By Meghan Hall
More large-scale development is coming to Bellevue, with Kemper Development Company formally filing plans for a massive, 1.8 million square foot mixed-use development. The project, which has been dubbed “The Bellevue,” will span across four towers and add to Kemper Development’s already extensive holdings near downtown.
“The Bellevue will provide an opulent entry to Downtown Bellevue and will be connected to the current 5.5 million square feet of The Pacific Northwest’s most powerful mixed-use destination,” states Kemper Development Company’s website, which has branded The Bellevue as a “brand new luxury moment.”
The project site is located at 401 Bellevue Way NE and totals 3.6 acres. The property sits at the southeast corner of the Bellevue Square Mall. Kemper’s plans for the property are extensive and will include 234 residential units, a 157-key, five-star hotel and 265,795 square feet of retail. A premier “urban resort for health and wellness,” as well as six levels of underground parking are also designated in the plans.
The project’s four towers would range in height between 169 to 308 feet, topping out at 25 stories. The towers will share a three-story podium, and the two southern towers will be comprised entirely of residential units. The northwest tower will also be residential, while the northeast tower will combine a mix of residential and hotel uses. Retail will be located in the podium adjacent to the park. A public plaza, totaling 3,200 square feet, plus public art, are also planned.
According to design documents, the development team also intends for the rooflines to be dramatic and sharply angular, and accented with lush gardens and balconies. On the ground plane, the project will be anchored with a glass atrium for commercial and restaurant uses. In another dramatic feature, a sky bridge will connect the eastern portion of the project to Lincoln Square, a mixed-use development with office, apartments and a W Hotel.
The property will be designed by New York-based KPF and Seattle-based Mithun will act as the executive architect.
Kemper filed its plans at the beginning of April, and timing of the project has yet to be formalized. However, The Belleuve is just one of Kemper’s major assets in Bellevue. The company also owns The Bellevue Collection, a portfolio made up of Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place. Together, the assets total 5.5 million square feet. According to Kemper’s website, The Collection currently has 1.7 million square feet of Class A office pace, 1,315 hotel rooms spread across three hotels, 30 quick service food and cafe vendors, two luxury cinemas and 360 on-site residences. Many of the buildings are connected by multiple sky bridges and pedestrian tunnels.
“…The Bellevue Collection dominates in all categories,” states Kemper Development’s website. “…We deliver a cool juxtaposition for our customers: an energetic city vibe without the traditional urban hassle, from our global retail brand mix to our robust dining and entertainment destination.”
