August 31, 2023

Holland takes a look at John L. Scott HQ in Bellevue

Rendering by Weber Thompson [enlarge]

The large midblock site, with about 1.4 acres, is immediately west of Alliance Residential’s Broadstone Bellevue Gateway (right), which has now topped out.

As the DJC first reported, plans emerged last year for John L. Scott Real Estate to redevelop its old Bellevue office building at 11040 Main St. A two-tower apartment project was then contemplated.

However, Holland Partner Group stepped in this spring with a new 362-unit midrise plan, with Weber Thompson as its architect. The proposal is currently being evaluated by the city of Bellevue; actual design review hasn't yet begun. ) Update: Holland said after deadline that it’s no longer pursuing the property.)

The hillside site is a few steps northwest of the future East Main Station, where Sound Transit hopes to begin its Eastside starter line next spring. Service to Seattle won't likely begin until 2025.

The midblock property is large and square, with about 1.4 acres. Weber Thompson is proposing a six- to eight-story building, with a boxy footprint and large central courtyard. With split zoning, it would rise two levels to the north. Construction would be Type IIIA wood construction above a Type IA concrete base.

The building would have various terraces and balconies, and a possible 2,887-square-foot roof deck. Units would run from a studio with 474 square feet to a three-bedroom with 1,436 square feet.

Three levels of underground parking would have about 280 stalls, with the garage entry on Main. Tenants would have around 38 bike stalls. Total project size is estimated at around 430,000 square feet. All numbers will surely change during design review and beyond.

Coughlin Porter Lundeen is the civil engineer.

The current three-story building, eventually bound for demolition, dates to 1979. John L. Scott hasn't announced plans to move from its current 33,063-square-foot headquarters. Like all office employers, its space needs have likely been affected by the pandemic and work-from-home.

Wallace Properties and VIA Architecture were working on the old plan with John L. Scott, which acquired the building in 2007 for $11 million.

Also in Bellevue, Holland is now building two apartment projects near the future Bel-Red/130th Station. Those are to have about 640 units.