Published March 21 2016
Following a national and international search, the City of Bellevue has selected Balmori Associates, a New York-based design firm, to serve as the lead consultant for the Grand Connection Visioning project. The Grand Connection is a pedestrian-oriented, non-motorized corridor that begins at Meydenbauer Bay Park, connects through downtown and ends at the Eastside Rail Corridor. The city wants to develop the corridor into a unique and defining urban design experience.
"The Grand Connection is an inspiring and transformative concept that highlights Bellevue's emerging role as a major urban center," said Mayor John Stokes. "Balmori's history of exceptional design and experiential public spaces will make this an exciting, collaborative process."
Balmori Associates will provide landscape and urban design, public realm and sustainability services for the design process that will enhance walkability in Bellevue while establishing the design foundation for a new signature and landmark piece of infrastructure.
Balmori is an internationally recognized design firm whose work has included the Beale Street Landing in Memphis; the Abandoibarra District master plan in Bilbao, Spain and the New Government City master plan in Sejong, South Korea.
"We are extremely pleased to lead Bellevue's Grand Connection Visioning project," said Diana Balmori, the founding principal at Balmori. "The city's intentions dovetail with what we believe is essential for 21st century cities, connectivity. Landscape is also becoming a principal actor of the urban stage in creating livable cities."
Joining Balmori Associates will be public engagement strategists and environmental engineers Herrera (Seattle), the civil engineering firm Knippers Helbig (New York) and transportation specialists Mobility in Chain (New York/Milan).
"High visibility, multiple alliances and public support will be critical in assuring the emergence of a new urban form. We are looking forward to engaging city leaders, citizens and stakeholders through the design process," said Balmori.
To learn more about the Grand Connection, contact planner Bradley Calvert (bcalvert@bellevuewa.gov).