Bellevue is no stranger to a high price tag, from waterfront homes to the abundance of shopping, dining, and luxury hotels in downtown.
The arrival of The Shops at The Bravern takes upscale to a new level and puts Bellevue on the map as the newest upscale shopping destination in the Pacific Northwest.
The 300,000 square-foot outdoor shopping village features 26 designer shops, signature restaurants, a premier gym, and day spa. The Shops open today, becoming the only high-end retail offering to open in the United States this year.
According to developer Schnitzer West LLC, 85 percent of The Shops at The Bravern are leased.
“If there ever was a time to open a retail center, it’s when the economy is driving back up, said Schnitzer West LLC Co-founder and Managing Partner Dan Ivanoff. “Established retailers know when to expand, and the fact they are putting their faith in The Bravern is testimony to the strength of the Bellevue Market”
Ten of the retailers demonstrated their faith in the project by signing with The Shops back in January.
“We are extremely pleased with how the project turned out,” said Tom Woodworth, senior investment director at Schnitzer West LLC. “The overwhelmingly positive reception we are getting from the community has far exceeded our expectations.”
A 125,000 square-foot Neiman Marcus anchors The Shops along with high-end boutiques including Salvatore Ferragamo, Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Hermes, Tory Burch, DNA 2050, Wolford and more.
The courtyard entrance off Northeast Eighth Street was designed to cater to both pedestrian and drivers, for easy access to parking and valet services.
“This is a very car centric community and we wanted to create an outdoor shopping center that would compliment both the pedestrian and the driver. When you go to Europe you find shopping villages that are curbless and that is what we were going for,” Woodworth explained.
The second level of The Shops include outdoor seating areas and a large centralized fireplace. The Artisanal Brasserie and Winebar restaurant is located next to John Howie Steak, a new concept by the chef and owner of Bellevue’s Seastar restaurant. Across the way, The Shops are balanced off with the opening of Wild Ginger, a Pan-Asian cuisine restaurant.
“This is an exciting time for Bellevue and everyone involved,” Woodworth said. “The Shops at The Bravern are a place to shop, dine, entertain and grow community. We couldn’t be more pleased.”
The Shops at The Bravern will hold a Grand Opening Celebration today and Sunday, concluding with an outdoor concert by Robert Clay from 6:30-8 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 13. For more information on The Shops at The Bravern, located at NE 8th Street and 112th Avenue NE, visit www.thebravern.com.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
