The Grand Connection program is a series of projects and initiatives designed to improve the pedestrian experience between Meydenbauer Bay Park through downtown Bellevue across Interstate 405 to Eastrail.
While the most high-profile element is likely to be a signature crossing over Interstate 405, the route will also highlight opportunities for community connection, creativity and respite. Recent improvements include signature artwork at the northeast corner of Downtown Park, raised intersections near the Bellevue Transit Center and Meydenbauer Bay Park Phase 2 project. This work follows the successful adoption of the Grand Connection land use code in 2021 and continues with two emphases: planning and capital project oversight and programming and management of downtown public space.
Goals
Planning and capital project oversight (support for Grand Connection Crossing)
- Continue to refine the initial design concept for the Grand Connection Crossing, which will then inform final engineering and project construction method and schedule.
- Develop the funding strategy for the $150-200 million required to finish design and build the initial Grand Connection Crossing by 2030.
- Prioritize design integration and forward compatibility of the proposed uses on the Metro and Lincoln Center city-owned sites with the Grand Connection Crossing design.
- Continue refining and sharing with the community the economic benefits for the region of a catalytic project of this scale.
Programming and management of downtown public space
- Advance an overarching programming and management structure for Downtown Bellevue, in partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association and a possible business improvement district (BID).
- Launch smaller capital improvements and activation initiatives that visually unify the corridor and create a cohesive sense of place.
- Encourage more community-based organizations to host events in downtown public spaces, activating downtown and celebrating Bellevue’s unique diversity.
Recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives
- This team continues to set a vision and provide key oversight to projects on the corridor from the Meydenbauer Bay Park expansion and Eastrail integration with city development to rolling out signature artwork to the community, including Bellevue’s first intersection art.
- Successful completion of a 30% design package for the Grand Connection Crossing project over Interstate 405 incorporating features most important to the community, alongside an initial cost estimate and schedule as well as engineering and environmental requirements.
- Kicked off a collaborative process to realize transit-oriented development at the city-owned Metro and Lincoln Center sites in downtown and Wilburton on either side of Interstate 405, to be integrated in the Grand Connection Crossing.
- Provided support to the launch of the non-profit group, the Friends of the Grand Connection who works tirelessly to garner private support to advance the Crossing project.
- Facilitated ongoing activation of City Hall Plaza including two successful large community events: the opening of the Sound Transit 2 Line and India Day Celebrations, drawing thousands of people. Additionally, increased amenities in existing public spaces, through new furniture, signage, and recently expanded Grand Connection Street Eats downtown food truck program.