Rebuilding Bothell block by block

BOTHELL — Not everyone likes change.

When it comes to where they live, people can be vocal about what should and should not be built, what can and cannot be torn down.

With that understanding in place, the city of Bothell has embarked on the largest publicly led downtown revitalization in the state of Washington, said Bob Stowe, Bothell City Manager.

City and business leaders say they are attempting to guide Bothell’s transformation while preserving the small-town feel that has defined the city for more than a century.

“All of our plans are anchored in what people love about the community of Bothell,” Stowe said.

Plans for Bothell’s downtown revitalization have been in the works since 2005 when schools, businesses, residents and government all joined together with the idea of creating a pedestrian friendly, vibrant area to attract businesses and residents.

One of the key business leaders in the effort is Jackie Hizzey, chief financial officer with MainStreet Property Group, a real estate development company based in the city.

Hizzey said the company has received a lot of positive feedback about the changes.

“The community is really excited about the revitalization and redevelopment going on,” Hizzey said.

The plan held up while the country went through the recession. Public and private partnerships have worked successfully, Stowe said.

More than $250 million in private investment is in the development pipeline, as well as $150 million of planned public investment. A key piece of the vision took shape in 2010 when the city purchased 25 acres to be resold and redeveloped into homes and businesses.

As well as a new City Hall project to be built by 2015, Bothell residents and visitors can also look forward to the restoration of The Anderson School building.

McMenamins, renowned in Oregon and Washington since 1983 for refurbishing historic building into pubs, hotels, live music venues and more, is planning a 70-room hotel, pub, and gardens at the school.

According to McMenamins marketing director Renee Rank, there is no start date for the 14-month project just yet.

However, Rank added that the completion date is expected in 2015. The historic building has been owned by McMenamins since 2010. The company purchased the school, outbuildings and 5.41 acres of the Northshore School District land from the city of Bothell.

The Anderson School building was built in 1931 and opened as a junior high school. McMenamins has more than 50 venues, some that include hotels, spas and gardens in Washington and Oregon.

Other projects include road work on Highway 522 that is ongoing, an extension of Main Street and new traffic lights on Main and NE 180th Street.

As part of the revitalization some 30 businesses have been relocated and 32 older buildings have made way for the new.

Roads have been reconfigured and The Park at Bothell Landing project will connect the new downtown area to the Sammamish River where residents and visitors can kayak, rent bicycles, and enjoy a coffee after their adventures.

Another project, The Gateway, will produce 442 units of housing near the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College.

Downtown Bothell will benefit from a much anticipated pedestrian area.

“We have to create special places,” Stowe said. “Attract people who want to live in our downtown.”

MainStreet Property Group has been involved in the project for almost three years.

“In 2012, we purchased some land on the outskirts of the downtown neighborhood,” Hizzey said, and built The 104 Apartments, near the University of Washington Bothell and Cascadia Community College campuses.

The company is in the construction phase on their second project, Six Oaks, with 203 residential units including one bedroom, one bedroom dens, two bedroom and loft units as well as 6,300 square feet of retail space.

The Six Oaks residential units will begin renting this summer.

“We expect completion in September,” Hizzey said.

The project is the biggest one to date for MainStreet. The first was a Kirkland project then The 104 Apartments followed by Six Oaks.

Throughout the development process, MainStreet Property Group has worked closely with civic, business leaders and the community.

“We’ve had a really positive experience working with the City,” Hizzey said. “We’ve formed a very good relationship with them and it’s been positive all round.”