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| Vivek Prakriya, Menka Soni, Sayna Parsi [middle of photo] |
After re-reading the 470 page report from the council’s July study session (that extensively detailed suggestions for remediation for all questionable and possibly unsafe conditions) did council actually read it entirely? In the study session the majority of council members never made the effort or never asked the question of what it would take to keep this building open and safe.
One new councilmember, Sayna Parsi, was recently appointed. Two new members were recently elected (Menka Soni and Vivek Prakriya) Thus, three who had no part in the decision to demolish, with little knowledge, experience, and insight, will be entrusted to move this challenging building process forward.
The teen center is a limited use facility—opened maybe 20- hours a week. The $9 million price tag for the rebuilding scenario is inflated with expenditures that are not necessary or warranted such as EV charging station, water fountain with bottle filler, ADA shower, new kitchen cabinets and appliances. Coupled with the city’s track record with the community center’s escalation of costs from 30 million to almost 70 million, this reality is scary.
The Mayor and Council are committing $2,144,838 towards the World Cup event in hopes to leverage economic growth within the City.
According to an April 14, 2026 Council agenda memo, the funding breakdown is, as follows:
The City of Redmond invites the community to a celebration of the Old Fire House Teen Center from 2 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 4. This event will honor the building's decades of impact on generations of Redmond residents and visitors before the site is redeveloped into a new teen center. Please note that the event will take place outdoors and there will be no access into the building.
Event Programming:
| Main Stage Performers | |
| The Hit | 2 p.m. |
| Mae Amber | 3 p.m. |
| Tomo Nakayama | 3:50 p.m. |
| Fight Milk | 4:40 p.m. |
| Suzzallo | 5:20 p.m. |
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| Photo/ Bob Yoder |
"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center. A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage" will transform Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel, residential, commercial, retail and a large park. High rise buildings are probable.
· There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 
As if Seritage is not enough, read about the Overlake East Master Plan:
https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-redevelopment-of-sears-plaza-is.html
-- Bob Yoder, 1/12/26
Enjoy glowing lights and illuminated art all month long.
Getting there / Parking
Live performances
Art
Luminary walk from Downtown Park to Redmond Town Center
Redmond Lights Returns to Downtown Park, Expands to Overlake
REDMOND, WA - Redmond Lights, the City of Redmond’s annual winter celebration of art and light, will illuminate Downtown Park once again this year and, for the very first time, will expand its footprint to the Overlake neighborhood’s Esterra Park, as well. The community can enjoy the free, month-long art installations at both locations from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. A Kick-Off Event will take place from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Downtown Park.
“I look forward to joining our community in experiencing the wonder of Redmond Lights again this year,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This year will be especially magical with new art and light exhibits at Esterra Park, in addition to the beloved traditions that bring us together this season.”
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| Photo credit LD 48 Representative Osman Salahuddin |
October 18, 2025 Downtown Park "NO KINGS" protest
REDMOND, WA - Redmond will host the Downtown Redmond Art Walk (DRAW) for a third year, beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, in Downtown Redmond. This celebration of creativity and beauty brings together Redmond’s local artists and businesses for an evening of art and encourages community members to support local artists, merchants, and vibrant arts organizations.
From 4 – 7 p.m., Downtown Park will feature art installations, performances, and live mural painting curated by the City’s Cultural Arts Program. There will also be opportunities for the community to connect with City Councilmembers, and share their perspectives on the importance of art that will be incorporated into the Public Art Master Plan. Participating businesses will join in celebrating local talent through exhibitions, poetry readings, live music, and more.
“Downtown Redmond Art Walk showcases our community’s talented local artists and businesses,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “I’m excited we are continuing this event for a third year as we celebrate the dynamic and creative spirit of our city.”
In addition to the art in Downtown Park, the City will provide a map for self-guided tours of the participating businesses that will showcase artists that evening. This one-night experience is made possible thanks to a generous Arts Sustained Support grant from 4Culture.
For information about the event and how to get involved, visit redmond.gov/DRAW.
--Redmond.gov
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| Tian Tian Noodle, 16421 Cleveland Street |
I wanted to know why the ground isn't yet broken for construction; late April was the target month. Sarah thinks August is the likely start time. The large AMLI apartment project is still under construction and is interfering. Sarah said the delay had nothing to do with finances, at this time.
Federal money accounts for 25 - 30% of their system-wide funding! The funding goes through the county first (a jursidiction in the hole.) Of course, Trump has cutting federal, homeless funding on his list (along with everything else.) Ms. Lee, the Plymouth CEO, is very concerned and is planning for the worse. Sarah was worried Medicaid is on the chopping block as well. CONNECTIONS Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Kirkland offers hope. Plymouth's dual diagnosis individuals can be treated for free. EvergreenHealth is also close by.
Los Angeles, New York and then Seattle have the highest homelessness in the Nation, according to a study in the Seattle Times. The cities that do the best for homeless focus on shelters. Shelters give immediate care. It can take almost a decade to construct and fully develop a permanent suportive building. In the meantime, individuals die in the streets unsheltered. It's happening in Seattle and with light rail, Kenmore, Redmond and Kirkland will follow.
Call our Senators Patty Murray and Maria Canwell to protest withdrawals of federal funds and Medicaid cuts.
-- Bob Yoder, opinion. 6/11/25
The following 2 Line Train problems were reported by Sound Transit today, June 11:
Marymoor Village Station - Elevator 1 unavailable until further notice. Elevator at Exit A.
2 Line trains are sharing one track at the BelRed Station until further notice due to maintenance activity.
2 Line trains are sharing one track from Redmond Technology Station to Downtown Redmond Station until further notice.
2 Line Downtown Redmond Station - Elevator 2 unavailable until further notice. Exit A.
Contact Sound Transit to be put on service alert texts. 888-889-6365
2 Line Shuttle buses are replacing the 2 Line from BelRed Station to Downtown Redmond Station until further notice due to power issues. Last updated: Jun 08, 2025 3:17 PM
Affordable housing is desparately needed. Rebuilding and enlarging the firehouse to 6-stories may be the best solutionl. The two lower floors could be used for teen programs; the top four floors for work-force housing.
A resident gave testimony at the last council meeting, recommending re-opening the outside areas of the OFH center this summer until council takes action. The chairs, tables and 2 basketball courts could be put to good use for performing arts and social space.
_ Bob Yoder, 6/8/2025, opinion
Feel free to post (and read) a comment...
Dima is a Redmond resident!
His ultramarathon is a one-day run on Sunday, June 8 to support Ukranians who have lost their limbs. The Last Leg: Totem Lake to Redmond Downtown Park - SR 520 Trail and Cross Kirkland Corridor.
7:35 PM finish time at the Downtown Park. I hope some residents will come out to cheer and celebrate Dima as he crosses the finish line. Bring some sliced oranges, hydration packets and a bucket of ice! And, don't forget your wallet!
Many thanks to Council member Steve Fields for the heads up! Steve said he'd be there.
