By Ken Urman, Realtor
This post is the third and final article in a series on the Downtown
Community of Mercer Island. The previous articles examined the decision to
revitalize the downtown area, and the guiding principles and aims; the
architecture and major new buildings in the downtown area.
The significant redevelopment of the downtown area of Mercer
Island is in progress, and residents see the effects of redevelopment efforts. It
is easy to see that continuing development will create more of the same
effects. New buildings, street plans, parking areas and traffic patterns that
are in place are a good indication of what to expect in the future.
One of the pivotal needs and driving concerns of the
downtown renaissance was a need for alternatives to single-family homes on
Mercer Island. The aim was to provide a number of mixed-use structures in the
downtown area that would offer both residences and shopping, dining,
entertaining venues. Mid-rise buildings (three to five stories avoid the
overpowering feeling often created by high-rise structures and blend more
effectively with the single-family homes throughout the island. In addition,
most of the structures are required to provide parking for residents and free
parking for those who are shopping or dining in the community.
Town
Center Evolving
There
are now about 1,000 residents in the Town Center, a number that could classify
the growing downtown corridor as a neighborhood. The city has invested more than $5 million to
date in streetscape improvements (trees, ornamental pavement and
pedestrian-friendly crosswalks). Recently completed projects have created 960
new residences, as well as 2250 new parking spaces and 124,000 square feet of
retail, commercial, and restaurant space. Legacy Mercer Island is currently under
construction.
Legacy
Mercer Island, at the corner of S.E. 27th Street and 76th Avenue S.E.
is a five-story mixed use project
that will include 209 apartments and 10,000
square feet of commercial space. Completion is expected by the summer of 2016. It includes a public plaza and parking.
In addition, plans for the Town Center Theatre complex are progressing rapidly. The city of
Mercer Island has selected a site at the western edge of Mercerdale Park that was
used previously as a recycling facility. The plans include a 350 seat venue, a
100 foot recital hall, and a black box theater area. The city has committed to a site at the
western edge of Mercerdale Park, what used to be a recycling facility. The
expansive lobby included in the plans will provide space for gallery
exhibitions. There will also be classroom space and administrative offices for
Youth Theater Northwest, which has been without a facility since its previous
office was needed for construction of the Island’s fourth elementary school.
This complex will provide a true cultural center for all residents.
The residents of the downtown area represent a cross-section
of Mercer Island as a whole. Residential offerings are sufficiently diverse to
meet the needs of all price ranges and lifestyles – from affordable apartments
to luxury condominiums. What has surprised many long-time residents of Mercer
Island is that a number of the two and three bedroom apartments are being used
by families with children and pets. Many of the buildings constructed in the
early stages of redevelopment were changed from condos to apartments because
the market was soft when they were built. Some may still convert to condos in
the future.
It is hoped that the downtown area will become a stepping
stone onto the island for young married couples and singles and young families.
Downtown living is a great way to get to know what life is like on Mercer
Island before buying. People of all ages have found it to be an area conducive
to their lifestyle. The downtown neighborhood consists of very environmentally
conscious affluent communities that prefer to travel by bicycle or by bus.
Unfortunately, to date entertainment venues are completely
lacking, and there are no plans at present for movie theaters or clubs. For the
most part, there is just not enough population to support them when Bellevue
and Seattle are so accessible. There are two major grocery stores and two major
chain drug stores, as well as many small retailers.
A Light Rail Connection by 2023. Sound
Transit and King County Metro are
still refining design ideas and
options for a light rail terminal in the
downtown area. The terminal will be located in the center of I-90. The entrance
will be at 77
th Avenue SE and 80
th Avenue SE. The station
is near the Mercer Island Park-and-Ride lot and addresses the goals of
promoting mixed-use development in the Town Center. It will include
a bicycle and pedestrian trail connection and bus
transfers at the station entrance. The station will feature covered bicycle
storage and public art. Construction will begin in 2015, with completion
scheduled by 2023. Additional details are available in the
Community guide to construction.
Aljoya Mercer
Island is a high-end
senior community in the downtown area that provides for all types of needs and
desires of the residents. This continuing-care facility is designed for active
lifestyles, and is
attracting both newcomers to Mercer Island and
long-time residents who want to give up the yard care and home maintenance for
a luxurious and fulfilling lifestyle, both inside and outside the facility. With
114 residences, Aljoya (which means “happiness”), Mercer Island offers “everything
from spacious studios, to expansive three-bedroom apartments, each designed for
maximum comfort, convenience and style.” The extensive list of amenities
includes everything residents might need or expect.
When construction in the downtown community is complete, we
can expect to see a thriving neighborhood of singles, couples, and families of
all ages, who prefer the downtown lifestyle. The latest updates on downtown
renovations are available
online. The downtown renaissance brings new opportunities for small
business and new choices in residential living to Mercer Island. It is a joy to
welcome this diversity and change in the downtown core. If you are interested
in a home in Mercer Island’s downtown neighborhood, please give me a call. It
would be a pleasure to show you the many options available. Remember, I’ll
bring the coffee.
As explained by the Northwest
Multiple Listing Service in a recent article, "The "most livable" rankings, compiled by 24/7 Wall St., were based on a
range of variables, including crime rates, employment growth, educational
attainment, housing affordability, and the availability of certain amenities
such as parks, access to outdoor activities, and sports clubs."
