An article in the Seattle PI today focused on Downtown Bellevue and its recent growth, future growth, and relationship with Downtown Seattle.
As reported, a couple that moved into a Downtown Bellevue high-rise in 1996 were the only residents on their floor for four years. Living the urban life in Downtown Bellevue wasn’t exactly the “thing” it is today.
The article goes on to explain how Downtown Bellevue got its first high-rise in 1983 and has had a couple of spurts since, but nothing quite as large as what is currently taking place. In 2004, Symetra Financial moved downtown, which in retrospect looks to be what was the beginning of Downtown Bellevue’s complete makeover.
A large contributing factor to the growth of Downtown Bellevue is coming from the incredible amount of office space leased (or pre-leased) by the likes of Microsoft, Eddie Bauer, Expedia, Yahoo, and more. More and more people are wanting to live closer to work. With the amount of traffic and the rising prices of gas, it’s a valuable asset to live within walking distance of your workplace.
A couple interviewed in the article were choosing between potential residences in Downtown Bellevue or in Downtown Seattle. They decided upon Downtown Bellevue, stating that, “There’s just too much stuff going on (in Seattle), too much panhandling.” Going on to support their decision to live in Bellevue, “It’s reserved nightlife…It’s not the hardcore clubs, but it’s these elegant restaurants, bars and classy people.”
Hey, the article even mentions downtownbellevue.com!
Here were some informative numbers from the article:
Housing: 3,750 units now; 11,100 forecast for 2020
Population: 5,000 estimated now; 14,000 in 2020
Offices: 8 million sq ft now; 13.1 million in 2020
Retail: 3.9 million sq ft now; 5.2 million in 2020
Jobs: 38,100 estimated now; 63,000 in 2020
Downtown Bellevue Developments
Courtesy Seattle PI
