Several significant developments have reached completion in downtown Bellevue in 2024, contributing to the area’s growth and transformation. These projects include a mix of luxury hotels, public transit upgrades, new dining destinations, and unique community living concepts. Below is a breakdown of the most notable projects that opened in Bellevue this year:
Avenue Bellevue – InterContinental Hotel
The InterContinental Hotel opened in downtown Bellevue in July 2024, marking the brand’s first domestic launch since 2017 and the first in the Pacific Northwest. Located at Northeast 8th Street and Bellevue Way, the hotel features 208 rooms with prices ranging from $500 to $7,200 per night.
The Avenue Bellevue project, a two-tower mixed-use development, includes the hotel, retail spaces, and residential units. It offers 141 Estate Homes in the South Tower and 224 residences in the West Tower.
East Link Light Rail (2 Line)
The first segment of the East Link Light Rail (2 Line) officially opened on April 27, 2024. This 6.5-mile segment connects Bellevue and Redmond with eight new stations. Trains run every 10 minutes during service hours, which are from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
Future expansions of the 2 Line will connect additional stations, including those in Judkins Park and Mercer Island, with full service expected by 2025. The new light rail service improves connectivity within the Eastside and is part of a broader effort to reduce congestion and improve public transportation options.
Broadstone Savoie – Intergenerational Living Community
In the summer of 2024, Bellevue introduced a new concept in community living with the opening of the Broadstone Savoie. This development expands the Watermark at Bellevue’s campus by adding an intergenerational living community.
Located next to Watermark’s existing facilities, the Broadstone Savoie offers 190 luxury multifamily units and provides an innovative housing model that blends independent living with assisted living and memory care options.
West Main – New Dining and Retail Destination
Vulcan Real Estate’s West Main project, completed in March 2024, is a three-tower, mixed-use development that includes office space, retail outlets, and dining options. The development features a 1,030,000-square-foot area with a common podium and thru-block, offering approximately 34,000 square feet of retail space.
Notable restaurants like La Mar Cocina Peruana Bellevue, Tapster, and Shoo Loong Kan are part of the new dining scene at West Main. La Mar, created by renowned Peruvian chef Gastón Acurio, specializes in traditional Peruvian ceviche. Tapster, a self-pour tasting room, opened its second location in the area, and Shoo Loong Kan will open its first West Coast location at the development. West Main will also include Artly Coffee, a high-tech coffee shop offering advanced coffee-making technology.
Nordstrom Bellevue Remodel
In the spring of 2024, Nordstrom Bellevue completed a major remodel of its store, spanning 285,000 square feet over three levels. The redesign includes updated aesthetics, new services, and expanded offerings, including the opening of Beauty Haven, a luxury beauty department featuring services like brow treatments, manicures, and Drybar services.
The store also introduced a Stylist Lounge and new brands, including Christian Louboutin Beauty and Gucci Beauty. The remodel process began in 2022 and aimed to enhance the shopping experience for customers with updated amenities and a modern design.
These projects represent a combination of retail, residential, transit, and dining developments that are shaping Bellevue’s growth and further adding to the city’s vibrant hub.
I would love to see you feature artist Mykal Aubry whose sculptures are at the Intercontinental Bellevue and The Avenue at Bellevue.