Published June 23 2015
Bellevue District Court has moved to a new location in Bellefield Office Park, 1309 114th Ave. SE, a few blocks south of its former location at Surrey Downs Park. The newly remodeled building features improved security and better access for people with disabilities.
King County continues to provide district court services at the new location under an agreement with the city. The first day at the new location was Monday, June 22. A separate Probation Division, operated by the City of Bellevue, also has moved to the 29,486-square-foot building. Parking is available at the courthouse, which is located near several bus routes.
A variety of cases are processed through King County District Court, East Division, as the Bellevue Courthouse is officially known. Charges made by the City of Bellevue may include traffic infractions, misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. Misdemeanor defendants make up about 11 percent of visits to the court. Other services at the courthouse include passports and name changes.
Moving from the deteriorated building at Surrey Downs Park to the refurbished courthouse building was long planned. Relocation of the court and removal of the aging structure, formerly a school, will allow for redevelopment of Surrey Downs Park and make way for the future East Link light rail line on 112th Avenue Southeast. Plans call for demolition of the old building later this year; improvements to the park are scheduled for 2018 or 2019, following completion of work on the light rail line.
The city budgeted $4.45 million for the improvements to the courthouse building under an agreement with King County, which will contribute to cost for design and security improvements. The city is leasing the courthouse building for $6.7 million over 11 years.