Showing posts with label Redmond Town Center. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Redmond Town Center. Show all posts

Monday, November 27, 2023

Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule, December 2, 4 - 8 p.m.

 Getting Around Redmond Lights 2023


Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event Schedule

Bundle up and bring the entire family for an evening of winter fun at the Redmond Lights Kick-Off Event this Saturday, Dec. 2. From 4 – 8 p.m., the luminary trail will connect Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center by way of the Redmond Central Connector. Both sites will host ongoing performances, craft activities, and more!  

Saturday, Dec. 2, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Redmond Town Center's Heron Art


click pictures to enlarge
 

It's all a matter of perspective and taste. By night Fairbourne's RTC art installation draws you towards an amenity of the Center; its proximity to Bear Creek.  But in daylight, what's it trying to convey?  
(After dinner, our waitress at BJ's took our picture!) 

Tuesday, October 18, 2022

UPDATED: The Sky's the Limit for Redmond Town Center Building Heights

This sign announces and invites the public to attend and comment at the WEDNESDAY. November, 2nd 7:00 p.m. Hearing about Redmond Town Center building heights. It is installed by the Applicant (Owner) Courtesy of City of Redmond  (click picture to enlarge)

 ATTENTION PUBLIC:  

The City of Redmond Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at Redmond City Hall Council Chambers, 15670 NE 85th Street, Redmond, Washington on WEDNESDAY November 2, 2022 at 7 p.m. 

**SUBJECT: Zoning Code Amendment  to provide incentives for additional height in exchange for public benefits, along with minor clarifications to Zone design standards.  


Your comments are encouraged!
  •  Public comment can be made in-person at City Hall, Monday, November 2nd, 7 p.m.
  •  Public Comment can be made by phone during the meeting by providing a name and phone number to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov now or no later than November 2nd, 5 p.m. 
  • Written public comments should be submitted prior to the hearing by email to PlanningCommission@redmond.gov no later than 5 p.m. on the hearing date. 
  • Comments are encouraged and should be sent by email or mail to the planningcommission@redmond.gov.
  • or to: Planning Commission, MS:  P.O. Box 97010, Redmond, Washington, 98073. 

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A  RESIDENT'S COMMENT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION: 

What are "the benefits" residents will receive by agreeing to additional building height?  And, how high can the Applicant (Owner) build?  I've heard the Planning Commission and high-level staff are seriously considering 30-story buildings in Overlake Urban Center. They don't have an aquifer to worry about up there.  I've learned the Owner is very concerned about the aquifer interfering with his ability to build subterranean parking. So what are the benefits residents could receive if we give the owner one, two or three stories for above grade parking?  We should  be prepared for a maximum of 12-stories if not an additional 1-2 stories. Growth wins.  

Generous affordable housing is a mustThree and four room apartments for families, please. Other benefits:  8-10 foot pedestrian lit sidewalks with landscaping on either side, leading to plazas and alleys, children's play areas, a park for small dogs, food truck facilitation, outdoor art, interactive water fountains, covered retail and open space for community performances. Adequate street lighting. The scope and massing of two 12-foot and up buildings must be balanced and fit well.  Set-backs similar to Kirkland buildings.  Limit shading.  Wide mobility corridors connecting to Marymoor Village. A stop light at the SR520 Bear Creek Gateway.  Significant and creative landscape, trellised with green walls and green rooftop patio amenities.  Common areas within the buildings have cultural artwork. Walking tours to Lower Bear Creek look-outs. 10-foot plus street trees are necessary. A satellite "Safety Station" with police and mental health specialists overseeing the light rail station and e-scooters.  It's important the Redmond Town Center redevelopment be in character and compatible with the Legacy Nelson Village and the historic district. This could require 1-2 open houses.  If it's decided Nelson or RTC will be eclectic or have some other theme, then the Director of Planning should hold fast to growth unlike at Marymoor Village.  I have no problem with 12 stories if the Applicant provides most of these benefits, whistles and bells.  I don't think they should benefit from any more than two above surface parking levels.  Archer Hotel didn't benefit.  
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION about the proposed Redmond Town Center Code Amendment, Visit  redmond.gov/1860/Redmond-Town-Center. Write to the Planning Commissioners  if you have any serious comments and  questions, or would like to be a Party-of-Record on this proposal, please contact Glenn Coil, Senior Planner, 425-556-2742, gcoil@redmond.gov. A copy of the proposal is available at redmond.gov/Planning-Commission. If you are hearing or visually impaired, please notify Planning Department staff at 425-556-2441 one week in advance of the hearing to arrange for assistance.   

The City is not transparent about the "starting story" and maximum building height.  You have to dig into RZC 21.10.050  "Town Center Regulations and Incentive Standards"  to find the minimum and maximums. 

ACTION: Planning Commission gives their recommendation to Council on the proposed amendment to the Redmond Zoning Code.  Email:  PlanningCommission@redmond.gov.

Updated by Bob Yoder, 10/18/2022

Wednesday, April 6, 2022

UPDATED, 2/12/2024: Redmond Town Center Could Have 12-Story Buildings

RTC / Kidder.com

Update 2/2024:  RTC will have two 12-story buildings and potentially two 7-story buildings according to their new Master Plan.  

Several years from now, Redmond Town Center (RTC) may be torn down and redeveloped.  The vision is "to encourage redevelopment of RTC from an auto-centric suburban campus to a walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood."  The light rail station is a step away; it's a primary driver.  Council is presently  reviewing, the Master Plan, Zoning amendments, and the urban center element.  To a small degree the Planning Commission is involved.  

The developer, Fairbourne Properties, is asking Council to remove constraints and be flexible, as follows:  
  • build as high as 12 stories "in return for public benefits."
  • removing the 600,000 square feet requirement of minimal leasable areas.
  • remove the minimum retail provision
  • remove the commercial provision
Councilmembers asked staff for information in preparation for their Study Session two weeks away:

Councilmember (CM) Vanessa Kritzer wants an explanation of "building up in return for public benefits." She was concerned about sufficient affordable housing. CM Jessica Forsythe wants a dedicated community for start-up businesses.  She asked for a map with building heights, holistically including nearby property owners. CM Steve Fields wasn't certain how "auto-centric" the area is . CM Melissa Stuart wanted discussion on protection of the large open space owned by RTC.  A stream buffer could be vulnerable.  She asked for 2021 Council conversation records.

Planning Director Helland asked the public to give their input to the Planning Commission. To comment email Chair Sherri Nichols at planningcommission@redmond.gov.  It's my understanding the 
Commission has had two Study Sessions but only two citizens commented at their Hearing. This is a huge development. Consider commenting.

The applicant, Fairbourne Properties, LLC is a full-service real estate investment and property management company focusing on acquiring, managing and asset managing office, retail, and mixed-use properties throughout the United States.  Fairbourne is the property manager of the "Redmond Town Center Creekside Crossing."  The firm is also the applicant for redevelopment of the Center.  

-- Bob Yoder, 4/6/2022
    Source:  City Council Business Meeting and Agenda memo, 4/5/2022

###


This vision for another urban village development near QFC/Redmond Center/Opportunity Building:

"The timing of the 22 acre Nelson Master Plan redevelopment will be gradual and evolutionary. You will not see sudden, rapid, dramatic changes.  Our vision is to gradually create an urban village and the central place in the downtown where the community can shop and gather, and also a place where people can live and work.  The timing of each project in the redevelopment will be determined by many factors, including the leases of our current tenants and the needs and opportunities presented by the marketplace.  Since retail is an important component of the vision, we will strive to retain our current tenants."
--Tom Markl, CEO Nelson Properties

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Redmond Lights : "A Joyful Celebration" And "A Peaceful Journey"

December 7, 4-8 p.m.
December 8, 5 -8 p.m.

Image result for Redmond Lights imagesShuttle starts from Redmond Town Center at 3:30 p.m.  Shuttle drop off at Senior Center.  

Saturday, December 7, 4 - 8 p.m. A Joyful Celebration: Begin at City Hall with live entertainment, activities, and a tree lighting at 5 p.m. Join a festive luminary walk to Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center for more performances, art, and fun.

Sunday, December 8, 5 - 8 p.m. A Peaceful Journey: Experience a contemplative evening luminary walk with art installations between City Hall and Downtown Park.



  • City Hall Campus (Redmond Light Blinkers until they run out!)

Fun family activities (Sat. 4 – 8 p.m.) Live performances (Sat. 4 – 5:30 p.m.)
Tree Lighting (Sat. 5 p.m.)  Begin Luminary Art Walk from City Hall Campus.

  • Luminary Art Walk to Downtown ParkArt and light installations (Sat. & Sun.) 
Fire barrels (Sat. & Sun.)

  • Downtown Park:  Live performances (Sat. 5:30 – 7:15 p.m.) Face Painting & Interactive Booths (Sat. 4 – 8 p.m.) Digital Art Show on Buoyant (Sat. and Sun.) Beer & Wine Garden (Sat. and Sun.) Food Trucks (Sat. and Sun.) Art and light installations (Sat. and Sun.)

  • Redmond Town Center Saturday, Dec 7  (4-8pm)

Live performances, Ice carver, Carousel Train Rides, Santa Photo ($)
Interactive booths, Fire Truck & Police Car, Skating rink

Saturday, August 25, 2018

World-renowned chalk artists gather in Redmond


International, national, and regional artists chalked their incredible street art at Redmond Town Center August 17 - 19.  It was the second year RTC hosted the exhibit. 

Ramko van Schaik from Holland is a 3-D artist, and in my opinion, he's on par with Dale Chihuly as far as creativity.. Ramko's interactive 3-D art is displayed, along with other artists, in this video.  It's a must click!

Future artists!   
B. Yoder

Thursday, March 29, 2018

UPDATED: "Try Something New" at Redmond Town Center


"Try something new" at RTC.  Come to the Extravaganza festival at Redmond Town Center this Saturday at Noon! Lots of fun things to do:  face painting, petting zoo, scavenger hunt, balloon twisters, trampolines, bounce house, basketball and lots of food.

I'll be there too with this PIM electric bike in the afternoon for show and tell. I may may sign up some some interested people for a test drive!  They're easy to ride   Look for me by the Archer Hotel near the Sammamish Trail.  Ebikes are recreational and also great for sweat-free commuting and avoiding all that nasty traffic.

PIM isn't the only ebike company in town.  Seattle Electric Bike in Bothell has a wide range of ebikes.  Shelly Bowman sells their bikes.  She's an amazing community volunteer and knows everything local and regional when it comes to bikes.  Shelly's a City of Redmond Parks commissioner, she's on the city "PED/BIKE" advisory committee, she's V.P. of WheelLab, a youth bike program, and is a "Community Servant Leader" in Bothell.

Try Something New, Try Electric Bikes!

B. Yoder

Monday, March 19, 2012

8th Annual Cub Scout Derby at Redmond Town Center

Come have fun with us at the Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby!
Saturday May 5th, 2012
Racing starts at 11:00am

Northwest Scouters is pleased to sponsor the 8th Annual Sammamish Trails District Pinewood Derby races. Everyone had an outstanding time at last year's event and this year we are set to have very exciting and fun filled day for the Cub Scouts and their families. Come join us and watch the racing action!

Redmond Town Center will host this year's races. RTC is located in Redmond, WA, just east of intersection of 166th Ave. NE and Cleveland Street.  Read More >>

Sunday, July 24, 2011

General Manager of Borders Books dreams of opening a Redmond bookstore

Stuart Burnett, General Manager of Borders, dreams of opening a bookstore in Redmond
Rumor turned to reality on Friday when Borders bankruptcy sale signs hit the streets.

For years, Borders was part of many Redmonites lives.  Especially on rainy days, Borders was always there for us, to warm up, browse for a good book or magazine, have a cup of coffee, or rest in a good chair.  Borders was a significant gathering place for our community and similar the Top Food's closure, will be sadly missed.

Stuart Burnett, the dismissed General Manager of Borders/Redmond and a 43-year native of Redmond, had the same nostalgic words for his past employer.  Read More >>

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Borders close

Redmond Town Center - Borders
Borders still operates 9 stores in Washington state, Seattle Times Newspaper, July 19,2011:

"Nine Borders locations are expected to close in Washington state as the bookseller prepares to liquidate its remaining stores.
Susie Detmer, senior director of retail services for Cushman & Wakefield, said once Borders closes its doors, she expects its storefronts to stay vacant through the holidays. Those that are a single level will go the quickest because of their great locations, she said.

Stores in the Redmond Town Center, downtown Seattle, Southcenter Mall and Tacoma, however, will be problematic to lease because they are two levels, she said.
Story and excerpt
By Christine Harvey, 7/19,2011
Seattle Times business reporter
Internet photo

Visit http://www.borders.com/ this week for store closure updates

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Redmond Town Center - 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale & Arts Festival!



Redmond Town Center - 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale & Arts Festival.
Sunday, June 26 is the last day.  11-5
"When the sun is out you can't beat this place! Very lively. Lots of  fun, food, music & people!"  
Musician stations are scattered throughout the Arts Festival.  Luke, the guitarist singing at the fountain, is from Gig Harbor.  On Saturday, we found one musician from Redmond and others from Woodinville, Bellevue and Darien, Wisconsin.
Macy's
Even the anchor stores pitched tents
By Bob Yoder

Monday, December 14, 2009

Balloons Aglow: The Brightest of the Redmond Lights

Balloons Aglow: The Brightest of the Redmond Lights

One of the most spectacular events of Redmond Lights 2009 was the lighting of the hot air balloons next to Redmond Town Center. 

by Redmond Library blog

Friday, November 6, 2009

How and Why you should help the SecondStory Repertory.



Donate Today! 

Why should you patronize and donate to Redmond's Second Story Repertory? 

1. Because the repetory is one of the brightest attractions on Seattle's Eastside, with nine Mainstage            and four children's productions this season.
2.Because over 20,000 people depend on experiencing live theatre at SecondStory Repertory.
3.Because you love having live, professional theatre in your community.
4.Because if you love the arts, you should contribute to organizations creating it.
5.Because more than 200 kids take theatre classes here after school and in the summer.
6.Because over 5,000 school kids will be introduced to the magic of theatre here this year.
7.Because we really, really need it - $80,000 is needed by December 31 or the theatre will leave Redmond.
 
DID YOU KNOW
•SecondStory Repertory is a cultural institution with a mailing list of over 5,000 local households, with an average household income of $96,000, according to Redmond Town Center research.

WEB SITE & DONATE HERE:  http://www.secondstoryrep.org/supportssr/donate.html

DROP YOUR KIDS OFF DURING  RTC HOLIDAY SHOPPING
"Drop and Shop"  http://www.secondstoryrep.org/classes/publicclasses.html

This website information and plea for support was posted in response to Holly Plackett's urgent request.  Holly is a past Redmond City Councilmember, Planning Commissioner and community activist.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Artist Christopher Janney's "Sonic Forest" will connect and inspire the public at Redmond Town Center


"The Sonic Forest" is coming to Redmond Town Center

Recently, an arts enthusiast and neighbor told me Christopher Janney’s exciting light and sound “Sonic Forest” art will be installed at Redmond Town Center Dec. 4-12. Perfect timing for Redmond's “Winter Festival of Lights!

Mr. Janey is an architect and jazz musician, world renowned for his "sound and light" art installations found in public spaces throughout the nation. Read my report and opinion  on Janey's May 15 interview with the Redmond Arts Commission and learn more about his installation art!

Paraphrasing Arts Commission Chair John Stilin: 'Art connects people. The purpose of Art in Redmond is to build community. Art brings people together. It's what gets people talking together.'

Last week the Arts Commission pounded out their new Vision Statement: "The community is connected and inspired by arts and culture". Will you connect and be inspired in the Sonic Forest December 4 -12?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Food, restaurants and East Indians at "Redmond Lights Festival"

Redmond Lights Festival, Chain Restaurants and Indians
--Compliments of Grant Yuan's Chef Seattle Blog. Grant is a Redmond, WA. resident.
-- Posted by: Grant Yuan @ 12/10: 8:05 pm on Grant's Seattle restaurant, food, and chef blog.


Last night, I headed out to the Redmond Lights festival, which is a walk along the Burke Gilman/Sammamish River that ends up at the Redmond Town Center. I’ve been a little leery of RTC lately because of some political issues lately, but they’ve seemed to be getting better according to a popular Redmond blog that I keep up with. Anyhow, the festival was fun, with the sparkling of blinking red lights that everyone wore, holiday music, and general holiday mood. With the sour economy, it was nice to see everyone just out and having fun. Of course, it helped that there was free food involved, as there were lines 50 people deep for even some simple foods like Panera Bread cookies. Even though the lines were long, we (Steve, my girlfriend and I) had no problem waiting around and enjoying the scene. If we can camp out at Black Friday at 3am, we can wait 10 minutes for free food. :)Most of the food vendors were those directly in Redmond town center, like Thai Ginger, Meyfil (I always wondered if this name was a clever play on “Me Fill”), Ruby’s, that new sandwich/soupy Italian chain that replaced Cosi (THANK YOU), and Todai. Also there was Canyons, Azteca and Qdoba, which are close by.

For various reasons, we don’t review chain restaurants as a rule on Chef Seattle, but it’s events like these that tend to put some things into perspective on the roles of big food chains. What I mean is that when a large business gets involved, they have a marketing budget to sponsor events like the Redmond festival, because marketing and branding is what chain restaurants do best. Small, independently owned restaurants often don’t have the budget, manpower or - and I think this is a primary reason - foresight to sponsor these type of events. I love my small restaurants, but having talked with many chef/owners, I say it with love when I say they know food, but suck at self-promotion.The only independent food vendor passing out free food here was Meyfil, while every other one was a chain of some kind - though Thai Ginger and Canyons are both Seattle-based chains. I’m going to single out Mefil for a second, because as an Indian restaurant, I have to say that of all the various ethnic restaurants owners, Indians are the best pound-for-pound marketers. There’s often a good reason for that though, which is that many Indian restaurant and business owners are often highly educated individuals, with MBAs or other post-college education.

When I was volunteering at a food bank warehouse a few years ago, I had an eye-opening discussion with an Indian fellow - Gugan, I think his name was - who was working off 20 hours of community service. Explaining, he told me he owned seven convenience stores and managed all of them by himself, employing friends and family. Apparently, he had an MBA and wanted to start an integrated chip design outsourcing business when he came to America, but found he could do quite fine selling drinks and snacks to the masses. When I asked him about restaurants, he was pretty adamant that it was the same for that niche as well, with many well qualified owners doing it because they money made it worth it. After he left for the day, he offered me free Slurpees anytime at his stores, though I never quite took him up on that offer. :)

-- Grant Yuan http://www.chefseattle.com/
December 10, 2008 8:37 AM

minor edits by B. Yoder

Friday, December 5, 2008

2/4/09, UPDATED: Will Redmond Town Center partner with the City on flood protections and salmon preservation?

2nd in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED 2/4/2009  You'll find a post 2 days ago trying to understand the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City. Talk from some neighbors and my review of several city council meetings reveal the city was negotiating with Redmond Town Center for Bear Creek buffer land. It appeared from these talks the city was frustrated with Redmond Town Center and their owner, Macerich REIT.  Its since been learned, the relationship is back on track with hopefully no strings attached by Macerich.

According to Mayor John Marchione: "...Regarding the (Redmond) blog, the City has a very good relationship with Redmond Town Center. We are working together to transfer land buffering Bear Creek to City control. Earlier in the year we approached Macerich for permission to perform survey work on the land in anticipation of the project. There was a delay as attorney’s work on language. But the delay was weeks, not months or years.....  Read More >>

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Talk around town - Redmond Town Center

This is the first in a series of opinions on Redmond Town Center.

UPDATED, 12/7: Over a long period of time, I've heard talk of an unsavory relationship between Redmond Town Center (RTC) and the City of Redmond. For the benefit of the Center, the City and our neighborhoods, now may be a time to air the laundry that's been hanging around our town.

By no means do I know all the details, or for that matter the facts. Only a word here and there from my neighbors and recently some muffled emoting and non-specific budget adjusting during a recent Council session. It appears the vitriol between Redmond Town Center (owned by Macerich REIT) and City started years ago during the Ives Administration. What I have heard is the corporate owner and operator of Redmond Town Center -Macerich REIT - didn't want anything to do with the City. I heard the blood was so bad, Macerich REIT didn't want anyone from the City of Redmond on their property. My hope is these rumors are overstated and the relationship between Redmond Town Center and the City has mended. But I wonder...

At this time, rumor has it that Redmond Town Center is demanding **$1,097,000 from the City in exchange for land they own buffering Bear Creek. The City needs the land to restore Bear Creek for flood control and habitat preservation. It is hoped negotiations will bring repair and renewal for all parties. **The latest number is lowered - to the mid-six figures.

Redmond Town Center is owned and operated by Macerich REIT out of Santa Monica, CA. (ticker MAC). They are a one of the largest owner-operators of retail space in the country. Macerich is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with 72 retail centers, 72MM square feet, 3,000 employees. 2007 revenues were $813,272,000 -- not far from a billion. Have you heard of Tyson's Corner Center, VA.? They own it.

Retailers (who depend on us) are having a rough time with this economy. Fortunate for Macerich, Redmond Town Center's 10-year leases expired last year and Redmond Town Center has signed more lucrative tenants with higher lease payments. The City is not raising business taxes this biennium. The bottom line: Redmond Town Center is not hurting, has deep pockets and tax support from the City. Macerich REIT stock was up 4% on Black Friday.

What appears to be hurting is Macerich-RTC's ability to overcome their past problems and renew a positive relationship with the city and neighborhoods that support them.

Redmond Town Center advertises Redmond's Bear Creek natural area as an amenity to attract customers and further their business. The RTC website advertises: "Conforming with the active, outdoor Pacific Northwest lifestyle, the Center is also surrounded by 45 acres of dedicated green space, active salmon-spawning habitat and a regional trail system." Look at RTC's LOGO and you'll see a rendering of Bear Creek! (top of page).

ATTN: REDMOND TOWN CENTER: As our community partner, please dedicate to Redmond and Redmond neighborhoods your portion of the 45 acre buffer to protect the spawning-habitat we all value. Please partner with Redmond to share in the costs of restoring the Bear Creek buffer. Please re-invest your resources back to our community for a better, safer Redmond for shareholder satisfaction.

An excerpt from Macerich's website on social responsibility: "We strive to meet community challenges through a combination of employee volunteerism, financial support, in-kind donations and partnerships with non-profit organizations whose missions are consistent with our own vision and values." We have similar values! Let's work together to save what we cherish.

It is hoped that Mr. Steven Chaffee, Senior Property Manager of Redmond Town Center can help us. Additionally, Redmond Town Center's owner Macerich, must know they built their Center on a 100-year flood plain and will enjoy flood protections from this restoration.

Comments? (Mayor Marchione commented)

CC: Mayor John Marchione, Rob Odle (Dir. of Planning and Development), Nancy McCormick (Council Pres.), Steven Chaffee, Macerich Corporate Headquarters - Executives, Redmond Neighborhood Associations (9), RTC merchants, Chamber of Commerce, Lake Washington School District PTSA members.