's hoping they max it out!

Anti-Walmart drama- how cliché

Good for them. Wish downtown would get one like DC got just to see the dramatics that would follow.

Bellevue is very pro-property owner rights. This property owner made the decision to lease to Walmart. Don't like Walmart? Don't shop there. Pretty simple solution.

I totally agree.

DJC:

A Chinese developer paid just over $7 million for a downtown Bellevue property at 201 106th Ave. N.E. where a 20-story mixed-use project can be built.

Here's hoping they max it out!

That's the Taco Time site. Su Development has a couple apartment towers proposed for the lot across the street. I doubt either of these projects will break ground anytime soon though. Like Capitol said, way too much inventory in dt Bellevue right now.

I really like the design of the apartment towers from Su development - would love to see those go up. Since that Chinese seafood place on the corner just reopened it looks like it will be quite awhile until that breaks ground.

What happened to my previous comments in this thread?

Hahaha I love it!

Yeah mine's gone too, I'll just log out go back into read-only mode...no point contributing if even the mildest of discussion gets censored away.

Have fun deleting this too, mod.

The mod is a walmart supporter, and misuses his mod status to favor his arguement.

The mod is a walmart supporter, and misuses his mod status to favor his arguement.

His moderating style is rather odd, I agree.

The mod is a walmart supporter, and misuses his mod status to favor his arguement.

Agreed.

The virtues or lack thereof of Walmart have nothing to do with development in Bellevue. Thus, conversations about it are considered off-topic and will be deleted. If people want to discuss Walmart, they can start a seperate Walmart thread and discuss it there. Thank you.

PS: I do not shop at Walmart.

Oh yeah, I should also note ...

This particular thread is supposed to be about *downtown* Bellevue. The Walmart under discussion is not. There is a seperate thread for non-downtown Bellevue Eastside projects linked on pg. 1 of this thread, so news about that Walmart should have been put there anyway. Thus, there are 2 reasons to delete the comments I've deleted.

Bravo

The virtues or lack thereof of Walmart have nothing to do with development in Bellevue. Thus, conversations about it are considered off-topic and will be deleted. If people want to discuss Walmart, they can start a seperate Walmart thread and discuss it there. Thank you.

PS: I do not shop at Walmart.

Why did you only delete half of the Wal-Mart discussion then?

Also pretty lame that you've deemed these posts worthy of deletion while allowing LCIII's disgusting personal attacks to go unchecked.

well..............I am thinking if you are going to have a WalMart putting it there is better than putting it in the smaller towns where it wipes out all the small businesses. Bellevue is big enough to absorb that and still not impact as many small businesses.:)

Why did you only delete half of the Wal-Mart discussion then?
It's OK to let it go on for a few posts, but once it begins to evolve into a whole new (off-topic) sub-discussion, then that's time to cut it off.

Also pretty lame that you've deemed these posts worthy of deletion while allowing LCIII's disgusting personal attacks to go unchecked.
If anyone makes personal attacks on someone, and I appear to miss it, someone should send me a PM and direct me to the comments where the infraction occured.

On multiple threads, anti-walmart comments have been deleted, while pro-walmart comments have remained. This is one.

On multiple threads, anti-walmart comments have been deleted, while pro-walmart comments have remained. This is one.
Bullshit. In this thread, of the 10 comments I deleted, 3 were from LCII, who was posting a pro-Walmart stance.

Any further comments on the topic after this post WILL be deleted. No exceptions. As I said, if you want to discuss the topic, start a dedicated thread. Then you can bash Walmart all you want, and I will delete nothing, because it will not be off-topic.

If anyone makes personal attacks on someone, and I appear to miss it, someone should send me a PM and direct me to the comments where the infraction occured.

I reported atleast two of his posts before just putting him on ignore.

Instead of deleting comments - could you just have split it into a new topic? Obviously people had opinions and wanted to discuss.

P.s. not trying to hate on you Bond! :)

So back to development news. I stumbled across a blog that posted up the whole DJC article regarding the recent sale of the Taco Time site in downtown Bellevue. Still a long ways away but always good to hear about potential future developments. That southern third of DT Bellevue could be where a lot of future residential growth will occur since the northern third has filled up during the past decade.

http://craighillteam.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/seattle-commercial-real-estate-news-of-the-day-67/

Poor Taco Time. They moved to (built?) this location after being booted from the current Bravern site. Now where will I get my mexi fries?!

I know, a ways off from now.

Kemper Freeman discuss about his properties including Lincoln Square II.

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2012/02/10/retail-mogul-kemper-freeman-talks-shop.html

Thanks for posting. It'll be interesting to see how the company changes after he's gone.

I'm wondering why Kemper does't go for apartment towers in Lincoln II. Imagine creating a place for shoppers to live as well as employees of the shopping district.

Just saying, a stronger mix would be better than just having wealthier condo owners.

I'm wondering why Kemper does't go for apartment towers in Lincoln II. Imagine creating a place for shoppers to live as well as employees of the shopping district.

Just saying, a stronger mix would be better than just having wealthier condo owners.

I wouldn't be surprised if they added apartments eventually. I think it's been mentioned in plans before. I doubt retail employees could afford to live in them, though.

A quote of Freeman's from the article:

“So many of us go along with what everyone else is doing – like lemmings lining up to go over the cliff. Word must get back even to the lemmings. The biggest motive for people is to do what everyone else is doing. I don’t understand it,” Freeman said.
That attitude may explain his long-standing opposition to light rail on the Eastside, which he has spent about $4 million fighting. He argues that bus rapid transit would cost half as much as light rail and have three times the ridership and could be implemented in three years. He’s debated the issue 400 times and said he will never stop opposing light rail, despite being “vilified” for filing a lawsuit over what he believes will be an illegal expenditure of highway funds on construction of the light rail project.

I guess The same argument can be made about banal suburban sprawl and shopping centers.

I'm wondering why Kemper does't go for apartment towers in Lincoln II. Imagine creating a place for shoppers to live as well as employees of the shopping district.

Just saying, a stronger mix would be better than just having wealthier condo owners.

Probably because he is afraid if he build an apartment tower, it will bring "poor" people to his properties. It is one of main reasons why he doesn't want light rail in the first place.

I'm wondering why Kemper does't go for apartment towers in Lincoln II. Imagine creating a place for shoppers to live as well as employees of the shopping district.

Just saying, a stronger mix would be better than just having wealthier condo owners.

Why would he? Would that benefit him and his bottom line? No, because there's no way that most of those workers will be able to afford the market price for any of those apartments. I do agree with you that it would be nice to have a stronger mix of people, but it just won't happen.

With all this news about Amazon building more office space over in downtown Seattle, it'd really be great if Microsoft could do something similar in Bellevue. There's a handful of office proposals in the pipeline that are just waiting for a tenant to sign before breaking ground. Lincoln Square II and the NE 8th tower would both make sense for them since they would be located next to Microsoft's current offices.

Screw that- Microsoft should finally put a substantial office in downtown Seattle. It would be easier to compete with the bevy of companies that are recruiting tech talent downtown. They could be 5th and Columbia's anchor tenant and immediately have the sexiest offices in the city- maybe on the west coast even!

haha, that'd be nice too but I don't think Microsoft will ever have a big office presence in Seattle. They have a small office in SLU and had one in Pioneer Square which they vacated last year.

With all this news about Amazon building more office space over in downtown Seattle, it'd really be great if Microsoft could do something similar in Bellevue. There's a handful of office proposals in the pipeline that are just waiting for a tenant to sign before breaking ground. Lincoln Square II and the NE 8th tower would both make sense for them since they would be located next to Microsoft's current offices.
Microsoft already has a ton of office space in downtown Bellevue, I'm not sure we could expect them to do much more. Especially since their days of rapid employee growth seems to have passed.

Yes but Bill knows what's up. They have helped make north of downtown a hot spot with their Foundation HQs. Hopefully they'll see the recruiting advantages of being where people want to be and just finally put a substantial office here.

Few years ago, Microsoft announced that they would expand into downtown Seattle but they dropped the plan during recession. Maybe they could try again when they start to grow again.

Few years ago, Microsoft announced that they would expand into downtown Seattle but they dropped the plan during recession. Maybe they could try again when they start to grow again.

Fingers crossed!

With Seattle going through the 'boom' that it is, I wonder when Bellevue will join the action again. Curious what the apartment vacancy rate is downtown -

With Seattle going through the 'boom' that it is, I wonder when Bellevue will join the action again. Curious what the apartment vacancy rate is downtown -

The apartment market was overbuilt in DT Bellevue during the last boom. In the 3 year span between 2007-2010 over 2000 new units were built which is a ton for a market like Bellevue to absorb. Unfortunately I think it'll be at least a year before we see any new apartment construction in DT Bellevue.

There are a ton of condos left over too, right? Bellevue Towers are only 50% sold, correct?

There are a ton of condos left over too, right? Bellevue Towers are only 50% sold, correct?

A little bit over 50% by now, I'd guess, but not much.

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/bellevue-towers-reaches-50-percent-sold-2012-02-01

270 high priced condos is a lot in my book.

270 high priced condos is a lot in my book.

Yes, but that's a lot less than there were for sale before. For some reason, I was expecting more of them to be sold by now.

This mid-rise project got approved today.
http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/land%20use/11-113550-LD_Bellevue_Park_II_Apartments.pdf

Nice looking infill project and great location across from the park.

Good to know! So little coming out of Bellevue these days.

I like the design of this building.

Good to know! So little coming out of Bellevue these days.

Yeah it's definitely been quiet the last couple years after the huge boom of the mid to late 2000's. I am hoping to see some of the smaller projects like this one get started in the next year or so but I don't expect to see any of the massive projects like Lincoln Square II or the Tateuchi Center start anytime soon.

I really like that design! That's a nice location too.

Schnitzer West says Bravern sale is close
psbj

The sale of Schnitzer West Schnitzer West Latest from The Business Journals The Bravern retailers trending up, with sale impendingBuyers circling luxury retail centerShops at the Bravern put up for sale Follow this company ’s The Shops at the Bravern, which opened in Bellevue in the fall of 2009, is close to being a done deal.

Schnitzer West LLC founder and managing investment partner Dan Ivanoff says the sale is likely to be completed before the end of March. He will not reveal the buyer, but he does say, “This is a best-in-class, luxury-type retail buyer, and very entrepreneurial.” PSBJ’s Jeanne Lang Jones wrote about the impending sale of this luxury retail shopping center in November of last year.

Schnitzer West says Bravern sale is close
psbj

The sale of Schnitzer West Schnitzer West Latest from The Business Journals The Bravern retailers trending up, with sale impendingBuyers circling luxury retail centerShops at the Bravern put up for sale Follow this company ’s The Shops at the Bravern, which opened in Bellevue in the fall of 2009, is close to being a done deal.

Schnitzer West LLC founder and managing investment partner Dan Ivanoff says the sale is likely to be completed before the end of March. He will not reveal the buyer, but he does say, “This is a best-in-class, luxury-type retail buyer, and very entrepreneurial.” PSBJ’s Jeanne Lang Jones wrote about the impending sale of this luxury retail shopping center in November of last year.

That's good to hear. Schnitzer was a little over their head when they decided to build a massive retail component at the Bravern.

Actually they made several blunders:
-Removing the hotel component of the condo towers. For years the convention center has desperately needed an adjacent hotel but Schnitzer got greedy during the condo boom and wanted a piece of the pie. A hotel would've also provided the shops and restaurants with a constant flow of patrons.

-Branding the complex as high-end only. This really limited the # of potential tenants and because of the retail mix they have, foot traffic is very low there. Even during the holidays the place is a ghost town.

-No outdoor seating for restaurants. When they were designing the complex, they talked at length about it being inspired by European shopping promenades. One of the reasons those promenades are so lively is because of outdoor cafes and restaurants. The two existing restaurants at the Bravern, Wild Ginger and John Howie Steak, have zero street presence at all and are totally closed off from the rest of the complex.

Luckily, despite these oversights the complex is still at close to capacity and hopefully this new owner will be able to bring some innovative ideas

That's good to hear. Schnitzer was a little over their head when they decided to build a massive retail component at the Bravern.

Actually they made several blunders:
-Removing the hotel component of the condo towers. For years the convention center has desperately needed an adjacent hotel but Schnitzer got greedy during the condo boom and wanted a piece of the pie. A hotel would've also provided the shops and restaurants with a constant flow of patrons.

-Branding the complex as high-end only. This really limited the # of potential tenants and because of the retail mix they have, foot traffic is very low there. Even during the holidays the place is a ghost town.

-No outdoor seating for restaurants. When they were designing the complex, they talked at length about it being inspired by European shopping promenades. One of the reasons those promenades are so lively is because of outdoor cafes and restaurants. The two existing restaurants at the Bravern, Wild Ginger and John Howie Steak, have zero street presence at all and are totally closed off from the rest of the complex.

Luckily, despite these oversights the complex is still at close to capacity and hopefully this new owner will be able to bring some innovative ideas

I'd add one more thing: it's really in the middle of nowhere. Besides the fact that it's close to 405, I wouldn't have put such a large investment in that area. Those shops and Neiman Marcus should have been closer to Bellevue Square. There's no way in hell most people would walk from Bellevue Square to the Bravern. Perhaps that was the point...however, Bellevue Square also has many shops that cater to extremely rich clientele...and perhaps the shops at the Bravern could have cashed in on that had they been closer to the mall.

I'd add one more thing: it's really in the middle of nowhere. Besides the fact that it's close to 405, I wouldn't have put such a large investment in that area. Those shops and Neiman Marcus should have been closer to Bellevue Square. There's no way in hell most people would walk from Bellevue Square to the Bravern. Perhaps that was the point...however, Bellevue Square also has many shops that cater to extremely rich clientele...and perhaps the shops at the Bravern could have cashed in on that had they been closer to the mall.

Yeah I agree, but that is more out of their control. I think the Washington Square site would've been perfect for a development like the Bravern.

I think it's time to finally update the first page. All the projects listed under "u/c" are now complete. Currently there's nothing under construction right now in downtown Bellevue unless you count the new parking garage for the library :ohno:

I think it's time to finally update the first page. All the projects listed under "u/c" are now complete. Currently there's nothing under construction right now in downtown Bellevue unless you count the new parking garage for the library :ohno:
Yeah I got some editing to do. Don't worry I'll get around to it soon.

I think it's time to finally update the first page. All the projects listed under "u/c" are now complete. Currently there's nothing under construction right now in downtown Bellevue unless you count the new parking garage for the library :ohno:
OK I finally did it. :D

Bond-

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa469/nwmike12/architecture/2552e5af.jpg

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1491131

What about this one?

^
Done!

:)

NYC LLC pays $79M for Bravern's retail
By JOURNAL STAFF


The Shops at the Bravern sold yesterday for $79 million, public records show. The buyer is listed as a limited liability company with a New York City address.

NYC LLC pays $79M for Bravern's retail
By JOURNAL STAFF


The Shops at the Bravern sold yesterday for $79 million, public records show. The buyer is listed as a limited liability company with a New York City address.

Seems kind of low for a shopping center that contains a Neiman Marcus. Hopefully this new owner will know what they're doing, I always got the sense that Schnitzer were way over their heads when they stepped out of their comfort zone and built retail/housing. They should just stick to office development.

^
Done!

Thanks for updating. You can remove the Legacy Tower as that was an old proposal which was replaced by the SoMa Towers.

^
Done!

Does Bellevue have any height limits like Seattle has?

Yes. Apparently 450' is the max height allowed in downtown Bellevue.

Any plans of that being raised?

That height isn't too bad for a somewhat small city.

But why would a somewhat small city that does have skyscrapers have height limits at all?

But why would a somewhat small city that does have skyscrapers have height limits at all?

I'm not sure but I think some posters have mentioned flight paths as a possible reason although I still don't see why they can't build as high as Seattle which is closer to the airport than Bellevue is.

Downtown Bellevue is zoned wedding cake style, with the middle at 450'. I don't think there's any specific reason that number was chosen.

Does Vancouver and Portland have height limits?

I believe Vancouver is 650'.

Why all the caps , what are cities afraid of? Earthquakes?

I know it's not Bellevue, but it's probably better to put Mercer Island stuff in this thread.

According to this (http://www.mi-reporter.com/news/143496666.html) article, there are two mixed-use project under construction at the moment, totaling 251 units and.... 463 parking spaces. Yikes.

Anyway, it's great to see strip malls making way for density.

The height limits in all three cities are about the citizenry's dislike of highrises. Lately this has eased somewhat, but it's still a major factor.

As all three densify, residents self-select somewhat. Also, while high-density often meant poverty a few decades ago (in most of the US), it's gone far more upmarket since then, helping change attitudes.

News about projects on the Eastside outside of downtown Bellevue should go in this thread HERE (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=576471).
Stuff about Mercer Island should go in the thread linked on pg 1 of this thread.

I'm not sure but I think some posters have mentioned flight paths as a possible reason although I still don't see why they can't build as high as Seattle which is closer to the airport than Bellevue is.

Flight paths weren't the reason for Bellevue's cap at 450. It used to be unlimited back in the day...forgot why they changed it though. Maybe they changed it the same time seattle did.

Bellevue skyline from 405

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/752/dtbellevue2skyline.jpg

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=198420

Bellevue Square needs to be more like that.

^^ Nice mall! That reminds me of Horton Plaza in downtown San Diego. I like to see Bellevue Square to become like that. Kemper Freeman needs to sell his Bellevue Collection to someone else to have better vision to rebuild that mall with streetcar/light rail in mind.

Reminds me a little bit of Redmond Town Center.

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=198420

Bellevue Square needs to be more like that.

Very nice, but keep in mind the weather differences. We couldn't have as much open-topped space. But still: moar residential towers, esp workforce rate, atop the mall would be glorious.

Reminds me a little bit of Redmond Town Center.

Yes it does, but bigger. Great design and very large. Nice job SaltLake.
This type of upgrade would be great for any city

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58958166@N05/6898302833/

How come these designs are popping up everywhere? Reminds me of City Center Plaza and Bellevue Towers.

It looks like phase 1 of SoMa Towers (the north tower) has started construction. The current building was demolished earlier this week and it looks like they are starting to dig. Hopefully this won't be the only project that breaks ground in Bellevue this year.

great!

Fixed the front page, added new rendering.

It looks like phase 1 of SoMa Towers (the north tower) has started construction. The current building was demolished earlier this week and it looks like they are starting to dig. Hopefully this won't be the only project that breaks ground in Bellevue this year.

Are they digging up the demolished building, or are they really excavating? If shoring is going in I'd call it a start.

I don't know too much about the technical terms for different construction phases but it definitely looks like they are doing more than just digging up the demolished building. I am hoping this can be a catalyst for some of the other apartment projects in the pipeline to get going. Bellevue needs to get in on this apartment boom!

It'll be competition, not a catalyst...everyone already knows Downtown Bellevue will work for highrise residential. But it says someone and their financiers has reason for optimism about the market.

Was driving on NE 12th tonight and noticed a site between 112th and 110th was fenced off and he existing structures demolished. The proposed project is a 5 story apartment building with 75 units. Hopefully this is potentially another start!

Here's a rendering I found: http://www.kovacharchitects.com/work_content.php?show=18&tableID=projectfiles

Between this new project described above, the recently started SoMa towers, and another midrise apartment project near the park that is planned to start this summer, that's roughly 350 new units for downtown Bellevue that could start this year. Obviously it's nothing compared to the boom Seattle is seeing but definitely a good sign for this side of the lake.

I'm hoping within a few more years some of the larger projects that are on hold such as Lincoln Square 2 and Beacon Capital's 450 ft office tower on NE 8th will finally break ground.

Was driving on NE 12th tonight and noticed a site between 112th and 110th was fenced off and he existing structures demolished. The proposed project is a 5 story apartment building with 75 units. Hopefully this is potentially another start!

Here's a rendering I found: http://www.kovacharchitects.com/work_content.php?show=18&tableID=projectfiles
Now THAT is cool! So many interesting angles and set backs for a low rise.

Interesting looking. I love how they show more people out on their balconies than there would actually be in about nineteen years,

Very true. Balconies exist so people have the option of going outside, not because they do go outside. Turns out it's cold/hot/windy out there. Actually, the best thing about a balcony is that if you don't have air conditioning, you can open your door the whole way, which is also the point of the non-balcony that some people don't get.

You need to put your BBQ somewhere.

Not on your balcony. Briquettes are illegal or at least against most buildings' insurance policies. I think gas might be ok.

Not on your balcony. Briquettes are illegal or at least against most buildings' insurance policies. I think gas might be ok.

Depends on the sprinkler layout. One place I lived had sprinklers on the balcony so they allowed charcoal fires.

Couple other renderings from the architect's website:
http://www.kovacharchitects.com/work_content.php?show=13&tableID=projectfiles
http://www.kovacharchitects.com/work_content.php?show=19&tableID=projectfiles

I really like this new building. Best looking thing I have seen in awhile!

Not on your balcony. Briquettes are illegal or at least against most buildings' insurance policies. I think gas might be ok.

A few years ago Gov. Greg tried to pass a midnight law making it illegal for any grills on apt balconies. It was shut down and has not resurfaced again. Gas is allowed.

Another midrise just got design approval from the city. This one is simply named "Bellevue Apartments".
http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/land%20use/10-126206-LD_Bellevue_Apartments.pdf

I've always found that area of downtown strange...not sure why.

I've always found that area of downtown strange...not sure why.

Yeah that SE quadrant is probably the most "suburban" part left of DT Bellevue. That massive Toys R Us/Office Depot block needs to be redeveloped but that will take years.

Huh. Seems like Downtown Bellevue is maturing, this kind of project looks like infill that you'd see on Capitol Hill or in Lower Queen Anne.

Huh. Seems like Downtown Bellevue is maturing, this kind of project looks like infill that you'd see on Capitol Hill or in Lower Queen Anne.

It's getting there but I think the reason we are seeing more of these "infill" type projects right now is because the market hasn't recovered enough to justify construction of the larger mega projects that are on the drawing boards.

It's taken Bellevue a little longer to recover from the recession than Seattle because it was overbuilt during the last cycle but I believe we are going to start seeing early signs of the next "boom" coming up. I read recently that the apartment vacancy rate has dropped to 3% with average rent up 15% from three years ago. Office vacancy is at 13% but is expected to fall to under 10% by next year.

Overall, Bellevue continues to mature into a real city but it still has a long way to go. Despite the impressive skyline from afar, at the street level it is still in the weird transition phase between suburban strip malls to dense urban design. It's going to be very interesting to see what this city will look like in 10-12 years when the light rail makes it's first stop.

I've got to believe this is coupled with Bellevue's lack of new jobs coming to downtown. This is unlike Seattle with Amazon and other companies expanding in the downtown area.

I've got to believe this is coupled with Bellevue's lack of new jobs coming to downtown. This is unlike Seattle with Amazon and other companies expanding in the downtown area.

Yes, that's likely part of the story as well. The last boom was largely fueled by Microsoft absorbing all that new office space but as of now it doesn't look like they have any plans to add any more and no developers are going to build office on spec. Kemper's proposed Lincoln Square expansion and Beacon Capital's 10833 8th Street are both located near current Microsoft's current DT Bellevue offices so I'd assume those developers are talking to Microsoft about taking up space in their new buildings.

Here's a tidbit that I forgot to post. At our annual homeowner's meeting at Washington Square last month, a rep from the developer was there and gave an update on the future phases. He didn't have anything concrete to announce but he said they were talking to several tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, and Facebook. The concept they are pitching is an urban campus on the Washington Square superblock along 8th street that would be not unlike what Amazon has done in SLU. At this point it's just a concept and it will be designed to suit the tenant since they will not proceed just on spec.

Yeah that SE quadrant is probably the most "suburban" part left of DT Bellevue. That massive Toys R Us/Office Depot block needs to be redeveloped but that will take years.

I wouldn't mind seeing that. That area feels completely disconnected from the rest of downtown.

I think the old CompUSA (is that what was there "back in the day?") is still vacant.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2018426714_spring14.html
Is there any more information on this development?

Wow pretty exciting! I'll be looking for more info.

I guess it's exciting...