Downtown Bellevue

Bellevue is a rapidly growing city in across Lake Washington from Seattle. Long known as a suburb of Seattle, in a 2003 census, it was estimated that the city had a total population of 112,344, making it the fifth largest city in the state and the largest on the Eastside.

Downtown Bellevue is undergoing quite a bit of change, development, and re-development. I was at a condominium complex that overlooked the downtown Bellevue area and I think I counted something like 10 construction cranes. Lincoln Square, which debuted in 2005, and a renovation of the former Qwest building into a new City Hall are the most recent large-scale developments. To follow, Neiman Marcus will open its first store in the Pacific Northwest this Fall 2007 at the corner of 112th Ave NE and NE 8th Street.

The latest buzz came in April from Microsoft, when they announced and agreed to lease a total of 1.3 million square feet in the Bravern (where Neiman Marcus will be located) and Advanta Office Commons, three seven-story buildings east of downtown.

The lease — the biggest in the region, according to local real estate brokers — has made Microsoft the largest tenant downtown. Microsoft has planned to start moving 4,000 new or existing employees into Advanta by year-end with expectations to move into the Bravern by the end of 2008.

The Bravern is now open (Grand Opening was in September, 2009). I went opening weekend and was able to sample free cupcakes from Trophy Cupcakes and enjoy lunch with girlfriends at Mariposa, which is only open for lunch. Since the opening, I've gone to Wild Ginger and have also dined at John Howie Steak. Much to our dismay, they aren't open for lunch on the weekends.

Over the next few years, everyone can expect the downtown Bellevue area to see the construction of several additional high-rises and other projects for office, residential, and retail space. The majority of downtown Bellevue condominiums are listed below.

Based on per capita income, Bellevue ranks 15th wealthiest from 522 communities in the state of Washington.

Downtown Bellevue is home to the Bellevue Square Mall, located at Bellevue Way and spans NE 4th to NE 8th. Visit the official website here to find Mall hours, directions, and a list of all the stores. http://www.bellevuesquare.com/

There are so many parks in Bellevue but favorites are the Downtown Park, which is adjacent to the Bellevue Square Mall, and Chism Beach Park. Most people don't know about the latter one, which is a great beach park, tucked away in a residential area. The crowds are small but the waves can be strong at times. Located at 2102 Bellevue Way, the Mercer Slough is also a favorite mid- to end- of summer they offer blueberry picking right in the city!

New or Near New Downtown Bellevue Condominium Buildings include:
The Bravern Residences
Washington Square
One Lincoln Tower
Bellevue Towers
Continental Condominiums
Park West
1200 Bellevue Way

Older Buildings:
Windsor House (located right behind Bellevue Square) just underwent a major interior renovation with new furniture, floor coverings, paint, and lighting.
Towne Square
The Carlyle
Aria
The McKee (this building had exterior renovations several years ago due to the siding failing). It is in a great location of Old Bellevue on Main Street. There is a good deli called Gilbert's on Main and lots of boutique shopping. Check out the chic Belle Pastry Bakery!
Astoria (directly across from the McKee), built in 2000
Bellevue Pacific Tower
Library Square
Abella, built in 2001
150 Meydenbauer Bay
Cambridge Village
The Palazzo (2 separate buildings, do you know which one has AC in all the units? Email me and I'll be happy to tell you!)
Ashley House
The Park Place
Chiavari
Park Terrace
One Main Street