New Things to Know About Bellevue and Redmond for 2025
As we move into 2025, Bellevue and Redmond are poised for significant growth and transformation. With ambitious development plans, infrastructure improvements, and a focus on sustainability, these cities are becoming increasingly attractive for residents and businesses alike. Here’s what you need to know about the latest developments in Bellevue and Redmond.
1. Bellevue's Bold Growth Strategy
Bellevue is implementing a comprehensive growth strategy aimed at adding 152,000 new homes by 2044. This ambitious plan includes:
- Urban Expansion: The city will expand its urban core east of I-405 into Wilburton and the medical district, following the path of the upcoming light rail service. This expansion is crucial for accommodating the projected population growth.
- Zoning Changes: Bellevue will allow for more high-rises near key transit stations, including the Spring District, BelRed, and Wilburton stations. The zoning changes will facilitate mixed-use developments that combine residential and commercial spaces.
- Missing Middle Housing: The new strategy includes compliance with state mandates to allow for "missing middle" housing types, such as triplexes and simplexes, particularly in areas previously limited to single-family homes. This is expected to increase housing diversity and affordability in Bellevue source.
2. Transportation Improvements
East Link Light Rail
- The East Link light rail line, which connects downtown Seattle to downtown Bellevue and Redmond, is set to begin operation in 2025. This line will significantly improve transit options for residents and ease traffic congestion.
- Key stations along the route include Judkins Park and Mercer Island, with additional connections to Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond source.
Infrastructure Upgrades
- Bellevue is investing in infrastructure improvements to support the increased density of new developments. This includes widening arterial streets and enhancing pedestrian access to public transportation source.
3. Redmond's Comprehensive Plan Update
Redmond is also making strides with its Redmond 2050 plan, which focuses on sustainable growth in the Overlake neighborhood:
- Inclusionary Zoning: The city plans to double inclusionary zoning requirements, ensuring that new developments include affordable housing options source.
- Light Rail Development: With the arrival of light rail in Overlake by 2025, the city anticipates significant growth in this area, making it a focal point for future development source.
4. Major Residential Developments
Eastline Grand
- Located at 16595 Redmond Way, Eastline Grand is a mixed-use development that includes 623 residences across six stories. The first phase has already started leasing, with amenities such as a state-of-the-art fitness center, co-working spaces, and outdoor areas source.
Other Developments
- Plymouth Housing Project: A new permanent supportive housing project in Downtown Redmond will provide 100 units for extremely low-income adults exiting homelessness source.
5. Tourism Initiatives
Both cities are actively working to boost tourism:
- The Bellevue-Redmond Tourism Promotion Area (BRTPA) has set ambitious goals for attracting visitors. Bellevue aims to attract 2.4 million visitors by the end of 2025, while Redmond plans to increase overnight visitors by 8% compared to the 2024 source.
- Initiatives include launching culinary tourism tours, enhancing marketing efforts, and creating special events to draw visitors year-round.
6. Sustainability Efforts
Both cities are committed to sustainability as they grow:
- Bellevue’s growth strategy emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, including green building standards and sustainable urban planning.
- Redmond’s Comprehensive Plan includes mandates for deeply decarbonized buildings as part of its commitment to reducing carbon emissions source.
Conclusion
As we head into 2025, Bellevue and Redmond are on track for substantial growth driven by strategic planning and community engagement. With exciting developments in housing, transportation, tourism, and sustainability initiatives, both cities are becoming increasingly attractive destinations for residents and businesses alike. Whether you’re considering moving to the area or just want to stay informed about local changes, there’s much to look forward to in Bellevue and Redmond!
Citations:
[1] https://www.theurbanist.org/2024/02/09/bellevue-unveils-bold-growth-strategy-for-152000-additional-homes/
[2] https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/12/17/redmonds-aggressive-code-update-imperils-2500-homes-planned-near-overlake-station/
[3] https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/transportation/projects/belred-street-improvements
[4] https://www.redmond.gov/2116/Plymouth-Housing-in-Redmond
[5] https://downtownbellevue.com/2024/08/05/bellevue-redmond-tourism-board-unveils-2025-plans/
[6] https://yieldpro.com/2024/05/eastline-grand/
[7] https://www.cascadepbs.org/news/2024/04/next-stop-sound-transit-east-line-now-links-bellevue-redmond
[8] https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/development/codes-and-guidelines/code-amendments/housing-opportunities-mixed-use-areas-land-use-code-amendment
[9] https://www.theurbanist.org/2022/07/11/downtown-bellevue-anticipates-a-wave-of-mega-projects/
[10] https://legacypartners.com/news/legacy-partners-begins-leasing-at-downtown-redmond-apartments/
[11] https://bellevuewa.gov/sites/default/files/media/pdf_document/2024/Recommended%202025-2030%20TIP_Att1.pdf
[12] https://ankrommoisan.com/explore-beyond/2023/11/this-burgeoning-seattle-suburb-is-ripe-with-development-opportunity-if-you-know-how-to-navigate-it/
[13] https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/sound-transit-sets-a-date-for-bellevue-redmond-trains/