Latest News
February 28, 2026
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Elderly Woman Fatally Struck in Bellevue Parking Lot Hit-and-Run: An elderly woman died after being hit by a vehicle in a Bellevue parking lot on Saturday morning, according to local police. The driver reportedly fled the scene before authorities arrived. Police are investigating the incident and have not yet released information about any suspects. The community has expressed concern about safety in local parking areas following the incident. (Source: The Seattle Times on Feb 28)
February 27, 2026
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Bellevue Police Report Significant Reduction in Citywide Crime for 2025: Bellevue experienced a notable 27% decrease in overall crime in 2025, according to the Bellevue Police Department's annual report. The total number of reported incidents dropped from 7,828 in 2024 to 5,698 last year, with property crimes such as robbery, theft, burglary, and vandalism seeing a 33% decline. Despite this improvement, property-related offenses remained the most common type of crime in the city. The department credits data-driven strategies and targeted prevention efforts for these declines. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 27)
February 26, 2026
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304-Unit Residential Project Gains Design Review Approval in Downtown Bellevue: A new multi-family project called Broadstone 200 has secured design review approval from the City of Bellevue. The development, located at 200 112th Avenue NE, will replace an existing office building with two residential towers atop a shared podium, reaching up to nine stories in height. The project will bring 304 market-rate apartments, include underground parking for approximately 304 to 306 vehicles, and feature expanded landscaping and improved street frontage. NE 2nd Street will also be widened as part of the plan. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 26)
February 25, 2026
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Bellden Cafe Seeks Funding for Workforce Training and Hospitality Program in Bellevue: Bellden Cafe in Bellevue has started a Kickstarter campaign aimed at raising $36,800 to develop a Tea & Dinner Workforce Development Program. The initiative is focused on providing structured training in hospitality and tea service for individuals with limited experience in the industry. Funds will be used for equipment, curriculum development, and enhancing the cafe space to support this program. Bellden Cafe has a history of job creation and supporting diverse community members through similar efforts. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 25)
February 23, 2026
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Microsoft Implements In-Office Work Policy in Bellevue and Puget Sound Region: Microsoft's updated in-office policy begins today for employees in the Puget Sound region, specifically impacting Bellevue and nearby Eastside communities. Staff living within 50 miles of a Microsoft office are now expected onsite at least three days each week, with flexibility at the team level and allowances for specific exceptions. The change is anticipated to influence local traffic, downtown business patterns, and commercial real estate as hybrid work schedules shift. Early impacts will likely be most visible midweek. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 23)
February 19, 2026
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Bellevue Approves Temporary Rules for Main Street Development in Old Bellevue: The Bellevue City Council has implemented temporary regulations affecting new development along Main Street in Old Bellevue. The ordinance, passed by a narrow vote, requires preservation or reconstruction of pedestrian-friendly facades and mandates compatibility with nearby properties. Property owners must provide proof that any facade over 50 years old lacks historic or cultural significance before demolition. Previously approved or vested projects are not impacted by these changes. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 19)
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Bellden Cafe in Bellevue Plans Grand Reopening and Afternoon Tea Launch: Bellden Cafe in downtown Bellevue is set to reopen following repairs necessitated by equipment failures and flooding. The event will be held on February 20 and will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with community leaders in attendance. The celebration will also introduce a new afternoon tea service and the launch of a related Kickstarter campaign. Bellden Cafe has served as a community hub for eight years through workforce training and local nonprofit partnerships. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 19)
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Police Chiefs Address Community Concerns at Bellevue Rotary Meeting: At a recent Bellevue Eastside Rotary Club meeting, Mercer Island Police Chief Michelle Bennett and Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley discussed the challenges and responsibilities of their positions. The chiefs highlighted ongoing issues like traffic violations, DUIs, and noise complaints despite a general decline in crime rates. Attendees engaged with the chiefs during a question-and-answer session. The event provided insight into local law enforcement priorities and community concerns. (Source: Bellevue Reporter on Feb 19)
February 18, 2026
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West Main Tower 1 in Downtown Bellevue Fully Leased to Amazon, Listed for Sale: West Main Tower 1, a recently completed office building at 85 106th Ave. NE in downtown Bellevue, has been put up for sale. The 17-story, 364,868-square-foot tower is fully leased to Amazon, which uses it primarily for Amazon Web Services teams. This property is the first in Vulcan Real Estate’s three-tower West Main campus to be marketed for sale. Although Amazon has also leased the remaining two towers, Tower 1 is currently the only one in active use. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 18)
February 16, 2026
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Saks Fifth Avenue Club at InterContinental Bellevue Shuts Down Following Bankruptcy: The Saks Fifth Avenue Club at InterContinental Bellevue closed on February 14, 2026, ending its operations less than seven months after its August 2025 opening. This Bellevue location was part of Saks' expansion of its private, by-appointment shopping concept beyond Seattle, offering curated services and exclusive events. The closure aligns with a broader company move to shutter 14 standalone clubs nationwide as part of bankruptcy proceedings. Saks will retain only a few clubs in select growth markets. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 16)
February 14, 2026
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Bellevue Expands Light Rail Service Prior to Launch of Cross-Lake Connection: Sound Transit has increased light rail operations in Bellevue as preparations continue for the March opening of the Cross-Lake Connection. Trains are now running the full 2 Line schedule, connecting Downtown Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle, with service running until midnight between Downtown Redmond and South Bellevue Station. Commuters traveling between Seattle and Lynnwood will experience more frequent train arrivals during peak hours. The overlapping of Link 1 and Link 2 Lines requires riders to check train destinations carefully. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 14)
February 13, 2026
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Bellevue Dumpling Week 2026 Features Special Lunar New Year Menus at Local Eateries: Bellevue will mark the Lunar New Year by hosting Dumpling Week from February 14 to February 24, 2026. This event is part of the city’s Culinary Weeks program and spotlights a variety of dumplings, with local chefs offering exclusive dishes that blend global culinary influences with Pacific Northwest ingredients. Downtown and Eastside restaurants will participate, each presenting unique dumpling specialties. The celebration aims to promote Bellevue’s restaurant scene and support area businesses. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 13)
February 12, 2026
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Bellevue Reviews Design Variance for 24-Story Tower at Former Sushi Maru Site: A developer is seeking city approval for a design variance as part of plans to redevelop the former Sushi Maru property in downtown Bellevue into a 24-story mixed-use tower. The proposed 205 Tower at 205 105th Avenue NE would feature 141 apartments, five levels of above-ground parking, and roughly 5,000 square feet of street-level retail. As currently envisioned, 29 of the apartments would be classified as affordable units. City officials are evaluating the new layout within the required design review process. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 12)
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Bill Gates Lists Medina Property Adjacent to Main Estate for $4.8 Million: Bill Gates has placed a Medina residence for sale at an asking price of $4.8 million as of early February 2026. The 2,780-square-foot home is situated next to Gates' primary Xanadu 2.0 estate and includes four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and direct access to Lake Washington. Featuring city and mountain views, the property offers updated interiors and an outdoor entertaining space. This sale highlights ongoing real estate activity in the exclusive Medina neighborhood. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 12)
February 11, 2026
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Eight-Story Hyatt House Hotel Proposed for Former Eye Clinic Site in Bellevue: A Seattle developer has submitted plans to redevelop the former Eye Clinic of Bellevue site in the Wilburton neighborhood into an eight-story Hyatt House hotel. The project, located at 1300 116th Ave. NE, would feature 174 suites with full kitchens, targeting extended-stay guests. The proposal includes 132 parking spaces across three levels, as well as guest amenities like a lobby, dining area, and fitness center. Construction is estimated to begin soon, with an expected opening in 2028. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 11)
February 10, 2026
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xAI Leases New Office Space in Downtown Bellevue, Expanding AI Presence: Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI has leased nearly 25,000 square feet at Lincoln Square South in Downtown Bellevue, as shown by city permit records. Previously occupied by Epic Games, this new office highlights growing interest from major tech companies in the area. The expansion follows xAI’s acquisition by SpaceX and mirrors recent moves by OpenAI, which also increased its office footprint nearby. Downtown Bellevue continues to attract AI firms as part of its tech sector growth. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 10)
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Joe & The Juice to Open Third Seattle-Area Location at Bellevue Square Feb. 27: Joe & The Juice, a health-focused café chain founded in Denmark in 2002, is set to launch its third Seattle-area store and first on the Eastside at Bellevue Square. The new 1,500-square-foot café will open on February 27, offering its signature menu of coffee, fresh juices, and specialty sandwiches. Joe & The Juice aims to provide nutritious food and beverages in a Scandinavian-inspired setting. The store will be located on the shopping center's second level. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 10)
February 6, 2026
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OpenAI Expands Bellevue Presence With Additional City Center Plaza Office Space: OpenAI has increased its office space in downtown Bellevue, securing additional floors at City Center Plaza, as reported by CoStar. This move follows the company's Bellevue debut in 2024 and a longstanding partnership with Microsoft, which retains a major ownership stake in OpenAI. The new lease expands OpenAI's local footprint to roughly 272,000 square feet, accommodating potential for over 1,800 employees. Previously, Microsoft used the space before exiting the location when its lease expired in 2024. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 6)
February 5, 2026
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Bellevue Restaurants and Bars Ready for Super Bowl Sunday Viewing: As Super Bowl Sunday 2026 approaches, several downtown Bellevue venues are preparing to host fans of the Seahawks and Patriots. Popular restaurants and sports bars in the area will offer large screens, bar seating, and diverse menus for football enthusiasts. Establishments including 520 Bar & Grill, Legion Sports Bar, Tavern Hall, and The Pumphouse Bar & Grill aim to provide lively settings for game day. Many options are available for those seeking a community atmosphere to enjoy the event. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 5)
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Garage Clothing Retailer to Open Store at Bellevue Square in May 2026: Canadian fashion retailer Garage will open a new 2,669-square-foot store at The Bellevue Collection in May 2026. The new location will be situated on the second level in the former Zumiez space, which has moved within the shopping center. Garage is known for its trend-oriented apparel aimed at Gen-Z and young millennial women, with its offerings including Y2K-inspired designs, denim, and casual wear. The expansion marks the company's growing presence in the United States. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 5)
February 3, 2026
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Databricks and Uber Negotiating Major Office Leases in Downtown Bellevue Tower: Databricks Inc. and Uber Technologies Inc. are in advanced talks to lease significant portions of office space at Four106, a recently completed 21-story tower at 380 106th Avenue Northeast in downtown Bellevue. The two companies are considering a combined 420,000 square feet, which would account for the majority of the building’s 485,000 rentable square feet. Databricks is expected to take around 250,000 square feet, while Uber may lease about 170,000. Final agreements have yet to be reached and details could change. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 3)
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Bellevue Condo Market in 2025 Sees Normalization After Prior Year's Surge: Bellevue's condominium market in 2025 experienced declines in both sales volume and median sale prices compared to the previous year. This drop is largely attributed to a strong 2024, which saw an unusual spike due to closings of numerous new-construction units, especially from the Avenue Bellevue project. When counting only resale condos and excluding new builds, the market remained stable with minor price growth. The 2025 figures thus reflect a return to typical activity rather than a true downturn. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 3)
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Reality Break Escapes in Downtown Bellevue to Close After Eight Years: Reality Break Escapes, which opened in June 2018 as the first escape room in Downtown Bellevue, will close its doors at the end of February 2026. For nearly eight years, the venue provided interactive puzzle experiences, attracting families, friends, and corporate groups for team-building and recreation. The escape room became a favored local spot for group activities and events. Customers may still book sessions until the location closes at the end of February. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 3)
February 1, 2026
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Bellevue Collection Hosts Lunar New Year Events and Displays for 2026: The Bellevue Collection will mark the 2026 Lunar New Year at Bellevue Square with a variety of events, cultural displays, and themed crafts. Festivities are set to run from February 17 through March 1, highlighted by a celebration on February 21 featuring live performances and cultural activities. The program is organized in collaboration with local cultural organizations and honors traditions celebrated by Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese communities. Seasonal decorations and themed activities will be available throughout the event period. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 1)
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Amazon Lays Off 16,000 Globally While Bellevue Office Expansion Moves Forward: Amazon has revealed plans to cut roughly 16,000 jobs as part of an ongoing organizational restructuring aimed at streamlining operations. The company stated that many affected employees in the U.S. will have 90 days to secure alternative roles within Amazon, with severance and transition benefits available for those unable or choosing not to do so. Despite these workforce reductions, Amazon is proceeding with its expansion of office space in Bellevue, indicating continued investment in the region. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Feb 1)
January 31, 2026
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Salt & Straw Plans First Bellevue Scoop Shop for Spring Opening: Salt & Straw, an ice cream company based in Portland, will open its first Bellevue location at 10415 NE 4th Street this spring. The announcement follows the company's previous withdrawal from another Bellevue site in 2024, after which it continued searching for a suitable Eastside location. The new shop brings Salt & Straw's popular, creative ice cream flavors to Downtown Bellevue for the first time. The company already has seven stores in Washington, including several in Seattle and Kirkland. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 31)
January 30, 2026
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Bellevue City Council to Review Affordable Housing Strategy for 2026–2032: The Bellevue City Council will assess a draft Affordable Housing Strategy covering 2026 to 2032 at an upcoming meeting on February 3. The proposed plan outlines 24 strategies targeting a range of housing needs, including affordability, equity, and stability across Bellevue. Developed over more than a year, the strategy aims to advance housing opportunities and aligns with the city's long-term comprehensive plan. Public input is being requested ahead of the council's review. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 30)
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Shri Krishna Bhavan Brings South Indian Cuisine to Downtown Bellevue Location: Shri Krishna Bhavan, a new South Indian restaurant, has opened at 13 Bellevue Way SE at the intersection of Bellevue Way and Main Street. The restaurant offers a selection of dishes such as dosa, idly, and specialty rice options, and operates daily except Tuesdays with split lunch and dinner hours. The site has experienced frequent restaurant turnover, having previously hosted several eateries, including a Jack in the Box, Racha Go, Chawla Cafe, and Hyderabad Biryani & Kebabs. Shri Krishna Bhavan aims to provide authentic South Indian meals to local diners. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 30)
January 29, 2026
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Man Convicted for Robbery Spree Spanning Several King County Cities: A man has been convicted for a string of robberies during a two-hour carjacking spree that occurred in 2022 and stretched across multiple King County communities, including Kent, Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle, before ending in Renton. The incidents involved several victims and prompted a coordinated law enforcement response. The conviction concludes a case that affected residents throughout eastern King County. (Source: Renton Reporter on Jan 29)
January 28, 2026
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Bellevue School District Retains Top Ranking in Washington for 2026: The Bellevue School District has been named the best in Washington for 2026 by Niche, maintaining its leading position for the third year in a row. The district serves over 19,000 students and was evaluated using academic data, public records, and reviews. Bellevue received high marks in academics, college preparation, teacher quality, and student experiences. This recognition highlights the district's consistent performance and commitment to educational excellence. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 28)
January 27, 2026
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Amazon Go in Downtown Bellevue to Close as Company Shifts Grocery Strategy: Amazon plans to close its Amazon Go store in downtown Bellevue, located at 10819 4th St. NE, as part of a larger effort to exit its physical grocery retail operations. This decision will affect several Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh locations across Washington, including additional closures in Mill Creek, Puyallup, Seattle, and Factoria. Some of these stores may become Whole Foods locations, with the company announcing plans to expand that brand. The change reflects Amazon's new focus on delivery and Whole Foods Market. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 27)
January 26, 2026
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Japanese Soft Serve and Bubble Tea Shops to Open on Bellevue's Main Street: Japanese soft serve brand Indigo Cow and Taiwanese bubble tea chain Machi Machi are set to open a shared location at Main Street Flats in Bellevue. Indigo Cow, which previously operated on Bellevue Way, is relocating its Bellevue branch, while Machi Machi will be making its debut in the city. Indigo Cow will offer a variety of Hokkaido milk soft serve options with seasonal toppings, and Machi Machi will bring its internationally known bubble tea to the area. The opening expands global dessert options for local residents. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 26)
January 23, 2026
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Link Light Rail to Start Crosslake Service Connecting Seattle and Eastside March 28: Link light rail service will expand across Lake Washington beginning March 28, when Sound Transit opens the Crosslake Connection on the Link 2 Line. This addition links the Link 1 and Link 2 Lines via the I-90 floating bridge, adding two new stations at Mercer Island and Judkins Park. The new segment covers 7.4 miles and will allow a direct 13-minute trip between South Bellevue and International District Chinatown stations. Trains are set to run every eight to ten minutes, with even higher frequency during peak hours. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 23)
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Bellevue Introduces Streamlined Permit Process for Small-Scale Housing Projects: The City of Bellevue plans to implement a new permit at the end of January 2026 designed to accelerate approval for smaller housing developments such as townhouses, cottage homes, and stacked flats with three to six units. The revised process aims to simplify applications for 'middle housing' by reducing bureaucratic steps, though existing zoning requirements remain in force. Local officials developed the new permit following feedback from developers and as part of broader efforts to expand housing options. The changes support recent state and local policy updates. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 23)
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Sound Transit Prepares for Upcoming Light Rail Service Linking Bellevue and Seattle: Sound Transit is conducting a series of practice runs for the new light rail line connecting Bellevue and Seattle as part of its final preparations ahead of service launch. Test trains will operate frequently across the I-90 floating bridge, providing staff with training opportunities and helping ensure operational readiness. The public can expect regular trial runs until passenger service officially begins. The timeline for full light rail operations will depend on the results of these preparations. (Source: The Seattle Times on Jan 23)
January 20, 2026
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Seven-Story Residential Project Proposed for Bellevue's Spring District: A proposal has been submitted for a seven-story apartment building at 1299 120th Avenue NE in Bellevue's Spring District. The planned development, named 12th Place, Building A, would replace an existing office on a 1.34-acre site, offering 116 residential units and a partially underground garage with 89 parking spaces. The project is part of a broader multi-phase development aiming to create a transit-oriented neighborhood. The City of Bellevue is reviewing the application through its Administrative Design Review process. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 20)
January 16, 2026
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Amazon Files Permits to Resume Bellevue Office Tower Projects: Amazon has submitted permit applications to the City of Bellevue to restart several office tower developments, including Tower 1 at Bellevue 600 and two remaining structures at the West Main complex. The company is also moving forward with interior work at The Artise and renovations at a large office property on 106th Avenue NE. These projects reflect Amazon's ongoing investment in Bellevue, where its local workforce has grown significantly in recent years. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 16)
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BA Artisan Bakehouse Launches at Bellevue Connection with Handcrafted Breads: BA Artisan Bakehouse has started a soft opening at Bellevue Connection, located at 550 106th Ave. NE, Suite 102 in downtown Bellevue. The bakery specializes in handcrafted breads and plans to offer a diverse menu with 40 to 50 items once fully operational. The 1,698-square-foot shop features seating for nearly 50 guests, a customer-friendly bread display, and a contemporary design. City records indicate the business was initially permitted under a different name before opening as BA Artisan Bakehouse. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 16)
January 13, 2026
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Midnight Cookie Co. Shuts Down Bellevue Store at Lincoln Square: Midnight Cookie Co. has closed its Bellevue location in Lincoln South Food Hall, with its final day of business on January 12, 2026. The store, which originally opened in April 2024 after operating first at Bellevue Square in 2023, marked the brand's second attempt to establish a Bellevue presence. The company will continue to offer its products at Eastside locations in Redmond and Kirkland. Midnight Cookie Co. remains in business at its other sites despite this closure. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 13)
January 12, 2026
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Overlake Area in Redmond Set for Major Urban Development Project: The Overlake neighborhood in Redmond is experiencing significant growth, with a major transformation of the former Sears Plaza into a mixed-use urban village known as Seritage. This 14-acre site will feature office space, a hotel, residential units, retail options, and a large park. The development will bring high-rise buildings, potentially over nine stories, and is expected to increase daily vehicle trips in the area. Local infrastructure improvements will require coordination between Redmond and Bellevue. (Source: Redmond Neighborhood Blog on Jan 12)
January 9, 2026
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Bellevue Recognized as 6th Best U.S. City for Alternative Job Opportunities: Bellevue has been named the sixth-ranked city in the United States for alternative job markets in a recent national study by CommercialSearch. The research analyzed mid-sized cities based on education levels, employment rates, commercial investment, and affordability. Bellevue stood out for its high rate of residents with bachelor’s degrees, significant commercial construction growth, and a vibrant leisure sector. The report suggests such cities offer strong alternatives for employment beyond major metropolitan areas. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 9)
January 8, 2026
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Town Hall Highlights Ongoing School Funding Shortfalls Across Eastside Districts: A recent town hall brought together representatives from several Eastside King County school districts, including Mercer Island, Bellevue, Issaquah, Lake Washington, Northshore, Renton, Riverview, Shoreline, Snoqualmie Valley, and Tukwila, to discuss persistent funding gaps. Education leaders and community members urged Washington state officials to address the challenges to ensure adequate resources for students. Participants emphasized the impact of these financial shortfalls on local schools. Effective solutions were called for to support area education. (Source: Redmond Reporter on Jan 8)
January 7, 2026
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Mo Malakoutian Selected as Bellevue's New Mayor for 2026–2027 Term: The Bellevue City Council chosen Mo Malakoutian as mayor during a vote on January 6, 2026, marking the start of his two-year leadership following Lynne Robinson's tenure. Dave Hamilton was appointed deputy mayor for the same term. Malakoutian joined the Bellevue City Council in 2024, after serving on the city’s Planning Commission for five years, including as chair. His priorities include affordable housing, public safety, transportation, sustainability, and equity. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 7)
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Sabine Café Plans Summer Opening at The Eight in Downtown Bellevue: Sabine Café is planning to open its new location in Downtown Bellevue in late June or early July, with construction currently underway. The café will be situated on the ground floor of The Eight, a 25-story office building at 10666 NE 8th St. This marks the second location for Sabine Café, following its initial success in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. The Bellevue spot will serve an all-day menu with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, and offer both indoor and outdoor seating. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 7)
January 6, 2026
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Proposal Filed for New 198-Unit Apartment Complex in Bellevue's Wilburton Area: A new eight-story apartment building featuring 198 units has been proposed for Bellevue's Wilburton neighborhood at 11661 SE 1st Street, called Westridge Multifamily Residences. The project includes 113 parking stalls across three parking levels and will designate 10 percent of its units as affordable under the city's program, with the rest at market rates. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2027, targeting completion by winter 2029. The site currently has remnants of prior structures but no complete buildings. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 6)
January 5, 2026
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Cinnabon Set to Relocate Within Bellevue Square, Plans to Offer Soft Serve: Cinnabon will move to a new location inside Bellevue Square, scheduled to open in spring 2026. The updated space, situated next to Wetzel’s Pretzels in the former Camper store, will debut soft serve as a menu addition. This marks an expansion of Cinnabon's offerings, which typically focus on cinnamon rolls and specialty baked goods. The company is part of GoTo Foods, which also owns Carvel and other food brands. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Jan 5)
December 31, 2025
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Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink Welcomes Local Families Through January 19: Families are enjoying seasonal activities at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, which features over 9,000 square feet of ice skating space in Downtown Park. Located near Bellevue Square, the rink operates daily and will remain open to visitors until January 19, 2026. The attraction offers an opportunity for community members to participate in winter recreation close to home. Its central Bellevue location draws both residents and nearby visitors. (Source: The Seattle Times on Dec 31)
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Unique Green Tea Introduces AI-Powered Matcha Cafe in Downtown Bellevue: Unique Green Tea has opened its first Washington location in Downtown Bellevue at 308 105th Avenue Northeast, offering tea and matcha beverages made using artificial intelligence-driven brewing. The business, part of the Sharetea group from Taiwan, aims to combine modern brewing technology with traditional flavors. The cafe is holding a soft opening period until January 2, with a planned grand opening on January 3. The menu features various teas, smoothies, and specialty drinks including its signature jasmine tea. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Dec 31)
December 30, 2025
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Key Bellevue Stories of 2025: Development, Dining, and Business Changes: In 2025, Bellevue residents were especially focused on stories concerning new development projects, local restaurant activity, and significant business shifts. The city's most-read articles included coverage of a restaurant's liquor license suspension, financial challenges faced by Bravern Towers after Microsoft moved out, and the introduction of new eateries such as Voodoo Doughnut. These topics captured wide public attention and reflected the community's interests over the year. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Dec 30)
December 29, 2025
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Eight-Story, 225-Unit Apartment Building Proposed for Wilburton in Bellevue: Plans have been submitted for an eight-story residential building at 1200 116th Avenue Northeast in Bellevue’s Wilburton neighborhood. The development would feature 215 to 225 apartment units, with about 10% designated as affordable housing, and provide two levels of underground parking with up to 155 spaces. The project involves demolishing an existing medical office building, and no retail or commercial space is planned. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2027, pending city approvals. (Source: Downtown Bellevue Network on Dec 29)