Compared to some central Seattle neighborhoods, particularly South Lake Union, Bellevue’s development over the last few years looks anything but dramatic. Still, plenty of development is taking place east of Lake Washington. Several new restaurants have opened in the last year. Two new hotels are currently under construction downtown. And Bellevue’s retail offerings are getting stronger by the season.
Here’s a look at several of the planned, currently-in-progress, and recently completed developments in the Eastside community’s downtown and Spring District neighborhoods.
REI
Bellevue’s outdoor enthusiasts who currently head to South Lake Union or Redmond for their REI excursions can expect a bigger, better equipped, and more conveniently located outdoor recreation gear supplier as of this fall. REI is in the process of moving its Redmond store to Bellevue’s new Spring District shopping center. The new store promises to be larger and more conveniently located to the Eastside’s 126,000 REI members than its current spot.
Trader Joe’s
The specialty grocer is setting up shop just east of the 405 in the Midlands neighborhood, a 5-minute drive from the Bellevue apartments at AMLI at Bellevue Park. If you’ve anxiously awaited Trader Joe’s lovely grocery products, cheap prices, and “Two Buck Chuck,” your wait will finally end this fall.
New downtown Bellevue hotels
The Hilton Garden Inn on Washington Square and Marriott AC hotels are under construction in downtown Bellevue. A mile and half-mile from AMLI at Bellevue Park, respectively, these new hotels will be able to provide new recommendations for visitors you’re unable to put up. Each will have approximately 250 hotel rooms. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is also planning a modern boutique hotel with 120 rooms. Ground is expected to be broken sometime in early 2017.
Freshii
Fast, fresh, made-to-order, and affordable are the characteristics of Freshii’s food that make it popular to patrons. The Toronto-based chain opened a store in The Bellevue Collection this spring, convenient for lunch if you work in downtown Bellevue.
Japonessa
Japonessa Sushi Cocina is doing a roaring trade in downtown Seattle, a mile’s drive from the apartments at AMLI 535 and AMLI South Lake Union. Seattle sushi restaurateur Billy Beach, who also has a sushi bar in Ballard, will open a second Japonessa in downtown Bellevue’s Lincoln Square this fall. The Latin American-inspired Japanese restaurant will be just a ten-minute walk from AMLI at Bellevue Park.
Jujubeet Cafe
If you live in AMLI at Bellevue Park, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient place to grab a pre- or post-workout juice, salad, or smoothie. Jujubeet on Main Street opened just a block away three months ago.
Woods Coffee
With 17 locations in Skagit and Whatcom counties, Woods Coffee has established itself as a dedicated purveyor of quality coffee to PNW residents. The cafe’s local orientation and laid back vibes are proving popular among a growing mass of loyal customers. Sometime this fall, the Tully’s at Bellevue Square will be replaced with Bellevue’s first Woods Coffee.
Wunderbrat
Inspired by a trip to Vienna taken a decade ago, Robert Wanderer opened this brat and pretzel eatery to much fanfare just before the New Year. The pretzel rolls and bites are the most talked about items on the menu, but the sausages and sauerkraut are satisfying as well.
Now that you’re looped in on the latest changes and developments in Bellevue, you’re poised to make the most of new arrivals to the community that interest you. Get out there and try something new this summer or fall. Bellevue is a great place to call home.
What Bellevue developments are you most excited about? Leave a comment to start or join the conversation.
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View All Posts by Jason Ernst