Get to Know Mercer Island’s Downtown Neighborhood – Part 3: Lifestyles

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.