ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS
From vision to reality: Region’s most sustainable community nears completion
Nearly 100 members of the Issaquah community gathered to celebrate the ground breaking for Grand Ridge Plaza, the urban retail district at Issaquah Highlands.
Community Redefined
I
magine a community where every resident lives just a short walk to the park, where world-class health care is just down the street, where multiple generations of people with diverse lifestyles live side by side, where retail services and entertainment venues are close at hand, where students of all ages enjoy a full breadth of educational opportunities, and where priority is placed on preserving and protecting the environment to benefit future generations. Welcome to Issaquah Highlands. Today, this community is home to more than 3,000 residents, hundreds of workers and thousands of visitors who frequent Issaquah Highlands to live, work and play. And, it is so much more. Since Port Blakely Communities first introduced its bold vision to create an urban village some 20 years ago, it has partnered with many public and private developers, builders and industry leaders to make the community a reality. During the last year, the landscape has changed as many neighborhoods continue to grow and new amenities are completed. A significant milestone was reached when Port Blakely Communities and Regency Centers broke ground to develop a neighborhood shopping district. Construction is expected to proceed with store openings scheduled during 2013.
“I can’t imagine a better place to raise a family – I now watch my daughter grow up, play with her friends, take lessons at Grand Ridge Elementary -- all in a community that is built on collaboration and stewardship.” – John Thompson, resident Excavation work starts at the site of Grand Ridge Plaza.
Grand Ridge Plaza Boasts Entertainment, Grocery and Retail Services
I
n an economy where retail developers have scores of opportunities to place their investment bets, one of the nation’s best-in-class retail developers, Regency Centers, is leading the development of the neighborhood retail district at Issaquah Highlands.
Additionally, more than 10 signature projects opened their doors or broke ground over the last year, adding a broader mix of housing and services to the community. This activity has boosted the region’s economy, with construction investment totaling nearly $600 million. Positive economic benefits are generated through new tax revenues for the City of Issaquah and thousands of new jobs.
Elected officials, dignitaries and residents participated in the celebration to break ground and initiate construction in June. The 280,000-square-foot urban retail district, known as Grand Ridge Plaza, will feature a Safeway store and a Regal Cinema, along with a mix of dining, retail and entertainment offerings. Construction on Regal’s 12-screen cinema will proceed initially, followed by Safeway in the fall. The modern grocery store will offer a pharmacy and gas station, among other features.
CONTINUED TO PAGE TWO
CONTINUED TO PAGE TWO www.IssaquahHighlands.com