Published March 12 2025
To support ongoing efforts to increase housing supply near public transit, the City of Bellevue is seeking residential and mixed-use development proposals for three parcels it owns in the BelRed and Wilburton areas. Combined, these projects could deliver as many as 500 to 600 units of new housing and spur further walkable development in these neighborhoods.
Redeveloping the BelRed parcels will continue the area’s transformation from an underutilized, semi-industrial quarter into a collection of bustling, transit-oriented neighborhoods energized with the creation of an arts district. The Wilburton site will help jumpstart walkable, vibrant, sustainable development in a commercial area long known as “auto row.” All three projects call for development partners capable of delivering amenities and elements designed to enhance vibrant and growing communities.
“These projects present unique opportunities for the city to partner with developers in prime transit-oriented areas,” said Bianca Siegl, director of the city’s Office of Housing. “This is the first time Bellevue has offered three city-owned properties for housing development, and it represents our commitment to expand housing opportunities while emphasizing transit-oriented development and meeting the community’s needs.”
The two BelRed parcels are situated directly adjacent to the BelRed light rail station, in the BelRed Arts District – a known hub for arts and culture that supports more than 100 creative businesses and cultural organizations, including Theater33, Yuan Ru Art Gallery and the Pacific Northwest Ballet.
The first parcel, resulting from a partnership with Sound Transit, is located just north of the BelRed Station along Spring Boulevard Northeast, between 130th and 132nd Avenues. It calls for a mixed-use development that includes a 302-stall park-and-ride facility serving the 130th light rail station. Once completed, the city hopes to see at least 450 or more units of market-rate housing and ground-floor retail developed on this four-acre parcel, while the parking facility will be owned and operated by Sound Transit.
The second BelRed parcel is just over an acre at 1500 130th Avenue Northeast, directly south of the light rail station. Formerly Kelly’s Auto Repair, the site provides an opportunity to create and sustain up to 300 units of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households.
Long identified as an opportunity to build a creative anchor in the BelRed Arts District, the Kelly site is also meant to catalyze the BelRed Arts District by fostering spaces that celebrate local arts, encourage creative expression and strengthen the district’s identity as a vibrant creative center.
The Wilburton request for proposals released last month calls for development of a half-acre parcel at 12000 BelRed Road, in the east area of the neighborhood. The city is seeking proposals that include at least 100 affordable units at this transit-oriented location. The project is envisioned as an equitable, cost-efficient and high-quality building that fosters walkability and may feature a mix of amenities, including public gathering spaces.
To learn more about the Wilburton and Kelly projects, contact the Office of Housing at housing@bellevuewa.gov or visit Affordable Housing Solicitations.
To learn more about the 130th Avenue project, contact the Cultural and Economic Development division at bizsupport@bellevuewa.gov or visit 130th Avenue Transit-Oriented Development RFP.