An article featured Wednesday by the Bellevue Reporter gave an update on Kemper Development Co.’s project status. The article includes an interview with Kemper Freeman Jr. The conversation with Kemper drives home how important maintaining what they already have open, (Bell Sq, Lincoln Sq, & Bell Pl) and keeping it successful will be over the years.
Parking seemed to be a big topic within the article. Kemper is quoted as saying that 90% of their customers come by car. The new projects will bring additional parking: Hyatt Expansion – 500, The Bellevue – 2,500, and Lincoln Square II – unknown.
During the 15 months that the Lincoln Square expansion will been delayed, the old Safeway lot will be turned into 540 temporary parking spots.
Kemper Development Co. Construction Update
- Bellevue Square Remodel: Complete November 2008
- Hyatt Expansion: Complete July 2009
- The Bellevue: Construction to begin 2009
- Lincoln Square Expansion: Construction to begin 2010
Parking is always an issue and it is very smart to be aware of that. He’s also pointed out that some of the local developers may be hurt very bad because of timing. I don’t expect him to make that mistake if it can be avoided. I don’t think we’ll see a long term hole at the old safeway site like we did at the site of the future Lincoln Square before Kemper bought it.