OPINION: Lamenting "Redmond Square"

Sign still up during demolition, photo Yoder 8/15/2021

Below, is an old comment from a reader in response to a (2/2019) video of "Redmond Square mall" prior to demolition. 

"I've heard some say "they're trying to turn Redmond into Bellevue." That wouldn't be much of a problem if we had all the space of Bellevue. (I think Bellevue is a lovely city--it's classy, clean, safe and I haven't noticed the aggressiveness of beggars there like in Redmond.) But trying to squeeze so many high rises into our little town on a bog is an eye sore.  We're basically leveling our town and cramming everything in. When brand new, some high rises may look tidy and clean, but most of them look drab. Honestly, they remind me of Cabrini-Green projects in Chicago. :( As they age and get dirty/moldy they'll become an eyesore to many (to me they already are). And they obstruct Redmond's natural beauty and cast big shadows on an otherwise coveted sunny day. Perhaps this could alter downtown Redmond's microclimate as well. It all makes me sad."

--- Anonymous, 2/23/2019

Above, is a video I took of "Redmond Square mall" currently (7/29/2021) being demolished.  The finished product will be in a prime location next to the Downtown light rail station.  Unfortunately, owing to it's location on Cleveland, 166th & Redmond Way traffic could be a nightmare for at least two years.  Nearby businesses and apartments will have to put up with the noise.

When finished, the Redmond Square Apartments will offer 1,2,3 and 4 room apartments, rooftop activities and many other amenities.  Legacy Partners partnered with a Chinese corporation to develop the project.  

-- Bob Yoder, 8/1/2021.

    Photo, Videos, Yoder 

Redmond's Design Review Board video (above) shows a wide pedestrian plaza, the narrow street, landscaping and significant use of brick. Below are additional details. Some parking will be available but I'm afraid not much.  Light rail, bikes, walking, scooters, and remote are the ticket.

 New 6 story buildings with approximately 623 dwelling units split by a narrow street (woonerf.) The project will redevelop the block bounded by Cleveland Street on the south, Redmond Way to the north, 166th Avenue NE on the east. The overall site is Redmond Square - LAND-2021-00220 2 | The site is approximately 3.47 acres.   Approximately 30,120 square feet of commercial space is  proposed at the street level along Redmond Way, Cleveland Street and 166th Avenue NE. The southern portion of the property will be separated by a Boundary Line Adjustment for future development.  (Design Review Board, 5/28/2021)