Echelon Equities, a real estate investment company, has launched its office condominium project catering to small businesses. The Creekside 1550 office condominiums, located in the Bel-Red corridor, provide small businesses with an alternative to the rental market on the Eastside.

Model units will be open to the public beginning April 18.

Office condominiums offer small business owners the opportunity to hedge their long term occupancy costs by avoiding lease increases, Echelon officials say.

“This concept is a viable option for independent professionals as they have more control over the operating costs of their business,” said Huy Phung, principal, Echelon Equities. “Location is key and for small business owners to survive, they must be accessible in areas which are traditionally high rent, such as the Bel-Red corridor.”

According to the city of Bellevue, the Bel-Red corridor will have thriving businesses adjacent to, and sometimes mixed with, livable neighborhoods, all served by a multi-modal transportation system that will connect the area to the greater city and region.

Because office condominiums are independently owned, the space can be customized to the tastes and needs of the client.

“Most rented office spaces can be ordinary and generic,” added Phung. “The beauty of owning your office space is that you can make it your own and that is one of the benefits we can offer.”

The condo offices are located at 1550 140th Ave. N.E. More information is available from Hao Lam, 206-380-6068 or Kitty Do, 206-353-3093.