Open Vacancy on Main Street

This week is "Open Vacancy" week on DowntownBellevue.net, and second up and open with a vacancy is the old Bellevue CompUSA location.

The 100 108th Ave N.E. spot on Main St sits across the way from Belle Arts mid-rise condominium complex. The neighbors within the retail complex include, Boaters World Marine Center, Office Depot, Toys R Us, and Tully's.

In recent rumors, it has been speculated that Trader Joe's is inquiring about leasing this space for a Downtown Bellevue location. Trader Joe's currently has one Bellevue store at the address of 15400 NE 20th St. The rumors are unconfirmed but come from two separate reliable sources within the real estate industry.

Open Vacancy Week, First Up Bellevue Galleria

This week DowntownBellevue.net will focus on commercial real estate vacancies which have high profile locations.

There is no location more painfully vacant than the Bellevue Galleria. Since its opening in 1999 Bellevue Galleria has gone through some major tenants including Tower Records, Hooters, Houlihan's, Ben and Jerry's, The Garage, and more.

With the opening of Lincoln Square Cinemas over a year ago it has made the Bellevue Galleria less attractive for possible tenants in the short term.

Bellevue Galleria's second floor (pictured below) is practically completely abandoned. There are about five retail locations which currently sit empty, which show no promise of life.

The saving grace of Bellevue Galleria will be Bellevue Towers, the condominium project being built next door. The dual towers will bring 558 residences footsteps away. If that isn't a godsend I don't know what is. These upscale residences, which are on track for completion with some of the units in late 2008 will bring ideal clientèle with disposable income ready to spend.

Bellevue Galleria's Tap House has proven its success by recently opening a Downtown Seattle location.

Despite having trouble filling these once undesirable retail locations, I believe the future is very bright. The worst has passed, and there is a lot of money to be made by the soon to be many residents of Downtown Bellevue.

Pictures Taken 7/26

Bellevue Photographs From This Week

Here are some photographs I took around Downtown Bellevue this week. The weather has been beautiful, and landmarks photogenic...great combo!

Check out my full set of Downtown Bellevue Photographs at Flickr

Bre - Belcarra Apartments

The location previously used as Cadillac's spare parking lot in Downtown Bellevue at 1032 106th Ave NE has been fenced off and will be used to house a six-story 320 apartment complex. Belcarra Apartments, as it will be named is owned by Bre Properties, and will include over 15,000 square feet of retail space.

According to representative's at Bre properties, the projected completion date is August 2009.

Zen Asian Cuisine Coming to Bellevue

Zen Asian Cuisine will be accompanying Vertigo Lounge at the 989 Elements Building in Bellevue on 112th Ave NE.

Zen Asian Cuisine specializes in authentic tasting "Thai-Asian" food, as they refer to it. The menu offers exotic dishes including fresh seafood, duck, tofu, fresh vegetables, Asian Noodles, Thai tea, Thai coffee, Singha Thai Beer, and a full bar. The bar will offer premium sake list, and an extensive wine collection. This will be Zen Asian Cuisine's second location. The original location is located in Los Angeles.

The owner Bill Khanna who also owns the Vertigo Lounge, is not new to Bellevue or the Seattle metropolitan area. He has opened four Chutneys, which are high quality Moghul restaurants. The restaurants are located in Queen Anne, Seattle, Capital Hill, and Bellevue.

Bellevue's increasing nightlife will welcome with open arms the two latest additions at 989 Elements Building. Zen Asian Cuisine is expected to open in mid August (around August 15th) alongside Vertigo Lounge.

Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair This Weekend

What used to be known as the Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair has taken on a new name, and is now the "Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair". The 61st annual ArtsFair will showcase to 325 artists from all over United States and Canada. The fair allows for a unique opportunity to meet many of the artists which are selling their work.

The activities available at the ArtsFair will not only keep adults engaged. Children of all ages will be entertained at the free KidsFair at Bellevue Arts Museum where kids will have access to hands on craft activities.

The free weekend long event which offers live entertainment, food, and of course art is expected to play host to around 350,000 people. The event takes place outside of Bellevue Square and Bellevue Art Museum. All proceeds from the ArtsFair will benefit the Bellevue Arts Museum exhibitions and education programs.

Come out this weekend and enjoy one of Downtown Bellevue's biggest events of the year. The weather forecast is predicted to be in the upper 70's, so soak up the sun and enjoy the ArtsFair!

When:
July 27, 28, 29, 2007
Friday, Saturday: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Kidsfair: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM everyday

Nightclub Coming to Downtown Bellevue

Vertigo Lounge, Downtown Bellevue's newest edition to its quickly growing nightlife will open its doors in the middle of August. Vertigo Lounge's nightlife will include a small dining room, cool center bar, lounge with a dance floor and DJ, which will be available after 10pm.

The modern lounge will be open from 11:30am-2am and offer comfort foods such as steak, lamb, pasta and more. This is one of the first upscale Bellevue venues which will stay open until 2am. On occasion Vertigo Lounge will offer live music in its intimate location on the second floor of the 989 Elements Building at the address of 989 112th Ave NE.

UPDATE: Vertigo is now open, see latest post here.

Metro 112 High-Rise Apartments

According to the City of Bellevue the project known as "Metro 112" is scheduled to break ground the 3rd quarter of 2007. The project will include 300 apartment units, 25,000 sq ft of commercial space, and 450 parking spaces.

Metro 112 is located just across the way from the new Bellevue City Hall, which is conveniently located within steps of the business district in Downtown Bellevue. With many apartment complexes now turning into condo conversions it is leaving renters with limited options. The Avalon Meydenbauer Apartments on Bellevue Way are quickly coming to a finish. Metro 112 is far from complete, but when finished will give Bellevue residents seeking rental properties another option in downtown luxury living.

Photos courtesy of Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects

Bellevue Towers Exterior Beginning to Take Shape

While passing Bellevue Towers today, I noticed workers have started adding the first panels of the glass to the exterior of the structure. Bellevue Towers once complete will forever change the Bellevue skyline. The two towering structures with their charming glass exteriors are projected to be complete in 2009.

Photo Taken 7/21

Lexus of Bellevue Awaits Grand Opening

With Lexus of Bellevue's August 2nd grand opening quickly approaching the Seattle Times has written an article featuring the country's second largest Lexus dealership. The location which used to play host to the Bellevue City Hall, resembles anything but a typical car dealership. Amenities you'll see while visiting the 275,000-square-foot dealership include a grand piano, flat-screen TVs, a deli, an escalator, artificial putting greens, and more.

In 2003 Mercer Island resident, and Lexus of Bellevue owner Michael O'Brien purchased the 11-acre property from the city for $24 million. The dealership cost in the tens of millions to tear down the City Hall buildings and construct the new structure.

The sales department has opened their doors to customers this week at the new location, and is awaiting the service department's arrival to reunite in one location. The service department currently occupies a location on 132nd Ave NE.

Image courtesy of Seattle Times

Construction on 108th Ave NE

108TH Ave NE has been a busy street this year in Bellevue. In November the horrifying accident of a crane falling from the Tower 333 construction site killed a resident in his apartment home across the street. Now with the construction and reconstruction of Tower 333, Civica Building, the apartment complex, and Plaza 305 it has made for a crowded construction area.

Tower 333 Taking Shape
Tower 333, which Expedia has announced they will take over 16 of the 20 floors, has now began to attach the glass windows to the building, giving the building some much needed character.

Civica Building in Repair
Tuesday afternoon the Civica building was caught being repaired. By the looks of it, it seems the office building being repaired was completely evacuated during repair. Eight months after the strike by the crane, it seems Civica is a couple of windows away from a full recovery.

Photos Taken July 17th

New Project Homeowners Dues

Buying into a new high rise condominium is exciting, but astronomically high homeowner dues can put a damper in the excitement. Here is a list of the homeowners dues (also known as HOD's) in the popular Downtown Bellevue projects:

• Bellevue Towers- $0.50 per sq. ft.*
• Washington Square- $0.37 per sq. ft.*
• The Bravern Signature Residences $0.62 per sq. ft.*
• European Towers $0.50-.60 per sq. ft.*

Average homeowners dues for these projects are $0.51 per sq. ft. Washington Square ranks with the least expensive homeowners dues, while The Bravern Signature Residences upholds the highest monthly fees. It should be noted the amenities differ from project to project, therefore altering the dues.

Some of the amenities offered by these projects include, but are not limited to: gas, water, sewage, garbage, workout facilities, multiple elevators, parks, concierge, spa, common lobby spaces, dining room areas, common area theater room, security employees & systems, cleaning crews, valet parking and more.

A project with $0.51 HOD's and a unit of 1000 sq. ft. will cost $510 a month in addition to your mortgage. Luxurious condominiums come with luxurious prices. What are the amenities worth to you?

*Projected prices from condominium projects, which are subject to change.

Megahome Regulations in Bellevue

Regulations in the City of Bellevue will take action as early as fall protecting older and smaller houses now being overshadowed by new monstrous housing being built by the flourishing economy in Bellevue.

Monday night the Planning Commission was told by the City Counsel to begin planning for the 15 regulations which deal with smaller homes being taken advantage of, particularly by the height of these new developments.

The Seattle Times reported the following restrictions could be approved as early as this fall:

• Measure the height of new homes by the grade before construction instead of after. Some builders get around height restrictions — and create homes that tower over neighbors — by adding several feet of dirt under the new foundation.
• Require a certain percentage of trees on the lot to be preserved, perhaps 15 percent or more. Under current city law, an entire lot can be cleared of vegetation.
• Four requirements for residential construction sites: weekly removal of debris, a sign posted in advance of construction, building guidelines distributed to developers and cleanup of abandoned work sites.

Likely not all of the regulations will be made into law. Growth is good, but some neighborhoods are growing awkwardly and have these, "Megahomes" mixed in with older bungalows which makes for quite an interesting looking site.

Free Wireless Internet in Downtown Bellevue

Wireless internet, frequently referred to as Wi-Fi has been available free of charge in downtown Bellevue for just under a year now. According to the City of Bellevue the Hot Spots are located, "between 112th Avenue Northeast on the east, 100th Avenue Northeast on the west, Northeast Fourth Street on the south and Northeast Eighth Street on the north."

In November the Seattle PI reported that the provider of the wireless network is Ohio-based HarborLink. The company makes its money on advertising. Users of the downtown Bellevue Wi-Fi are redirected to a HarborLink web page with advertising, then allowed to use the web freely. 10% of the revenue generated is given back to the City of Bellevue.

One of the best areas receiving great wireless signal strength is at Bellevue Downtown Park. Other areas can be spotty and do not have consistent or optimal signal strength. (Where do you get good signal? Share your Bellevue wireless internet experiences in comments section)

With the current trend of companies in the technology sector migrating to Bellevue in large numbers, it only makes sense that the Downtown Bellevue area maintain and improve this service.

Wireless Hotspot Map

Picasso Etchings Stolen from Gallery in Bellevue Square

Two Picasso etchings were stolen from Martin Lawrence Galleries Wednesday afternoon according representatives from the store. The pieces totaled $93,000. One of the Picasso etchings was from the early 1930's. The names of the pieces are "Bacchic Scene with Minotaur" and "Aquatint 26"

The etchings were stolen by two men and a woman working as a diversion. The surveillance cameras have clear video of the three suspects, which were wearing baseball caps.

The high end art gallery in Bellevue Square is currently featuring a 20th century exhibition, which includes many of Picasso's pieces.

Image: Bacchic Scene with Minotaur (Left) Aquatint 26 (Right)

Bellevue Towers Update

Bellevue Towers, the 558 condominium dual tower high rise promises to bring the tallest building to Bellevue. The North Tower, which will have 42 stories is now over 75% sold out.

The 43 story South Tower will go on sale in early August. The completion of both towers are on schedule to be partially complete for tenants to start moving in December 2008.

Bellevue Towers is one of the many luxury condo projects currently under development in Downtown Bellevue. The Bravern, Washington Square, and European Tower are of the other highly speculated projects in downtown.

Among the luxurious amenities you would expect in a condo high rise, Bellevue Towers will also be known for its environmentally friendly efforts. When the project is complete, Bellevue Towers will receive LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The roofs of the buildings will have greenery planted to keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The buildings have been designed to maximize the natural light coming in and minimize the use of electricity. Everything down to the type of paint has been strategically chosen to be environmentally friendly and omit less greenhouse gases.

The private park on the fifth floor in between the towers will offer eco-landscaped Urban Gardens, outdoor fireplace, views of the lake, walking paths, and even provides running area for dogs.

Want to live in the heart of Bellevue but don't want to miss the luxuries of a beautiful garden? You can have both at Bellevue Towers!

New Clearwire Location in Bellevue Square

Clearwire, the wireless internet service provider has opened a new location in Bellevue Square down the hall from their original site, which is now located next to Nordstrom on the first floor.

Bowling Alley to be Added to Lincoln Square! *UPDATE*

According to reports by the Puget Sound Business Journal, Lucky Strike Bowling Alley will open a 23,900 square foot location in the upscale Lincoln Square development later this year.

Lucky Strike Lanes is an upscale bowling alley, which has 13 locations throughout the United States. The first store and roots of Lucky Strike Lanes originates in Hollywood, CA.

Lincoln Square opened in November 2005 with the intentions of bringing entertainment focused establishments to Downtown Bellevue. Current retail such as The Parlor Billiards & Spirits, Lincoln Square Cinemas, McCormick & Schmick's, Trader Vic's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Manzana Rotisserie Grill, will be nicely accompanied by an activity based retail establishment such as Lucky Strike Lanes.

While nothing has been officially announced, Lucky Strike is most likely to occupy either the first floor location next to The Container Store, which has been used for temporary local events such as the Bellevue Fashion Show, or the unoccupied location on the second floor near the escalators.

You will now be able to shop, eat, go to the movies, obtain lodging, and now bowl all while in the presence of the Bellevue Collection!
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UPDATE
The Seattle Times today has run an article with more details from Kemper Development, and Lucky Strike regarding the downtown bowling alley.

The Seattle Times verifies that the alley will be located on the second floor as it had earlier been speculated. Lucky strike will limit entrance to the facility to persons of 21 years and older after 9pm.

1992 marks the exit of the last bowling alley in downtown Bellevue. It has now been converted into what is now Barnes and Noble bookstore on 106th Ave.

Pictures Courtasy of Lucky Strike Lanes

Reports Show Costco Has Interest in Bellevue Location *UPDATED*

The long time vacant and previous Kmart location on 148th Ave SE and Main Street is being speculated by the Bellevue Reporter that Costco is showing interest in occupying the retail space.

The space available is smaller than a typical Costco Warehouse store, but Costco is still interested in building a downsized store. The preliminary plans show the building occupying 137,698 square feet.

Anybody familiar with the current shopping strip is clearly aware that it is in desperate need of an upgrade. The empty Kmart building has sat in shambles for years, adding Costco would catapult the area into a regular Bellevue hot spot.

This is the second time Costco has been interested in this property. Years ago, Costco was speculated to open a "Costco Fresh" that would've offer customers a high end grocery experience. Though the chain never opened this experimental store, the guess would be that they would have rivaled Whole Foods. It would've been interesting to see what would have transpired if these "Costco Fresh" stores had opened.
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UPDATE
Here is the article from 2002 reporting Costco's previous plans for a gourmet store, also known as "Costco Fresh".

Skybridge Now Connects Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place

With small fan fare, the skybridge connecting Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place is now open preceding a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 28th. The anticipated skybridge has been a work in progress since April, and is expected to be the second of possibly eight skybridges that the city wants to be built.

Seafair Marathon in Bellevue

Seafair festivities kicked off last weekend. This Sunday Bellevue will play host to the Seafair Marathon. The gun goes off at 7:00am sharp and the race will begin at the recently busy Bellevue Downtown Park, where Bellevue held its fourth of July festivities on Wednesday. The course allows the runners for an extensive tour through all of Bellevue.

If you aren't ready to participate in the 26.2 mile run, the event offers a half marathon and 5K as well. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Floyd and Delores Jones Cancer Institute at Virginia Mason Medical Center.

Eddie Bauer Opens After Remodel in Bellevue Square

Eddie Bauer in Bellevue Square has been housed in a temporary location for the last couple of months while its main store has been remodeled. Today it opened up its doors in their long time, well known location next to the boat in the Bellevue Square.

The store appears to be smaller, yet much more visually appealing. The store opening comes a week after Eddie Bauer corporate headquarters moved across the street into Lincoln Square's office space.

1200 Bellevue Way, Town Homes Downtown

With 1200 Bellevue Way nearing completion, The Seattle Times has featured an article praising the distinct town homes, in a downtown area now known for rising condo towers.

1200 Bellevue Way is a project which will home 49 housing units. The red-brick residences with no neighbors above or below offer an alternative style of living in downtown. They are spacious and luxurious offering anywhere from 1,575-2,200 square feet. These unique homes offer a sense of privacy and ownership. It is like owning a house in the middle of downtown.

1200 Bellevue Way units start at $735,000 and top off around a $1,000,000.

Symetra Bellevue Family 4th

"The Eastside's Premier 4th of July Event"
Where: Bellevue Downtown Park
When: Wednesday, July 4, 2007 6:00pm
Why: To celebrate the Independence of the United States!

Expect a great time with the over 15 vendors, main stage entertainment from 4-9:30, a full day of children's activities throughout the park, and a great fireworks display at 10:00pm to finish off the day.

Update on Bellevue's "Facelift"

The Seattle P-I ran an article on Monday providing additional details about how Kemper Freeman, Bellevue's most influential businessman will go about providing upgrades to his current properties and upcoming projects. The most noticeable upgrades will be a major interior and exterior renovation of Bellevue Square, 351 additional rooms to Bellevue's Hyatt Regency hotel, and building an extension to Bellevue Square to accommodate upscale fashion boutique shops.

The article states that Freeman declined to disclose tenants names for the future boutique shops, but envisions that Bellevue will be on par with luxury shopping locations similar to Fifth Avenue in New York, Newbury Street in Boston or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with these additions.

Renovations for Bellevue Square begin in August. The lighting, flooring, seating, and major entrances are reported to have an urban garden theme. The construction will not affect shoppers during the regular mall hours. Work will take place between the hours of 9:30pm - 9:30am. During Bellevue Square's busy holiday season, construction will take a hiatus from November and begin again after the new year in January.