NEW INVESTMENT SPARKS SIGNIFICANT
ECONOMIC IMPACTS FOR ISSAQUAH
“Issaquah Highlands is on the verge of
becoming the urban destination it was intended
to be. From a commercial perspective, all residents
must pass through the commercial corridor twice
a day as do the residents to the north
who enjoy the easy access to I-90.”
– Bob Gregg, Owner, Issaquah Highlands Self-Storage
Today, Issaquah Highlands is one of the region's economic bright spots, representing more than $600 million in construction investment and an estimated 1,500 construction jobs generated through a range of residential and commercial projects, including the new Grand Ridge Plaza retail center. Led by one of the nation’s leading retail developers, Regency Centers, the open-air, pedestrian-friendly center will bring new services and amenities to the community.
Since 2010, more than 10 signature projects have opened their doors in Issaquah Highlands – projects such as the Swedish/Issaquah Medical Center, zHome zero energy neighborhood, YWCA Family Village and Bright Horizons at the Highlands.
In 2013 and 2014, more than five major projects are slated to continue in the community, including Grand Ridge Plaza and the new Bellevue College campus. Regency Centers, which broke ground on Grand Ridge Plaza in June 2012, anticipates opening three new restaurants and Regal Cinema as early as June 2013. Built for an estimated $70 million construction investment, the 280,113-square-foot retail center will also feature retailers such as Marshall’s, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Zumiez and ULTA Beauty.
“Issaquah Highlands serves as a major economic multiplier for
our community and our economic vitality. The neighborhood’s
roughly 7,000 residents provide critical support to Issaquah
businesses. The neighborhood, under the leadership of
Port Blakely, has also attracted and facilitated major
investments in the Issaquah economy through the new Swedish
hospital, the planned Bellevue College campus, and retail.”
– Matt Bott, CEO, Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce
The new Safeway will also create permanent jobs in Issaquah Highlands. Safeway is set to break ground on a grocery store and fuel station in February 2013. When fully open, more than 150 people will be employed by the store and fuel station.
Residential development also continues to be an economic driver at Issaquah Highlands. Major projects under construction currently include the $60 million Discover Heights luxury apartment neighborhood, as well as the Sunset Walk and Forest Ridge new home neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is estimated to represent up to a $20 million construction investment. Additional new homes are slated to break ground in 2013, including new neighborhoods by Ichijo USA and Steve Burnstead Construction.
Among the Issaquah Highlands projects representing significant new investment that are positively impacting the region's economy are:
- Bellevue College and the development of a new 20-acre campus, Bellevue College East.
- The Swedish/Issaquah medical campus, representing more than 1,000 new jobs based in Issaquah.
- The YWCA Family Village at Issaquah, representing a $46 million construction investment and providing 146 units of housing for working families, people with disabilities and seniors.
- Grand Ridge Plaza, built for an estimated $70 million construction investment.
- Safeway Store & Fuel Station, built for an estimated $20 million and generating more than 200 construction jobs.
- Discovery Heights, a $60 million luxury apartment home neighborhood including more than 50 income-qualified/affordable housing units.
- Bright Horizons at the Highlands, a new childcare center, employing up to 40 educators, that offers childcare and preschool for 150 children.
- Proliance Highlands Medical Center, which employs more than 70 healthcare professionals in a state-of-the-art facility.
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