George and Kim Brace were pioneers in 1996 when they moved from Medina into a downtown Bellevue high-rise.
"For the first four years, we were the only people on our floor," George Brace, 67, said. "Downtown living just wasn't the thing to do."
The Braces liked the view, the convenience of condominium living and being able to walk to downtown amenities such as restaurants and movie theaters. These days, they have more and more attractions to walk to and many more fellow residents with whom to walk.
"Downtown Bellevue has, relatively speaking, come alive in the past few years," Brace said.
With 2 million square feet of offices, 403,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and 3,300 apartments and condominiums under construction right now, Bellevue is shedding its traditional role as Seattle's demure younger sibling.
Businesses are moving there to be closer to Eastside employees, and residents see it as getting the urban experience without the Seattle edginess. But some longtime residents do not like what they see the city becoming. Meanwhile, the uncertain financial climate nationally might spell trouble for some development plans.
"For the first four years, we were the only people on our floor," George Brace, 67, said. "Downtown living just wasn't the thing to do."
The Braces liked the view, the convenience of condominium living and being able to walk to downtown amenities such as restaurants and movie theaters. These days, they have more and more attractions to walk to and many more fellow residents with whom to walk.
"Downtown Bellevue has, relatively speaking, come alive in the past few years," Brace said.
With 2 million square feet of offices, 403,000 square feet of retail and commercial space, and 3,300 apartments and condominiums under construction right now, Bellevue is shedding its traditional role as Seattle's demure younger sibling.Businesses are moving there to be closer to Eastside employees, and residents see it as getting the urban experience without the Seattle edginess. But some longtime residents do not like what they see the city becoming. Meanwhile, the uncertain financial climate nationally might spell trouble for some development plans.
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