The Bellevue Downtown Association will host its 44th annual celebration on Thursday, Feb. 1 at Meydenbauer Center. More than 450 business and community leaders from around the region will recognize leadership and achievements that are transforming Bellevue’s city core.
The celebration will feature keynote speaker Rebecca Ryan, a futurist and economist, who will share her research and foresight on patterns that will shape the future of cities like Bellevue. Ryan is a renowned expert in helping cities and business think around the corner to what’s next.
The BDA will recognize two honorees with Place Making Awards for their significant contributions to Bellevue’s downtown:
• Downtown Park “Complete the Circle” Inspiration Playground: the city of Bellevue and the Bellevue Rotary Club
The city of Bellevue completed the long-held plan for a circular promenade and canal surrounding Bellevue Downtown Park and added a major entry at 102nd Avenue Northeast. In conjunction with this project, the Bellevue Rotary Club funded and fulfilled a vision for Inspiration Playground, an innovative play area allowing children of all abilities to play together. The project marks the completion of a 30-plus year vision for the park and enhanced what was already one of Downtown Bellevue’s most unique gems.
• Lincoln Square expansion at The Bellevue Collection, Kemper Development Company:
The Lincoln Square Expansion added 1.5 million square feet of mixed use space between Northeast 4th and Northeast 6th on Bellevue Way. The expansion to The Bellevue Collection included 750,000 square feet of office space, a W Hotel, 250 luxury residences, a Nordstrom Rack, a high-end food hall, over 10 new restaurants and a 21-plus luxury cinema. The expansion rounds out The Bellevue Collection’s offerings and cements its role as an anchor in Downtown Bellevue and in the region.
The event will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner and program at 6:30 p.m. at Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St. Tickets cost $100 for BDA members; $120 non-members.Event details, venue information and directions are available at bellevuedowntown.com or by calling 425-453–1223.
