The Changing Face of Bellevue: 8 Years of Development in Then-and-Now Photos

Bellevue (or ‘beautiful view’) is a city that justifies its nomenclature through its situation on the eastside of Washington’s King County, separated from Seattle only by the picturesque Lake Washington. Though small – with a population of just over 122,000 – the city is remarkably prosperous, perhaps owing to the fact that it’s part of the state of Washington which has been relatively unaffected by the economic downturn that sent reverberations across the US. It is ranked 6th amongst 522 communities in Washington for its per-capita income, and can boast Washington state’s 2nd largest city center. Indeed, testament to Bellevue’s prosperity is the list of numerous internationally-renowned companies that have their headquarters there.

The city’s strong economy and recent surge in property development are not the only things to commend it. Bellevue has a thriving culture and, of course, is perfectly situated for those wanting to make the most of what Seattle has to offer without taking up residence in the Emerald City. The sum of all this makes renting in Bellevue a well worthwhile investment.

Care to see how much Bellevue has changed in recent times? We’ve teamed up with Google Street View to bring you some of the latest hospitality, condo, and rental developments that have come to populate the skyline of downtown Bellevue – all completed sometime over the last 8 years. Check ’em out below!

1. Avalon Towers Bellevue – Northwest Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

Offering a choice of studios, one-, and two- bedroom apartments, the Avalon Towers complex combines a prime downtown location (just one block from Bellevue Square) with a wide-range of stellar features. The building boasts LEED certification while retaining state-of-the-art amenities such as the rooftop fitness center and clubhouse. As members of the Avalon Advantage, residents are granted other exclusive privileges; including a 24/7 maintenance response guarantee, a 30-day move-in satisfaction guarantee, and the option to relocate with ease to another Avalon community.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/1-Avalon-Towers-Bellevue.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

2. Belcarra – Northwest Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

If Belcarra were to be given a USP, it would be its emphasis on urban living. This is reflected both in its central downtown location (it has a walk score of 89) and in the floor plans and modern interior design which incorporate glass walls rising from floor to ceiling to provide gorgeous views. With its green, eco-friendly ethos – perhaps embodied by its manicured landscape courtyard – the development is smoke-free, with an emphasis instead on recreation, fitness and (when necessary!) business, providing an onsite business center and conference room.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/2-Belcarra.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

3. Elements Apartments – Northwest Bellevue

Year Completed: 2011

Towering above the Ashwood Arts District on 11th Avenue NE (between NE 8th and 10th street) are UDR’s Elements Apartments – a 23-story development consisting of three glass and steel high-rises. It was designed by the local firm Cutler Anderson Architects, and is able to accommodate some 440 renters (in either studios, one-, or two-bedroom apartments). The Elements is not only a residential complex, however; it also doubles up as a retail outlet consisting of boutique shops, markets, and galleries.

Link to Street View

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<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/3-Elements-Apartments.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

4. Hyatt Regency Bellevue & Avalon Towers Bellevue – Northwest Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

Situated mere minutes away from such downtown attractions as The Bellevue Collection – a state-of-the-art retail, dining and entertainment venue – is Bellevue’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. Guests of any of the 732 spacious guestrooms (not to mention the 55 Asian-décor suites) can take full advantage of the hotel’s many features, including: a 7,000 square foot fitness center, a heated 25 meter pool, and 70,000 square feet of event space. Flanking the hotel in the picture (heading west) are the Avalon Towers.

Link to Street View

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<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/4-Hyatt-Regency-Bellevue-Avalon-Towers-Bellevue.html” width=”100%” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

5.The Bravern – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

The Bravern Apartments, originally designed as luxury condominiums and opened during the housing boom in 2010, have retained their popularity over the last six years, consistently maintaining 94% occupancy. It’s easy to see why. Residents of The Bravern’s one and two-bedroom apartments or three and four bedroom penthouses have a plethora of amenities at their disposal, and when not out and about in Downtown Bellevue, can make use of everything from retail therapy on the ground floor to relaxation therapy at the signature spa.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/5-The-Bravern.html” width=”100%” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

6. Seattle Marriott Bellevue & Metro 112 Apartments – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

One of the most recent additions – opened in 2015 – to the buildings dominating the skyline of West Bellevue is the Seattle Marriott Bellevue, a 17-story hotel accommodating 384 exquisitely kitted-out rooms. The hotel appeals to businessmen and travelers alike; the former catered for by 17 attractive and technologically cutting-edge meeting rooms (as befitting a hotel located so closely to such prominent companies as Microsoft). In the background of the picture are the Metro 112 Apartments – more on which will be said at #8!

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/6-Seattle-Marriott-Bellevue-Metro-112-Apartments.html” idth=”100%” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

7. Soma Towers & Bellevue Towers – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2014

Head north along 106th Avenue NE and you’ll come across two of West Bellevue’s most impressive recent structures. The first – Soma Towers – is a sleek, stylish and modern community complex consisting of two towers, each offering one- and two-bedroom apartments. Further north (and in the background of the photo) is the gold LEED certified condominium construction of Bellevue Towers – the second tower being the city’s tallest building. There are many amenities on offer, perhaps the most impressive of which are the spa, the fitness center, and the half-acre rooftop garden.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/7-Soma-Towers-Bellevue-Towers.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

8. Metro 112 Apartments & August Wilson Place – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

If neither the stunning views of the Cascade Mountains from the rooftop terrace nor the perks of being in a fantastic downtown location (with a walkscore of 88) are enough to persuade you, the award-winning Metro 112 Apartments’ commitment to modern, luxurious living might. Epitomizing any of its studios, lofts, and 1- and 2- bedroom apartments are spacious and beautifully furnished interiors, though residents can also take full advantage of the development’s 24-hour fitness center and media center amongst other state-of-the-art features.

Link to Street View

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<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/8-Metro-112-Apartments-August-Wilson-Place.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

9. Aventine Apartment Homes – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2010

Just one block south of the Metro 112 Apartments are Weidner’s Aventine Apartment Homes. Built in 2010, this 5-story development contains a total of 68 living units, comprised of studios, and one- and two- bedroom apartments. In keeping with the Aventine theme, each apartment has been given the name of an Italian city or principality, something influenced by the unique, tasteful European designs that characterize their interiors. The Aventine Apartment Homes are packed full of amenities and its residents can enjoy a perfect, centralized location in downtown Bellevue.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/9-Aventine-Apartment-Homes.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

10. August Wilson Place & Metro 112 Apartments – West Bellevue

Year Completed: 2015

Named after the Pulitzer Prize winning African-American playwright, August Wilson Place was opened late in May 2015. Its 57 residential units, consisting of studios to three-bedroom apartments, range from 369 to 1,059 square feet, and combine comfort and affordability with access to many amenities and a fantastic location. Indeed, August Wilson Place sits in close proximity to City Hall as well as many cultural, employment, and shopping opportunities and the planned East Link Light Rail extension, further connecting Bellevue to the greater Seattle area.

Link to Street View

Use the code below to embed the image on your website:

<iframe src=”https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2016/05/10-August-Wilson-Place-Metro-112-Apartments.html” width=”100%” max-width=”570″ height=”540″ frameborder=”0″ scrolling=”no”></iframe>

Any new developments in beautiful Bellevue we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments section, and don’t forget to send us your photos via email! You never know, they might just appear in our next issue.