More Rumblings of Moving Sidewalks in Downtown Bellevue

Eastside Rail Now whose goal is to maintain the railroad presence and use the railroad for regional commuter transportation, proposed to the Bellevue City Council in May The Grand Esplanade.

The Grand Esplanade as describe is a:

"Elegant, tree-lined walkway (which) would extend from downtown Bellevue's existing pedestrian corridor eastward, past City hall on the south and The Bravern and Meydenbauer Convention Center on the north across a graceful new bridge over the I-405 freeway, past a signature commuter rail station 120th Ave., and perhaps eventually all the way up the low rise to the east."

The suggested walkways would feature "state-of-the-art" moving sidewalks. To add to the comfort of these moving walkways, the idea of glass coverings to the walkways has been suggested, similar to the Mid-levels Escalator system in Hong Kong.

With the weather that is common in Bellevue (rain and wind), this seems (setting all costs aside) like a great idea. This would motivate people to walk Downtown. The concept would break down yet another barrier for those to commute into the city.


Mid-levels Escalator System in Hong Kong

Starbucks to Strip "Hear Music"

In an effort to concentrate on coffee, the Hear Music Starbucks store in The Lodge at Bellevue Square has transitioned to a regular Starbucks store. The music stations, along with the CD's that lined the store, have all been taken out. The store was 1 of the 4 stores across the country that had the Hear Music title.

This is one of the many things Starbucks has done to get back to their roots, and focus on coffee and the customer service experience!

Pearl Will Replace Trader Vic's

Yesterday we reported that Trader Vic's has closed its doors for good.

It has since come to our attention that Pearl will be the restaurant to take its place! What is Pearl you ask? The over 200-person dinning room will be transformed into an urban theme with a contemporary American menu.

The former chef and executive for Schwartz Brothers, Bradley Dickinson, along with the regional manager for Schwartz Brothers, Mikel Rogers, have worked on this concept for over a year. Recently they have been able to engage in locking down the Lincoln Square location which they are planning to open in mid-November.

Trader Vic's Closes For Good

Trader Vic’s in Lincoln Square has become victim to their hidden location, and the slumping economy, and has now closed their doors for good. As previously rumored, Trader Vic’s never really caught traction in Bellevue and has been attempting different forms of marketing (new and improved happy hours, free valet parking, coupons in the mail, etc.) to drive customers to the restaurant.

No word yet what will be replacing Trader Vic’s. What would you like to see replace it?

Downtown Bellevue Network Event - Sign Up For Your Invitation!

We are having our 2nd Downtown Bellevue Network event, and we've locked down an unbeatable and unique location!

We will be sending out an invitation to those who are signed up on our email mailing list, to have the first chance to RSVP for our limited-capacity event.

Sign up for our email notifications in the top left corner where it states: Join our mailing list, by 12pm on Monday, as we will be sending out the invitation Monday afternoon.

Our readership, along with email subscribers, have grown increasingly since our last event so don't wait. Capacity for the event will most likely fill up quickly.

Two New Stores Add Style at Bellevue Square

Bellevue Square will soon be boasting 2 new high fashion specialty stores. 7 For All Mankind will be opening by Nordstrom and will be one of their few retail stores in the US.

Another stylish store is opening down by JC Penney called Free People. They describe their clothing as "smart, creative, confident and comfortable in all aspects of her being, free and adventurous, sweet to tough to tomboy to romantic." The brand is an offspring from Urban Outfitters.

These new stores should be opening near the end of the summer.

-Trisha

Top Pot Doughnuts Now Open!

Today marks Top Pot Doughnuts' grand opening in Downtown Bellevue. This will be Top Pot's 5th location in total and first in Bellevue.

Top Pot, known for its delicious doughnuts, will be located at the base of the condominium development Washington Square. It will be the first retail store opening at the complex.

Top Pot is open 6am - 7pm Mon - Fri, and 7am - 7pm Sat & Sun. Hopefully they will open a bit later as the residential community expands.

Gucci Will Open Store In Seattle

Gucci has chosen Seattle over Bellevue in their latest store opening announcement. This is one of the few luxury store announcements that has landed in Seattle over Bellevue in recent months.

Brands such as Neiman Marcus, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and more have decided to call Downtown Bellevue home, over other large Pacific Northwest destinations such as Seattle and Portland.

One of the factors in this decision by Gucci was likely due to the recent addition in Nordstrom at Bellevue Square, where a “Gucci Shop” was added last spring.

Wilburton Tunnel Removal Finished One Week Early!

If you live in or around Bellevue, you've likely been affected by the Wilburton Tunnel removal, which for the last 2 weekends has closed southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and the I-405/I-90 interchange.

The project, which has scheduled I-405 to be closed 8/22 – 8/25, was able to demolish the tunnel 1 week ahead of schedule. So, the freeway will no longer need to be closed this upcoming weekend.

Ask Lea: Pamper Me

Dear Lea,
I know there are a lot of fun places for couples or groups to go out in Downtown Bellevue, but do you have any ideas on how to indulge on your own? I work in Downtown Bellevue and know there are a lot of spas, but I need some ideas on how to relax in this city after a hard day.
- Needing Some R&R

Dear Needing Some R&R,

Whether you're a company executive, single parent, retail sales person, restaurant server, or hair stylist, we all could use a little rest and relaxation every now and then. You deserve to indulge in yourself, and Downtown Bellevue has plenty to offer you. Here are some ideas of how to be pampered. And men, this isn't just for the ladies - sometimes it's harder for you to accept, but you can be pampered too!

• Get a full body massage. Massage therapy has been shown to decrease anxiety and boost your immune system. It's a great way to release back pain and get 60 minutes of quiet all to yourself. Massage Center of Bellevue off of Main St. in Old Bellevue has wonderful massage therapy. They continue to win the Bellevue Downtown Association's Haute Pick for "Best Massage," year after year.
• Eat chocolate. Chocolate release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that just make you feel good. Dark chocolate is best because it is richest in flavonoids, which help our cells repair and resist damage. Try the dark chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot on 108th. You can get a whole pot for half price during their happy hour, which is daily from 4:30-6:30pm and 9pm-11pm.
• Get a manicure, pedicure, or facial. Take the weight off your feet from standing all day, relax your hands from all of that typing, and rejuvenate that tired expression. Downtown Bellevue's Gene Juarez is a one-stop-shop for this kind of treatment. They even have a spa just for the men!
• Take a yoga class. Yoga is a fantastic way to increase your flexibility and provide lubrication to stiff joints. The breathing techniques practiced in yoga help the respiratory system and improve concentration and relaxation. ONVO specializes in yoga practice, offering classes that cater to beginner through more intermediate levels.

Well I hope this gives you a place to start. If you do only one of these things, you are sure to receive the benefits of R&R. I challenge you to make time for yourself at least once a week, whether it's a full day at the spa or just time to read some of your favorite book.

Now go get pampered!
- Lea

Let me know what your favorite way to rest and relax is. Click into this article to leave a comment, or write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!

Downtown Bellevue Network Gets Social. Now on Facebook!

The Downtown Bellevue Network has joined the social arena with a Facebook page! If you are on Facebook, be a "fan" of our Downtown Bellevue Network page!

Not yet on Facebook? Why not? Find out what all the fun is about and sign up!

Bellevue Reporter Article Highlights Kemper Development Expansions

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

Bellevue Downtown Park Summer Series, or Lack There Of

Here we are almost a year later, and still no summer movie nights or anything similar. One year ago we made a post encouraging the Bellevue Downtown Park to be used for movie nights or some like entertainment. Here are some parks in the area that are currently being used for movie nights in the summer: Kirkland, Woodinville, Fremont, Marymoor, and South Lake Union.

Bellevue Downtown Park has been a high traffic park this summer with people running, walking their dogs, playing volleyball and Frisbee, laying in the sun, etc. The large and beautiful park, right in the heart of Downtown, is great and should continue to be taken advantage of - but could be even better if there were events organized by the City of Bellevue, Bellevue Downtown Association, or another organization during the summer months, to encourage the gathering of people (movie nights, concerts, etc.).

By the sheer turnout of the ArtsFair and 4th of July, there are clearly enough people that have interest in being involved in community events; we just need organizations to step up to the plate and plan them! Yes, this is easier said than done, but note that the Downtown population will reach 5,000 in the next year. Getting enough people to show up to an event is a thing of the past. The goal should no longer be to get people to show up, but to put on great events that get people interacting and enjoying the community in which they live!

The Downtown Bellevue Network would gladly support and help any organization that would like to fund and/or organize a summer series of some kind! Contact us at info@downtownbellevue.com if interested!

Bellevue Arts Museum Recieves Large Grant

The Bellevue Arts Museum has been awarded a $478,492 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, or IMLS, which is a federal government grant.

The money will go towards the museum exhibitions and educational programs between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

IMLS is the main source of federal support for the nation's 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums across the country, with the goal to to sustain heritage, culture and knowledge, enhance learning and innovation, and support professional development. Many members of the community, including Senators Patty Murry, Maria Cantwell, and Dave Reichert, took action and wrote letters to their representatives in support of the grant.

California Pizza Kitchen Offering Bike Delievery

The Bellevue California Pizza Kitchen, along with their new outdoor patio, has introduced bike delivery in Downtown Bellevue.

The outlines of the delivery zone are 100th Ave Ne, NE 8th St, 110th Ave NE, and NE 2nd Ave NE, which encompasses the majority of the Downtown core. The service will be available for delivery Monday through Friday 11:00am - 6:00pm.

I'd like to see them open up to the weekends (at least Saturday) and extend the hours once many of these condos come to market.

Has anybody tried this yet, what was your experience?

Removal of Wilburton Tunnel Will Affect Weekend Travel

The crunchers, breakers, track hoes, and dump trucks have moved in and are ready to remove the Wilburton Tunnel this Friday, August 8th. At 11 p.m. southbound I-405 between SE 8th Street and the I-405/I-90 interchange in Bellevue will close, and the heavy equipment will move in and start breaking apart the 360 feet-long and 70 feet-wide tunnel. Southbound I-405 will also be closed the following 2 weekends so crews can complete the removal of the tunnel. The hours and days of the closure are:

• 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8 - 5 a.m., Monday Aug. 11
• 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 - 5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 18
• 11 p.m., Friday, Aug. 22 - 5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 25

Prepare for alternate routes on these upcoming weekends!

Luxury Leather Brand: Bottega Veneta, to Open at The Bravern

Bottega Veneta, a well known luxury brand across the world, best known for its handbags, shoes, small leather goods, luggage, and more, has announced its plans to arrive at The Shops at The Bravern upon opening in September of 2009.

Many in the area might not be familiar with the brand, as it's the first store in the Pacific Northwest and only the 20th store in the United States. Although it has a smaller footprint in the US, there are 113 stores worldwide.

Gucci bought the successful brand in 2001. When visiting their Website, you'll see that their womens handbags are quite pricey. Nothing seems to be priced anywhere close to under $1,000 and ranges up to a mere sliver under $18,000 (no, not a typo). It makes some of these other designers look like a bargain in comparison.

PI Editorial Slams Kemper Freeman's Transit Stance

In a recent editorial in the Seattle P-I, a writer slams Kemper Freeman's viewpoint on not supporting the mass transit initiative for a light rail system, which is currently proposed to go through Bellevue.

The writer argues that who is Kemper Freeman to be speaking on this issue when he has not personally been one waiting for buses in traffic or crammed into a crowded bus during rush hour.

Freeman has notoriously opposed the transit plan and spent thousands of dollars to counter efforts over the years. He has publicly stated in the past that he thinks much better use could be made of the millions of dollars that would be put into this initiative.

What are your thoughts? Do you oppose or support the transit proposal?
Leave your thoughts in the comment section.

Bellevue Towers Crane Comes Down

The crane at the Bellevue Towers job site over the last week has started coming down, and by Sunday (Aug 3rd) will be completely removed. The 43 and 42 story buildings as previously reported were topped off in May.

By the looks of things, the towers have over 80% of the exterior glass installed, and have been working on the interiors for a couple of months now.

Up until this point Bellevue Towers has had a showroom across the street from the project, but will now release 8 model homes in the South Tower next week which will be available for showings by appointment. Now instead of imagining what a home might look like, you can tour one!

Ask Lea: And Then There Were 3

Dear Lea,

So after visiting the ArtsFair this past weekend, I came to realize that there were actually 3 separate arts fairs going on in Downtown Bellevue. Do you know who sponsors each of the 3 fairs and why it isn't just one big Bellevue arts fair? It's a confusing message.

- Frazzeled by Fairs

Dear Frazzeled by Fairs,

It's funny that you ask this question because I had the same one myself. It wasn't until I went to the arts fairs last Friday that I realized that not only were there 3 different fairs, but that they weren't connected to one other on a grander scale. Eager to find the answer to my questions, I tracked down a Bellevue Arts Museum information booth where I picked the brain of one of the volunteers. The Bellevue Arts Museum ArtsFair is put on by the Bellevue Arts Museum, and this year it was sponsored by Microsoft.

It is the longest running and most prominent arts event in the Northwest, with its first annual ArtsFair in 1947 presented by Bellevue Square. Over 350,000 visitors are speculated to have come to the ArtsFair over the weekend. This particular ArtsFair always occupies the west side of Bellevue Square from outside the mall, extending to the first level parking lots.

The second fair is the 6th Street Fair: A taste of the arts, which was literally on 6th Street and 106th Ave. This arts fair was put on by the Bellevue Downtown Association. It featured more than 120 artists and live musical entertainment.
Photo courtesy of B.A.M.

The third fair is the Bellevue Festival of the Arts, which has been hosted in the Cost Plus World Market Parking lot for 24 years. It is put on and sponsored by the non-profit organization, Craft Cooporitive of the North West (CCNW). CCNW's mission is to create a supportive and sustainable environment for artisits, while contributing to the community. They have donated the proceeds from their annual fair to those in need, such as Lifelong AIDS Alliance, local shelters and food banks, youth programs, and a rural teaching program in India.

Why they don't just team up and form an alliance for one grand Bellevue Arts Fair, I don't know. I assume it has something to do with the ultimate goals of each sponsor, profit versus not for profit, etc. I hope this clears it up for everyone because I agree with you that it's a "confusing message."

Dazzled by Fairs,

Lea

Have something YOU want to ASK? Write me at lea@downtownbellevue.com!