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Here Come the Trains
flickr/Zack Heistand
If you’ve been out-and-about between downtown Bellevue and Redmond in recent weeks you’ve likely seen light rail trains on daily practice runs. On two occasions this week I’ve stopped at crossings to let trains pass.
Trains will start running on regular schedules with passengers this spring connecting the South Bellevue station and Redmond Technology station. In the next year or so the “2 Line” will connect Redmond and Bellevue to Mercer Island and Seattle.
After years of construction it is exciting to see trains running on tracks along roadways and overpasses. Drivers and pedestrians will need to be aware of train crossings, so keep in mind:
–trains run in both directions, so always look both ways before crossing
–when driving, stay alert and observe crossing markers, lights and traffic arms
–when walking, stay alert, especially if wearing headphones or focusing on a tech screen
–use designated crosswalks and pay attention to crossing signals
–bike riders remember to cross tracks at a 90 degree angle to prevent getting stuck
It’s been a long time coming, but light rail is going to bring an efficient and exciting new way to commute to the eastside.
BELLEVUE TOWERS – love where you live
Recently available, this SE corner residence offers the perfect urban lifestyle. Live just blocks from Bellevue’s business district, shopping and dining, arts and entertainment venues, parks and light rail stations.
The generous floor plan has quality finishes throughout with an open concept design that provides plenty of space for living, dining, entertaining or working from home. A well equipped kitchen with ample work and storage space is sure to please any level chef. The primary bedroom opens to a luxury bath and large customized closet and a second bedroom and full bath serve family or guest needs.
Owner amenities include a secure lobby entry with full time concierge plus multiple indoor and outdoor amenities. Take advantage of the private urban park with fireplace, lounging and dining areas, rooftop terraces, multi-level indoor lounge, fitness studios, whirlpool, sauna and steam rooms, private dining room, screening/media room and guest suites. Four legged family members will appreciate the dedicated dog relief/play area.
https://tours.dennonvisuals.co/2186836
2 bedrooms + study/1.75 baths
1,575 square feet
secure garage parking + storage
$1,500,000
For additional information . . .
Robin Myers
425/417-8137 robinmyers@windermere.com
Meydenbauer Bay Park Expansion
Meydenbauer Bay Park in Bellevue, WA (photo credit: iStock/gmc3101)
The City of Bellevue is planning to expand Meydenbauer Bay Park. Completed in 2019, the waterfront park has become a popular year round destination. Potential plans include improving access to the Downtown Park, adding a community building, marina and parking changes/improvements and continuing shoreline restoration. Meydenbauer Bay Park will be the anchor at the west end of the future Grand Connection.
The design phase is expected to last about 18 months. The City is soliciting community input for this project. Public meetings will be scheduled in the coming months and into early next year. You can visit EngagingBellevue.com to learn more about the project, take the survey, and let the city know what you’d like to see as plans to expand the park take shape.
Robin Myers/Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc.
Condominium + Urban Lifestyles
BellevueUrbanLiving.com
Have You Tried Bellhop?
Bellhop is a new alternative to driving and paid ride share programs. Bellhop, which started August 1st, is a pilot program running through the end of the year. Visit Bellevue Washington, in partnership with Circuit, is offering a free, all- electric shuttle serving the downtown Bellevue area.
The on-demand electric shuttle supports Bellevue’s commitment to sustainability and hopes to fulfill the need for a quick ride for around-town trips. The hope is this service will replace short car rides which account for nearly a third of daily car trips. Bellhop could reduce over 100 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
How does it work?
Download the Circuit app, schedule a ride and the driver will confirm when they’re on their way. It’s a free ride anywhere within the service area. Four-legged family members are welcome as long as they sit on a lap or on the floor directly next to their person.
For more information visit Visit Bellevue Washington at https://www.visitbellevuewa.com
BAM Arts Fair and Seafair – It’s Summer in Seattle
courtesy flickr/pveland
You know it’s summer in the Northwest when it’s time for the BAM Arts Fair and Seafair.
The BAM Arts Fair is the largest juried arts and crafts festival in the Northwest. Located at the west side of Bellevue Square, you’ll find 300+ artists featuring everything from nationally known artists to local one-of-a-kind arts and crafts designers. Don’t miss the Kids Fair, food trucks and exhibitions. (visit bellevuearts.org for more information)
The weekend of the BAM Arts Fair also signals the start of Seafair. Events kick off with the Alaska Airlines/Seafair Torchlight Parade on Saturday July 29th. The parade starts at 3:00 PM this year (earlier than in the past) at Seattle Center with endless entertainment and of course the Seafair Pirates. The Boeing Air Show runs August 4th – 6th (seafair.org/seafairairshow). The Blue Angels arrive mid week. Watch the skies starting Thursday for their practice runs across the Puget Sound region in preparation for the big show on Sunday. (You’ll hear them before you see them.) Seafair wouldn’t be complete without the hydroplane races on Lake Washington – practice runs Friday and Saturday with races on Sunday. Whether you’re on the lakeshore at Genesee Park, on a boat rafted to the log boom or have a front row seat on your own deck, enjoy this Seattle summer tradition. Wrapping up Seafair is Fleet Week August 1st – 6th on the Seattle waterfront (seafair.org/fleetweek). There’s a parade of ships through Elliot Bay, ship tours and the opportunity to meet sailors and guardsmen.
So many summer traditions in the coming weeks . . . and still a month until Labor Day.
Outdoor Movies Return to Downtown Park
flickr/Heather Harvey
Summer is here and it’s time for Movies in the Park. Beginning Tuesday July 18th, and every Tuesday through August 22nd, outdoor movies, with a different weekly theme, will be shown on a 40 foot movie screen in the Downtown Park. Pre-movie entertainment begins at 7:00 PM and movies begin at dusk. Each weekly movie benefits a local non-profit organization.
Here’s the summer lineup at the Downtown Park.
July 18th MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU
Theme: 70s Night – find your disco and 70s track suits
Event Benefits Bellevue Lifespring
July 25th TROLLS WORLD TOUR
Theme: Light Up the Night – wear your best light-up attire
Event Benefits Boys and Girls Club Bellevue
August 1st HOODWINKED
Theme: Military & First Responders Night – represent your favorite hero
Event Benefits Bellevue Fire Foundation
August 8th ELF
Theme: The holidays are here early – dress to show your holiday cheer
Event Benefits Girl Scouts of Western Washington
August 15th THE KARATE KID
Theme: Sports Night – wear your favorite team or sports attire
Event Benefits Sports In Schools
August 22nd BACK TO THE FUTURE PART 2
Theme: Blast from the Past – dress as your favorite era/decade
Event Benefits Jubilee Reach
Movies in the Park is a free event. There will be live music, entertainment, vendors and prize give-aways. Dogs are permitted at the park, but please obey leash laws and clean up after your dog.
If you can’t make the Tuesday night movies in the park, Crossroads Park is also hosting summer movies every Thursday evening from August 3rd through 24th.
Downtown Bellevue Pop-Up Dog Park
courtesy flickr/Jelene Morris
Have you visited Wildwood Park just south of Main Street in recent weeks? You may have noticed one of three new pop-up dog parks.
Bellevue Parks & Community Services has launched a pilot program to create safe and accessible spaces for pets and owners to play, socialize and exercise. Other pop-up parks are at Wilburton Hill Park and in Crossroads Park. These dog parks are part of the City’s 2022 Parks & Open Space System Plan to provide off-leash areas near downtown and other underserved neighborhoods.
The parks are fenced, have safe double entry gates, dog waste bag dispensers and waste cans. The temporary status could change depending on popularity and costs to convert to permanent installations. Feedback has been positive so far and two additional dog parks will be popping-up in Lincoln Center and just north of City Hall.
Stop by the Wildwood Park park and give your four legged family member chance to mingle with local pups and their people.
Visit Bellevue’s Park’s & Community Services website for more information.
AND DON’T FORGET . . . Friday, June 23rd is National Take Your Dog to Work Day
Summer Outdoor Dining Returns to Old Bellevue
courtesy flickr/Sarah
You can tell it’s summer. Main Street is festively decorated with new and familiar al fresco dining opportunities serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Enjoy temporary street side dining through early fall or familiar year round patios at at several restaurants, bistros and cafes offering a variety of cuisines, desserts, coffees and people watching. Many patios are dog friendly and welcome well mannered pups.
Take a few steps off Main Street . . . located between Main Street and the Downtown Park you’ll find more opportunities to satisfy your palate, caffeine craving or sweet tooth.
