March 15, 2015

Bellevue hosts construction boom

By Sarah Washburn

The City of Bellevue has found itself in the midst of a construction and building boom that encompasses residential, retail, and hotel construction.  In addition to major expansions at Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, at least 26 more projects are currently planned or under construction in or near downtown Bellevue, including housing units, office space, hotel rooms, and retail.  The City is also planning new parks and expanding existing parks to balance the new development, as well as contemplating zoning changes to aid city planning.  Much of the new development is driven by demand for retail space, as vacancy rates are extremely low.  Bellevue’s construction boom offers opportunities for developers as well as city planners in influencing the downtown area’s growth and sustainability.