Construction in Full Swing at Issaquah Highlands

New Merchants Announced for Grand Ridge Plaza

Marshalls, HomeGoods, DICK'S Sporting Goods and Zumiez are among the new line-up of merchants recently announced for Grand Ridge Plaza, the 280,113-square-foot retail center under construction in Issaquah Highlands. Regency Centers, developers of the $70 million project, also announced that cosmetics retailer ULTA Beauty, and restaurants Chinoise Cafe, Big Fish Grill and Ram Restaurant & Brewery have signed leases.

Construction broke ground in June 2012 when Regency unveiled its plans for the open-air, pedestrian-friendly shopping and entertainment district. Construction began this summer on a 12-screen Regal Cinema, expected to open in June 2013. The next project slated to break ground is a 44,543-square-foot Safeway store, which company officials anticipate opening in September 2013. According to Regency Centers, 80 percent of the available square footage at Grand Ridge Plaza is now leased. Additional tenant announcements are anticipated as construction progresses.

The growing list of amenities in Issaquah Highlands adds to an already strong base of offerings in the community, including eateries Sip, Ben & Jerry's, ricenroll, Subway, Agave Cocina & Tequilas and Zeeks Pizza. Services such as barre3, Highlands Physical Therapy, Pure 8 Hot Yoga, Bright Horizons Childcare Center, and the Swedish/Issaquah Medical Center each opened within the past 18 months.

New Projects Begin Planning & Construction

Steve Burnstead Construction, one of the region's premier homebuilders, recently started grading on the site of its new 14-acre, 80-home neighborhood. The company anticipates that model home construction will begin next fall with the first residents moving in as early as spring 2014.

Ichijo USA, the award-winning builder of zHome, has also entered the planning phase for a new neighborhood of 30 to 40 custom-built homes in Issaquah Highlands. The builder, which received the 2012 Good Design Award from the Japanese Institute of Design Promotion, revealed that floor plans may include such features as dual master suites and accessible design elements for aging-in-place, as well as children's study and play areas.

Discovery Heights Phase II & Retail to Open in Fall 2013

Phase II of the $60 million Discovery Heights project is expected to open its doors in fall 2013. When complete, the apartment home neighborhood will feature 360 homes and more than 6,500-square-feet of retail space, including a state-of-the-art dental center. Phase I, which features 253 luxury apartment homes, opened in 2011 and is nearly fully-leased.

Construction Investment Nears $600 Million

Regency's recent announcements build on a series of projects that are bringing new services to greater Issaquah residents and generating economic momentum. Over the past two years, a flurry of new projects in Issaquah Highlands - planned, completed or underway - totals almost $600 million in construction costs and more than 1,500 construction-related jobs. Projects include Swedish/Issaquah, YWCA Family Village, Bellevue College, Issaquah Highlands Self-Storage, and other residential and infrastructure development. The retail district, combined with current amenities and services in Issaquah Highlands, could eventually generate thousands of jobs in the community.