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
2
What’s new at Issaquah Highlands:
Newly Completed Projects Come to Life CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
Dear Neighbors,
GRAND RIDGE PLAZA BOASTS ENTERTAINMENT, GROCERY AND RETAIL SERVICES
When our family-owned company set out to create a new kind of community in the Puget Sound region some 20 years ago, we envisioned a place where neighbors would know each other, where people would connect through trails and social activities, and where a diverse mix of residents would have all needed services and amenities right outside their front doors. Today we celebrate this dream as reality. Significant investments are introducing more homes, new services and finally – a grocery store – to the community. We have remained focused on our mission and have delivered an award-winning, state-of-the-art urban village of which we can all be proud. As new development continues in Issaquah Highlands this year, we want to share with you key milestones and new projects – completed and under development – that increasingly make this vibrant community among the region’s most desirable to live, work and play. Once complete, Issaquah Highlands will live on as a sustainable community, creating a lasting and meaningful sense of place for future generations. We’re proud to leave this legacy. I’m interested in hearing from you. Please share your comments and ideas with me at rene@portblakely.com
In the retail industry, the saying goes: “Location, location, location” – and Issaquah Highlands’ location is one of its key assets. The surrounding population (people who live and work nearby, as well as those who drive by daily) is a key attraction for new retailers. Regency is continuing efforts to attract a mix of commercial and retail tenants to Grand Ridge Plaza. Driven by current market demand, Regency Centers’ plans feature village-style
elements that fit within the community’s surrounding buildings, and promote easy access and walkability throughout with bike racks and lush foliage. It will offer a variety of venues for entertainment, groceries, restaurants, and other daily needs. This means that residents can now experience the ease of buying milk or a loaf of freshly baked bread, watch a movie or buy a gift for a child’s birthday party, all within easy reach of their homes.
Sincerely,
René Ancinas CEO, Port Blakely Companies President, Port Blakely Communities
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
COMMUNITY REDEFINED
The new Safeway features an urban style design.
A Model For Sustainability Issaquah Highlands is among the nation’s first sustainable communities ever developed, and today it serves as a national award-winning model for masterplanned community development. It has earned awards and accolades for Built Green standards for residential construction, LEED Gold status for its office building, sustainably designed and modern medical center and now is home to the nation’s first and perhaps only, net-zero multi-family housing.
Issaquah Highlands nears completion as the residential population has grown and the Issaquah Highlands Community Association now independently leads and manages governance for the residential aspects of the community. Commercial and retail services continue to be built out and established and the entire community is well positioned to grow, evolve and thrive.
INSIDE What’s New / Message from Port Blakely .................... 2 Retail Development Breaks Ground ...............................3 A Growing Urban Village ................................................. 4-5 New Neighborhoods Grow & Diversify........................ 6 Recently Completed / Planned Development ........ 7 Life in Issaquah Highlands ....................................................8
Safeway Inc., founded in 1915, is North America’s second largest supermarket chain. Issaquah Highlands’ Safeway store will include a full line of groceries and liquor, a fueling station, pharmacy and coffee shop. It will also include an outdoor plaza and fireplace for customers and neighbors to gather.
“When completed, Issaquah Highlands will be the realization of our community’s long-term vision to implement smart growth, protect our environment, protect existing open space and create vibrant, wonderful neighborhoods.” – Ava Frisinger, Mayor, City of Issaquah
3
(From left to right) Senior Vice President of Regency Centers Craig Ramey, CEO of Port Blakely Companies René Ancinas and Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger break ground on Ground Ridge Plaza.
Collaboration Brings Leaders in Retail Development Q: How did Regency become interested in Issaquah Highlands? A: Issaquah Highlands is already one of the most vibrant and desirable
communities in the Puget Sound region to live and work. So when Port Blakely Communities invited Regency to consider developing a neighborhood shopping district here, they became very interested. The retail center offers the opportunity to meet a growing need for an increasing number of residents by enhancing their neighborhood with a gathering place and hub for much needed retail services.
Q: How does the Grand Ridge Plaza plan tie into the existing community? A: One of the aspects that set Issaquah Highlands apart from any other
community in this region is that it is a sustainable community. For the past year, Regency has been working with Port Blakely Communities and the City of Issaquah to create plans that complement the community’s green, walkable design while also meeting the city’s criteria for development. The pedestrian-friendly layout and complementary building design encourages residents to experience this area by foot or bicycle. Ample parking will be available to accommodate visitors from around the region as well.
Regal Cinemas, an anchor in the retail district, will bring entertainment to the community.
Regal Entertainment Group, operator of the largest and most geographically diverse theater circuit in the United States, will operate a 12-screen theater at Grand Ridge Plaza, bringing new releases and more entertainment choices to residents. The theater will feature stadium seating with a parking garage located adjacent to the cinema. “We look forward to the day that we can walk a few blocks and get a pizza, enjoy a movie, or grab the needed items at a grocery store. This is what America should be striving for. ”- John Tomczak, resident
Q: What kind of experience does Regency represent? A: With almost 400 shopping centers from coast to coast, Regency is the
leading national owner, operator and developer of grocery-anchored and community shopping centers in the country. It owns two retail centers on the Sammamish Plateau already, so it is familiar with customers and the region, but this is the first and most contemporary retail center it will build from the ground up in the Puget Sound region. Regency has the industry relationships, development expertise and experience with projects like this in many other markets, which has allowed it to secure the interest and signed leases with Safeway and Regal Cinemas, as well as many other tenants to be announced in the future.
Q: When will the stores begin to open? A: As with any major construction project, there are several variables and complexities needing to fall into place in order for stores to open. After breaking ground on Regal Cinemas this summer, Safeway is expected to break ground in the fall. In 2013, a series of other retailers will begin opening, including Safeway, Regal Cinemas and additional smaller stores.
Q: What will residents and visitors like most about the new retail district? A: Grand Ridge Plaza was planned to serve as a flagship, bringing
something new to Issaquah and perhaps the region as well. The retail district is designed to incorporate comfortable spaces, green trees, and social and restful areas. It is intended to be a destination and gathering place within the neighborhood in addition to a place where people shop.
Family-owned restaurant, the Ram, offers a new family dining option for residents.
A Growing Urban Village:
5
Issaquah Highlands is one of the region’s leading communities to live, work and play.
SUNSET WALK 70 Townhomes
SAFEWAY 45,000 Sq Ft Modern Grocery Store
FOREST RIDGE 85 Single Family Homes
NE Nat alie W y
KIRK KIRK PARK ARK
THE RAM -Family Dining Restaurant
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Rd
COMMUNITY BLACK NUGGET T GARDEN PARK
146 Apartment Units
NE Ave
7th Ave NE
8th
NE Discover y Dr
NE Blakely y Dr
O M IT O M
DISCOVERY HEIGHTS I II
VILLAGE V LLAG TRAIL RAIL PARK K
15th Ave NE
NE D a
r
IC H US IJO A
D EA
BELLEVUE COLLEGE
NE
Ha
s rri
on
Dr
dg
eD
r
St ne ph
DAPHNE PARK
RN
ST
SU
M D AR I RI H SCO EI V O GH E TT R B U TS Y
WEST HIGHLAND PARK
Edd Ed Eddy E dy Wy W N NE
9th Ave NE
NE EE Ellis D Dr
lss D NE Falls
FOREST RIDGE
CENTRAL PARK
SU UMM U MMIT PARK PA ARK
Ri
MICROSOFT
GRAND RIDGE PLAZA (Regency)
WALK
g Dr College
HARRISON STREET
d an Gr
St
BLOCK 8 N
13th Ave NE 1
NE
h Hig
10t 10 10t 0th Ave NE
NE High g St
St on HARRISON R RI PARK PA RK
NE
NE Julep St
City City Cit Ow O wned
City City Owned wn
r kD ar P SUNSET E
VILLAGE VILLA VILLAG A GREEN EN
28th Ave NE
zHOME
City Cit Ci ity Owned Ow O w wn ned
Grand Ridge g Elementary School
Dr
VISTA A PARK K
FIR IREH REH H HO O OU OUS USE U SE SE PAR ARK K
NE F al ls
10th Ave NE
NE
PARK AND SELF RIDE STORAGE
12th Ave NE
Dr
YWCA FAMILY VILLAGE
STARPOINT SHOPS
NE Park Dr
E
ds
ASH ASHLAND AS PARK
Waterbody
N ve hA
lan
12-Screen Theater
GRAND RIDGE DRIVE WISTERIA WIST STERIA A P RK PAR K
DISCOVERY HEIGHTS I 253 Apartments
PROLIANCE
BELLEVUE COLLEGE
20-Acre Issaquah Campus
SWEDISH
Parks
Community Garden
LOGAN LOGA OGAN GA PARK PA K
BLAKELY HALL
Commercial
Open Space
an St
St
Underway
3 0t
sura
at NE K
gh Hi
REGAL CINEMA
Residential
Future Development
NE Log
25th Ave NE
Nugg et
24th Ave NE
Bllack
(Bright Horizons Child Care Center)
Complete
Planned
MAGNOLIA MAGNOLI GNOL NOL PARK
NE Mulberry
LEO HOUSE
YWCA FAMILY VILLAGE
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT -111 Guest Suites
NE Magnolia St
T YP E
Gra n
HYDRA HOMES
DEV TAYLO ELO R PM ENT
zHOME 10 Zero-Energy Townhomes
S TAT U S
BARK GRANDVIEW PARK PARK PAR K
Ha rri s
DAHLIA PARK
SWEDISH
4
SWEDISH ISSAQUAH
Regional Medical Center 175 Beds
BURNSTEAD - 80 Single Family Homes
90
idge Dr dR
A Growing Urban Village:
5
Issaquah Highlands is one of the region’s leading communities to live, work and play.
SUNSET WALK 70 Townhomes
SAFEWAY 45,000 Sq Ft Modern Grocery Store
FOREST RIDGE 85 Single Family Homes
NE Nat alie W y
KIRK KIRK PARK ARK
THE RAM -Family Dining Restaurant
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Rd
COMMUNITY BLACK NUGGET T GARDEN PARK
146 Apartment Units
NE Ave
7th Ave NE
8th
NE Discover y Dr
NE Blakely y Dr
O M IT O M
DISCOVERY HEIGHTS I II
VILLAGE V LLAG TRAIL RAIL PARK K
15th Ave NE
NE D a
r
IC H US IJO A
D EA
BELLEVUE COLLEGE
NE
Ha
s rri
on
Dr
dg
eD
r
St ne ph
DAPHNE PARK
RN
ST
SU
M D AR I RI H SCO EI V O GH E TT R B U TS Y
WEST HIGHLAND PARK
Edd Ed Eddy E dy Wy W N NE
9th Ave NE
NE EE Ellis D Dr
lss D NE Falls
FOREST RIDGE
CENTRAL PARK
SU UMM U MMIT PARK PA ARK
Ri
MICROSOFT
GRAND RIDGE PLAZA (Regency)
WALK
g Dr College
HARRISON STREET
d an Gr
St
BLOCK 8 N
13th Ave NE 1
NE
h Hig
10t 10 10t 0th Ave NE
NE High g St
St on HARRISON R RI PARK PA RK
NE
NE Julep St
City City Cit Ow O wned
City City Owned wn
r kD ar P SUNSET E
VILLAGE VILLA VILLAG A GREEN EN
28th Ave NE
zHOME
City Cit Ci ity Owned Ow O w wn ned
Grand Ridge g Elementary School
Dr
VISTA A PARK K
FIR IREH REH H HO O OU OUS USE U SE SE PAR ARK K
NE F al ls
10th Ave NE
NE
PARK AND SELF RIDE STORAGE
12th Ave NE
Dr
YWCA FAMILY VILLAGE
STARPOINT SHOPS
NE Park Dr
E
ds
ASH ASHLAND AS PARK
Waterbody
N ve hA
lan
12-Screen Theater
GRAND RIDGE DRIVE WISTERIA WIST STERIA A P RK PAR K
DISCOVERY HEIGHTS I 253 Apartments
PROLIANCE
BELLEVUE COLLEGE
20-Acre Issaquah Campus
SWEDISH
Parks
Community Garden
LOGAN LOGA OGAN GA PARK PA K
BLAKELY HALL
Commercial
Open Space
an St
St
Underway
3 0t
sura
at NE K
gh Hi
REGAL CINEMA
Residential
Future Development
NE Log
25th Ave NE
Nugg et
24th Ave NE
Bllack
(Bright Horizons Child Care Center)
Complete
Planned
MAGNOLIA MAGNOLI GNOL NOL PARK
NE Mulberry
LEO HOUSE
YWCA FAMILY VILLAGE
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT -111 Guest Suites
NE Magnolia St
T YP E
Gra n
HYDRA HOMES
DEV TAYLO ELO R PM ENT
zHOME 10 Zero-Energy Townhomes
S TAT U S
BARK GRANDVIEW PARK PARK PAR K
Ha rri s
DAHLIA PARK
SWEDISH
4
SWEDISH ISSAQUAH
Regional Medical Center 175 Beds
BURNSTEAD - 80 Single Family Homes
90
idge Dr dR
6
New neighborhoods grow and diversify R
ecognized by Yahoo! Real Estate as one of five standout sustainable green communities in the country, Issaquah Highlands ranked among the region’s busiest communities in 2011, with significant new development underway and an active housing market that continues to grow and diversify the neighborhood while giving a boost to the region’s economy. Recent residential home sales and resale figures indicate that there continues to be a strong demand for homes at Issaquah Highlands. The resale market and demand is stronger than the national average, indicating a desirable community in which to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors, at this point in time, sales of U.S. existing homes are only slightly trending upwards.
King County Executive Dow Constantine and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of East King County Tom Granger welcome new Habitat Partner family.
NEW HOMES COMING ONLINE Housing starts are also on the rise at Issaquah Highlands. Keeping up with growing demand, premier homebuilders in the region including Pulte Homes and Polygon Northwest broke ground in 2011 on more than 155 new, single-family homes. Centrally located near neighborhood amenities, Sunset Walk homebuyers can choose from six floor plans, each featuring open, livable spaces and two-car garages. Forest Ridge homebuyers will choose from threeand four-bedroom homes, ranging from 1,600 to 2,800 square feet. In the next year, construction on additional single-family homes will begin, including neighborhoods by Burnstead Construction and Ichijo USA just east of Grand Ridge Plaza, and Taylor Development near Habitat for Humanity’s homes.
Why is the resale market so strong in Issaquah Highlands? The answer may have to do with a bigger shift in the way people value real estate. Recent market reports by the Brookings
MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING ADDS DIVERSITY, DIMENSION In keeping with the original vision for Issaquah Highlands, the community has welcomed interesting and diverse multifamily dwellings in recent years. These neighborhoods, including those with affordable homes, are within walking distance to recreation, parks, trails and open spaces and appeal to every generation of homeowner. There continues to be increasing demand for multi-family
Recent home sale statistics in Issaquah Highlands indicate that buyers continue to have a strong attraction to the community, which speaks directly to its reputation as a great place to live.
“Issaquah Highlands is a great example of the community benefits that can be gained from the private sector and the public sector working toward a common vision.” – Keith Niven
Economic Development Director, City of Issaquah
housing in the region – and sustainable, green, multi-family housing at that. For one, multi-family housing appeals to children of the Baby Boomer generation (those now in their late teens to early 30s), the largest generation to reach adulthood in the nation’s history. This group prefers to downsize, buy smaller townhomes or rent, and places a high value on living close to shops, services and amenities. zHome is an innovative collaboration spearheaded by the City of Issaquah, and developed and built by Howland Homes and Ichijo USA, in partnership with Built Green, King County, Port Blakely Communities, Puget Sound Energy and the Washington State University Energy Program.
YWCA Courtyard.
outside the town center. Built by Bellevue-based Devco and HNN Associates, Phase II of Discovery Heights will add an additional 107 luxury apartment homes and 8,260-squarefeet of retail/office space to the project.
Discovery Heights Phase I.
Sunset Walk.
Institute indicate a distinct correlation between high home values and the walkability of neighborhoods. Representing a shift from just decades ago, now more Americans place value on public spaces – our collectively shared streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas. This is evidenced in values like “walkability scores” attached to new homebuyer guides and home sale websites. Homebuyers at Issaquah Highlands value their investment, recognizing they are buying more than homes. They are also getting a community with abundant features and amenities.
These 10 attached townhouse units are designed to have the smallest carbon footprint in the region. The residences are net-zero energy because they self-produce electricity, with each home generating as much or more electricity than it uses. The homes use 60 percent less water than comparable homes and were constructed primarily with locally sourced, salvaged and recycled-content building materials. As a resident in one of the townhomes, you might find you will breathe easier too. The homes are “healthy,” with superior indoor air quality, thanks to the use of low and nontoxic paints and finishes and top-notch ventilation systems. The highly successful Discovery Heights project is already expanding onto two additional land parcels located just
The first residents moved into the recently completed YWCA Family Village at Issaquah last summer, introducing 146 apartments for working families, people with disabilities and seniors. The airy apartments have been a long-planned affordable housing complex, an important piece to ensuring socio-economic diversity in the community. Like its neighbor zHome, the YWCA Family Village incorporates many green aspects into its design, including a rainwater collection system on its roof, which the building uses to water native plants. Another service recently completed is Life Enrichment Options’ adult family home, just adjacent to Habitat for Humanity. Life Enrichment Options (LEO) is a local nonprofit organization that manages two additional adult family homes in Issaquah. Their homes support individuals with intellectual disabilities through housing, recreation, employment opportunities and community education. Habitat for Humanity of East King County just completed its Issaquah Highlands facility to serve working families. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, and support from Port Blakely Companies and the City of Issaquah, it features 10 two- to four-bedroom homes ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet.
7
What Else Is Happening?
Recently completed and planned development “Issaquah Highland’s focus on sustainability, community and growth make it an ideal setting for our Residence Inn by Marriott.” – Pat McShane Executive Vice President InnSight Hotel Management Group
“We share the community’s values and belief that exceptional education is a cornerstone of a robust region. We are excited to provide higher education to meet community needs, which will benefit generations to come.” – Laura Sanders Interim President Bellevue College
Swedish / Issaquah provides state-of-the-art care in an attractive setting. Photo courtesy of CollinsWoerman.
I
ssaquah Highlands has become one of the most desirable new communities to live, work and play. Residents from around the region can now receive advanced medical care at Swedish/Issaquah hospital and medical office building. The medical campus was the first full-scale medical complex built in King County in more than 25 years and opened to great fanfare last summer. Built for an estimated $365 million by more than 500 construction and design employees, Swedish/ Issaquah was designed to operate with 43 percent less energy consumption than the average Pacific Northwest hospital. It is now considered the most energy-efficient medical campus in the region and possibly the nation. Swedish, already the second-largest provider of inpatient services to Eastside residents along the I-90 corridor, provides a state-of-the-art cancer center, ambulatory care center, emergency room and 175 hospital beds, as well as an ICU, inpatient surgery, pediatric inpatient unit, medical/surgical inpatient unit, and labor and delivery unit at the
555,000-square-foot campus. This hospital boasts the most advanced imaging department in the region, complete with the latest in MRI, CT scan, X-ray and ultrasound equipment. Issaquah Highland’s first hotel property, Residence Inn by Marriot, is due to break ground this summer. The hotel site is conveniently located near Regency’s Grand Ridge Plaza. When complete, the hotel will feature 111 guest suites. Its spacious suites will offer room to eat, work, and relax and its public spaces will offer travelers a home away from home. Bellevue College is making progress on its proposed “East Campus” in the Issaquah Highlands neighborhood. The college is considering a number of exciting options for what programs, classes and activities will be offered and will work with regional businesses, civic and government leaders, and neighbors and residents to gather input about the present and future needs of the community.
Residence Inn by Marriott will allow guests to eat, work and relax in 111 spacious guest suites.
LEO House ribbon cutting marks opening of adult family homes.
8
Life in Issaquah Highlands
I
ssaquah Highlands’ residents have benefitted from a wide host of amenities, services and events that make it not just a collection of distinct neighborhoods, but a community. Residents can easily walk children to school during the week, and in the evenings, stroll to the town center for dinner or coffee with their neighbors. On the weekends, residents can socialize with other families on the Village Green, pick up a new hobby or enjoy hiking or biking on one of the nearby trails. Clubs and locally-supported activities at Issaquah Highlands provide additional enriching educational and growth opportunities right in the community. The Highlands Council supports more than 20 resident-led clubs suitable for children and adults alike. The Chinese Heritage Club, Poker Club, Zumba Class, photography club, Toastmasters and more connect residents, welcome new neighbors and provide opportunities to learn and make new friends. Blakely Hall serves as a central gathering spot for the community. Highlands Council is the organization responsible for creating “community” in Issaquah Highlands. In addition to support clubs, the small staff coordinates special events such as Green Halloween and Highlands Day, produces Connections (the community newspaper), manages Blakely Hall (a central community building), hosts new resident orientations and strives to engage all residents in volunteer opportunities to build community. In 2011 alone, Highlands Council welcomed more than 28,000 people to major events. For details, visit The community celebrates Highlands Day. Photo by Julie Croff Images. www.ihwebsite.com
There are more places to shop, dine and enjoy entertainment at Issaquah Highlands than ever before.
Local scout troops start off the Highlands Day parade. Photo by Julie Croff Images.
The Retail Shops and Services in Issaquah Highlands are already popular with residents who enjoy
the convenience of close-to-home amenities. Personal services include Highlands Physical Therapy, Le Chic Pet Boutique and Spa, Highlands Cleaners, Sorella Salon & Spa, Barre 3, Kumon, Occhio! Optometry, Pure 8 Hot Yoga, Allstate Insurance and Highlands Kids Dentistry. Popular restaurants include Agave Cocina & Tequilas, ricenroll, Subway, Caffe Ladro, Ben & Jerry’s and Zeeks Pizza. Sip Wine Bar and Restaurant, already a popular hot spot in Issaquah Highlands, manages an organic patch in the Highlands Community Garden. The restaurant’s chef selects his favorite veggies, herbs, and edible flowers that diners can enjoy throughout the summer. In partnership with the YWCA, Bright Horizons provides childcare for ages ranging from infants to 12 years of age. A natural fit with the shared values of the community, the center makes a positive difference for children and families in Issaquah Highlands as well as the larger community. And for the number of Issaquah Highlands’ residents that have expressed the need for extra storage over a number of years – today they can find just that at the temperature-controlled Issaquah Highlands Self-Storage “It has been an absolute pleasure to meet and serve community members at my restaurant. The sustainability, core principles, and beauty of this community are just a few characteristics that people want to be associated with.” - Lane Scelzi, owner of Sip
Paid for by Port Blakely Communities
www.IssaquahHighlands.com
facility. The new facility offers storage for items such as bikes and kayaks, legal documents, home furnishings, antiques, home renovation and automotive tools, business inventory and equipment, patio furniture and seasonal decorations.
The Shops at Swedish / Issaquah feature a distinctive retail destination located in the heart of the campus. The medical center brought together a variety of retailers offering health and wellness products, unique gifts and personalized services in a refined setting. Café 1910, hospital dining re-imagined, features a diverse menu with healthy eating as the priority – there are no fryers or soda machines here. And, Adventure Kids Playcare offers a unique drop-in childcare and entertainment center in a secure environment. During the holiday period, these shops offered the kind of fun not typically associated with a hospital setting, including a giant gingerbread house that kids helped decorate as well as storytelling for children, contests and the ability to warm up with apple cider and hot cocoa.
“We moved our family to Issaquah Highlands based on the vision for a complete community. What we enjoyed so much about living in the city was the ability to have so many choices for dining and entertainment within walking distance and now we are so excited to see the vision move closer to reality!” – Brian Daniels, resident
Have you noticed? It will soon be easier to get around at Issaquah Highlands. This summer, crews will finish landscaping and roadwork projects that will offer improved pedestrian and bicycle access and ease traffic to busy areas. When combined, these and other community improvement projects represent an $8 million investment by Port Blakely Communities to enhance the “walk-ability and bike-ability” of the community, ease traffic and maintain the beautiful landscaping and friendly setting residents know and love. Most recently, construction of the planned traffic signal at the corner of 15th Avenue NE and Park Drive is expected to be operational this summer. When complete, this roadwork project will offer better pedestrian access to busy areas of the community. The lane extension on 13th Avenue NE will serve as an additional access point for residents between Forest Ridge and Sunset Homes. And a sleek new pedestrian bridge with trail access will connect the Swedish/Issaquah and Proliance campuses with the new Discovery Heights neighborhood.