Bellevue Downtown Association Honors 2010 Place Makers

The Bellevue  DowntownAssociation announced the winners of the 2010 Place Making Awards at the nonprofit organization’s 37th annual celebration on Thursday, January 27, at Bellevue’s Meydenbauer Center.

The awards recognize significant events and achievements that have contributed to the cultural and economic growth of downtown Bellevue during the past year, according to the Bellevue Downtown Association.

The 2010 winners are:

Commute Champion: Tetra Tech INCA
Tetra Tech INCA’s commute benefits program has reduced individual travel costs, and helped with recruitment and retention.

Cultural Catalyst: Tateuchi Center Campaign
In June 2010, a $25 million grant from the Atsuhiko and Ina Tateuchi Foundation was given to the Tateuchi Center Campaign. A 2,000-seat concert hall and 250-seat cabaret-style theater is set to open at the center in 2014.

Move of the Year: Bungie to Bellevue
Bungie Studies, the creator of the “Halo” game series, moved its headquarters — and nearly 200 employees — in the summer of 2010 to Bellevue Galleria.

Opening of the Year: Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center
The 75,000-square-foot LEED gold certified Seattle Children’s Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center opened in downtown Bellevue in July 2010.

Residential Development: Avalon Towers Bellevue
In April 2010, Avalon Towers Bellevue opened on Bellevue Way, with 13- and 23-story towers and 396 apartments.

John Boespflug City Builder Award: Matt Terry
In June 2010, Matt Terry retired from his position as the City of Bellevue’s Planning and Community Development Director. He spent 30 years working for the city, and was instrumental to the vision and development of downtown.