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.

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 >>

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.

• Family Activities
  • Light Fashion Show, 6:00 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Family Light Promenade, 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Redmond Town Center Kids Coloring Activity, all month long at Redmond Town Center
  • Photos with Santa, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center
  • Face Painting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
  • Crafting, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Performances
  • Downtown Park, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Redmond Town Center, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
  • Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (details below)
• Luminary Trail, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. (route below)
• Silent Disco, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park
• Community Activity Booths, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center
• Free glow items (with an original $10 receipt from any Redmond Town Center tenant), 4 p.m.  - 8 p.m. at Redmond Town Center

Pat Vache': Redmond Town Center's Early History

Pat Vache' in his early days / courtesy of Arnie Tomac

"What is known as 'Town Center' didn’t just happen.  It has history.”​  

-- Pat Vache'

As some know, just prior to the pandemic, the Redmond Town Center was purchased by Fairbourne Properties of Chicago for $192 million.  Fairbourne's vision is to redevelop Redmond Town Center from "an auto-centric, suburban campus to a walkable, mixed-use urban neighborhood with retail at it's core. ​Light rail is a major driver.  ​

In 2022, Pat Vache', a "Founding Father" of Town Center gave testimony encouraging Council  include the founders in the development process citing their previous experience (and collective wisdom.) He emphasized the need of engagement opportunities, especially town hall meetings.

Mr. Vache' stated “Throughout the history of Redmond Town Center two issues were foremost, 1) protecting open space and 2) creating a major retail facility for all to enjoy.  If history taught us nothing else, it is clear that three elements were important then and are critical today:

1) Redmond residents want and deserve the opportunity to engage, 

2) A robust retail environment is a necessity for Redmond residents and the economic sustainability of the City of Redmond, and

 3) Redmond residents demand a sustainable environment, an environment characterized by trees, lots of trees and open space, lots of open space," in fact a minimum of 43 acres."

THE EARLY HISTORY - a quick story

Town Center’s modern history began in late 1978 when the Old Redmond Golf Course​ (in King County)​ was purchased by Winmar, a Safeco company.  A total of 120 pristine acres were purchased, including the 87-acre golf course. Forty-four acres would remain open space. (C. Beason played a large role in that.) The acreage was  invaluable to the community.  Open space is a very big part of Redmond culture. 

Winmar proposed development​ of the 87 acre golf course twice, once in 1979​ ​for $4 million (per Town Center Associates) and again in **1982 for $6 million ($16.5 million in today's dollars.)  Though open space was desirable,​ The Sammamish Valley ​News​, ​​​businessmen​ and many residents wanted shopping and commercial ​development.

To counter development, in 1978 a coalition of preservationists​,​ “Civic Action for Redmond Environment” (C.A.R.E.) formed to retain the golf course and influence public opinion.​  One of the C.A.R.E. Presidents Richard Grubb, Pat Vache', Arnie Tomac, Chris Himes, the Beasons and other citizen activists organized the coalition. Grubb, Vache' and Tomac became councilmembers. Himes  became Redmond's first full time Mayor.  Nothing ever came of the 1979, $4 million Town Center Associates offer, probably because of C.A.R.E.  

Pat Vache', Redmond's first planning commissioner and a councilmember of 16 years, says ​"in over eight years ​the public, planning staff, ​and Policy Advisory Commission​​ had a series of public meetings, visioning exercises and just about any type of public process imaginable. Town Center didn't just happen. It has history." 

​​"Old Redmond" vs. "New Redmond" issues were reaching a boiling point. So, in 1982 Council​,​ led by Council President Arnie Tomac​ and councilmember Pat Vache',​ proposed a $6 million bond measure to “let the voters decide" if they wanted to purchase the land for preservation or take Winmar’s offer and develop it.  According to Rosemarie Ives, the 60% supermajority bond failed by 2%​.​  

Mayor Doreen Marchione is quoted in the Sammamish Valley News, “we have no choice but to annex the property for reasonable development.”  Former Mayor Rosemarie Ives​ felt the city ​should​​​ have immediately​ gone out for a second​ vote​. ​ 

With that, ​​Vache' notes by 198​6​, (Ord. 1328) 120 acres were annexed from King County, pre-annexation zoning was completed, the ***Master Plan was approved, and the property was incorporated into the City of Redmond. ​ ​*Seven years following the City’s 1988 approval (Ord. 1416) Winmar didn’t develop anything with Town Center, though there still was much debate and talk.​ In 1994, Winmar proposed an outdoor mall of 1.3M square feet of shopping and offices. The proposal was approved by Council in 1995 (Ord. 1841.) Construction started in 1996.  

-- written by Bob Yoder, 7/15/2022

Sources:  Sammamish Valley News, Pat Vache, Arnie Tomac, Nancy McCormick, Rosemarie Ives, Holly Plackett, 4/8/2022 Fairbourne Properties Letter to Redmond City Council, Seattle Times, 8/10/1997.

Arnold Tomac's Leadership and Involvement with Redmond Town Center.  Arnie is a good friend of Pat Vache'. 

* Quick stories:  Though, not directly related to Town Center, past councilmember and planning commissioner Holly Plackett wrote Winmar's seven "idle" years were spent developing Target, Mervyns, and Bella Bottega cinema.

This story is so interesting! As editor of the Sammamish Valley News at that time, I was deeply involved in studying the options for this property. Redmond was sorely in need of a better commercial zone….the town was growing and there really was a great need. Although Town Center perhaps failed to fulfill that dream entirely, there is still hope. The city has grown…the possibilities are still endless! I hope Redmond marches ahead, brings itself completely into this century to keep up with the vast population growth!

--Deb Akerstrom, 7/2022.  Deb is presently a Director on the Redmond Historical Society Society.  12/2022

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** The MASTER PLAN was approved in 1986:  "The design and development of this zone is controlled by a Master Plan established to ensure that development here integrates with and positively influences future development of the Greater downtown area and retains traditional building styles, street patterns, variety of uses, and public amenities."  (Ord. 1328.)  

The MASTER PLAN was scrapped in 2022.  New language:  "Design and development of this zone is controlled by zone-based regulations and additional  special design standards for development projects located within the downtown urban core."

Celebrate the Centennial and Redmond Lights on Dec. 1

Redmond, WA —Kick-off the holiday season by joining Redmond residents, businesses, and the community at large by celebrating Redmond’s Centennial by day and Redmond Lights by night! Both events will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2012. The Centennial Celebration will take place from Noon-4:00pm at the Redmond City Hall Campus. Redmond Lights will take place from 4:00pm to 8:00pm beginning at City Hall before proceeding down the Sammamish River Trail to Redmond Town Center.

In preparation for the Centennial time capsule, citizens are encouraged to donate items of interest or historical significance. Suggestions include Redmond High School class of 2012 memorabilia, Derby Days ribbons, or historic photos. For details, visit 100years.redmond.gov.   Read More >>

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 must. Three 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

City Reimagines Redmond Lights In Response to COVID

REDMOND, WA - This year's Redmond Lights will celebrate hope, joy, arts, and light while adhering to the State’s Safe Start Plan. With the inability to gather and hold events, the City of Redmond has reimagined Redmond Lights to be a month-long art and light installation at Downtown Park. Art and light installations are sponsored by Microsoft, BECU, and Evergreen Healthcare. 

With a generous sponsorship from Redmond Town Center, Cleveland Street and 164th Ave NE will be lit to lead visitors to Redmond Town Center, where the experience continues with visits with Santa and more. The installations will be in place from December 4, 2020, to January 3, 2021. 

Using a free smart phone app, visitors will take a self-guided tour through the experience. Traditional elements that included the tree lighting, performances, booths, and large gatherings will not occur this year. Instead, the City of Redmond invites visitors to #LetItGlowRedmond. 

Businesses surrounding Downtown Park and at Redmond Town Center are invited to decorate their windows, sponsored by Minuteman Press Redmond, and participate as “Blinker Stops,” where visitors can get their exclusive 2020 Redmond Lights blinker, sponsored by Experience Redmond. Residents will be invited to share their home light displays and vote on their favorite entries. 

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our opportunities to gather, spreading light, hope, and joy in the community is even more important,” says Mayor Angela Birney. “This year will showcase art and light installations that will help connect our community, even when we are physically distanced.” 

Costs of "The Redmond Saturday Market" lease

Redmond Town Center leases land to the Saturday Market for $950/day.

UPDATED:  The Saturday Market has been a part of Redmond's culture for the last thirty-four years.  With the move to "Buy Local" the Market is more popular than ever before.   Driving down Leary it's not hard to see the bustle in the farmers and craftspersons white tents.   Do you see the tents behind Redmond Town Center's gateway sign?

The Market and parking lot sits on 8,000 square feet of land leased from Redmond Town Center (RTC).  According to  Market Manager, Martha Tyler, they pay Redmond Town Center $950/day to rent "the dirt", or $3,800/month.  The Sani-Cans are extra.  The Market is open for six months from May 1 - October 30 so the total payment to RTC each year is $22,800.   But, RTC sponsors the Market with a $3,000/year donation plus advertising space valued at $1,800/year by RTC.   Market Manager Martha Tyler said:

"It would be great if the market parking lot was donated each Saturday since it's a community service for the folks of Redmond.  Many farmer market sites in the state of Washington are donated or charged a very small amount so that the market can operate with less of a financial burden, we're talking farmers and crafters here, not big business". 

About two years ago, Jim Hoagland, Saturday Market President, approached City Council asking for funds to help cover their lease payments and attract entertainment.  According to Ms. Tyler, Council has approved a $5,000/yr. payment to the Market (a nonprofit) for the last two years.  Three other government-funded entities sponsor the Market:  Evergreen (Public) Hospital ($1,000), Think Redmond ($1000) and R-Trip ($1000).  Read More.

The donations and new management have brought back the bustle!  Have you heard about their big "Howl-O-Ween Day" event on October 30?    Read More >>

Brightmont Academy Relocates to Redmond Town Center to Serve More Students

Private school specializing in one-to-one instruction for 6^th-12^th grade students adds more learning rooms, new campus design to meet student needs

SEATTLE, WASH.  August 19, 2015 – Brightmont Academy, a private school specializing in one-to-one instruction, is moving to a new location that will meet the needs of more students. Beginning its 16th year serving the Seattle metro area, the campus includes additional individual learning rooms, a science lab, a new homework studio and a full kitchen.

Brightmont Academy specializes in one-to-one instruction where one experienced teacher works with one student throughout every learning session.  Read More >>

UPDATED, 11/7/2022 Redmond Town Center 12- Story Building Heights

A rendering of the new Redmond Town Center

Two, 8-story buildings are currently zoned for Redmond Town Center. Scale, massing, and village character are important considerations that may raise or lower the acceptable height.  To incentivize the Applicant (owners) to build up to a maximum of 12-stories the following benefits could be considered:  

2. Benefit:  Covered outdoor entertainment space and children's play area  

3. Benefit:  Covered retail is already in place.   

4. Benefit: Indoor / and covered outdoor common areas appointed with significant art.

.

5. Benefit:  Covered ped/bike urban pathway to light rail station; uncovered pathway in the Marymoor corridor.

5. Benefit:  Green Building Incentive Program:  green walls, trestles, LEED Platinum medal construction.  Plush landscaping with 10 foot trees. Activated, landscaped rooftop patios.

6. Benefit:  Affordable housing.  3 and 4 room apartments for families.

7.City "Safety Station" maned to oversee the light rail station, homeless, and Lime bikes.

8. Benefit:  Community WiFi and coffee plaza / visitor center kiosk.

9. Benefit:  Community bike repair, e-bikes, washing and charging stations.

10.Benefit:  City stoplight at SR520 / Bear Creek gateway to parking areas.

11.Benefits:  Architecture, significant cultural art, pedestrian sidewalks safe from scooters, plazas, alleys, setbacks, dynamic water feature.  

12.  Wayfinding, dog-sitting, mini dog park with wash, food trucks. (whistles and bells)

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/2022. updated 11/7/2022 opinion

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 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.  

UPDATED, 2/21/2024 On The Proposed New Redmond Town Center

REDMOND TOWN CENTER REDEVELOPMENT 

Hines will host two neighborhood meetings over the next 12 months. The first meeting will be SOON, in March 6th of 2024 at RTC campus office.  Contact mayor@redmond.gov for times. 

The center's Master Plan review by Council is now underway.  Notably, in addition to the 12-story buildings, three 7-story mixed used residential building are planed.  

 Protecting Redmond’s Aquifer: we’ve positioned all parking above ground to avoid any impact to the aquifer and reduce the carbon impact during construction.

Affordable Housing: At full development, Redmond Town Center will feature up to 200 units of transit-oriented, affordable housing – 2x the minimum contained in the inclusionary zoning ordinance, at 60% of  "Average Median Income."

74th Street: Streetscape improvements on 74th include a transition to a pedestrian-first, engaging open space to enliven the center of the retail core.

Ground Floor Retail: The design includes a net increase of 15,000 – 35,000 square feet of ground floor, pedestrian generating and retail uses, with a portion of that reserved for local, smaller shop retail uses.

Pedestrian and Intersection Improvements: Street and intersection improvements at 166th, 164th, and 76th streets will provide a much more engaging, pedestrian oriented ground plane experience.

Green Roofs: Vegetated green roofs will be included in non-mechanical areas of new building construction to help reduce the urban heat island and help manage stormwater run-off.

Schedule Updates & Opportunities for Feedback:

Neighborhood Meetings:

Hines will host two neighborhood meetings over the next 12 months. The first meeting will be SOON, in March 6th of 2024 at RTC campus office.  Contact info@redmond.gov for times. with another coming in late summer - ~August of 2024. Further details to come here.

Thank you again for participating and sharing your input and questions. We’ll follow up with more updates soon. In the meantime, please visit our Feedback section to respond to our new questions!

-- Hines, 1/12/2024

To find additional blog posts on Redmond Town Center click the "RTC" label. These stories were found at the blog search button. Here are some posts on downtown and the downtown buildings.

Rosemarie Ives Upset With Redevelopment Process Of Redmond Town Center

Good evening Mayor and Council.  My name is Rosemarie Ives, former Redmond mayor 1992-2007, and I am here to provide comment and some history relating to the Town Center Amendments on tonight’s agenda.  Although I would like to comment on Tree Regulations, four minutes is hardly enough time for such important issue.  Such a full agenda precludes the public from giving any substantive testimony on more than one item. I hope that Madam Mayor would consider my making a few remarks after testimony from others is concluded.

I was on the Planning Commission when the first conceptual plan for Town Center was presented in preparation of the annexation of the beloved, treed 120 acre property into the City and the heart of our downtown. The Planning Commission worked for 18 months in 1986-1987.  I was an opponent of “the enclosed mall that was initially proposed  while the late former councilmember Richard Cole was a proponent.  Once the land use decision was made, together Mr. Cole and I authored  the 39 conditions that constituted a compact with the community and that were eventually placed on the development.  In 1987, Mr.  Cole and I were elected to City Council….Together we led the council through much of its process of deliberation over the next two years.  In 1992 when  I was elected mayor, Town Center owners proposed a new open air, pedestrian and downtown oriented design incorporating the 39 conditions encouraging redevelopment and revitalization in the adjacent downtown. that was approved in 1995 in Development Guide Amendment 94-004.   Construction began in 1996.

UPDATED OPINION, 2/23/23: Redmond Town Center's New Owner Proposes Amendments Allowing 12-Story Buildings

Imagining a new town center

OPINION:  It's all so confusing and I'm still unclear.  The new owner of Redmond Town Center, Fairbourne Properties, is proposing "zone text amendments" that would allow two 12-story buildings on his property in exchange for "public benefits" such as, affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and business diversity (eg. retail retail, retail; restaurants, entrepreneurs, recreation, small business, commercial,   The benefits are vague and Council is working to clarify them.

A partial summary of the proposed amendments appear as follows:

1) Increase maximum height to 12-stories through an incentive program of 3 extra levels for above grade parking per building, electric bike space and decent pedestrian lighting.   

2) One amendment involves the owner offering "exceptional amenities" for additional height.  I crave colorful, covered plazas and courtyards, eclectic and cultural artworks, sustainable-public-rooftop-patios-with-pristine-views, public spaces for daycare and pets, and above all else, well lit performing arts spaces welcoming and entertaining all, including commercial and retail employees.  Pickleball is a craze and rooftop courts to activate the Center are being looked at.

3) It's my understanding, the final amendment, if passed, could expand "Town Center Mixed Use" into certain parcels along Bear Creek Parkway; serviced by an office gateway.  The expansion plan is unclear; and it may never happen.

-- Bob Yoder, Opinion, 1/30/2023, Updated 2/22/23, Resident of Redmond, WA.

SOURCES:  

Council "Planning and Public Works" Committee of the Whole memo, 1/3/2023, excerpted and edited.  Unfortunately, the city red-lined this memo. 

City Council memo, 1/17/2023 - discusses privately initiated text amendments.

FAIRBOURNE Properties (owner)

Hines, RTC owner's consultant and outreach arm.  (Patrick Woodruff is the Hines lead; he's local and enthusiastically seeking ALL opinions and feedback.) 

Engage with the community and the owner HERE)

Carol Helland, Director of Planning and Community Development.  (Ask for Ms. Helland's contact information at info@redmond.gov or Mayor@redmond.gov)

Arnold Tomac, Past President Redmond City Council, a Town Center founder, and co-founder of the Ped/Bike Advisory Committee.  Arnie's BIO.  

-- Bob Yoder, 2/23/23