Olde Towne Streetscape Work Set to Start in June

After years of planning, design revisions and coordination with utility providers, Bellevue’s long-awaited Olde Towne Streetscape Project is finally moving into the construction phase.

According to Bellevue City Administrator Jim Ristow, work by Metropolitan Utilities District is scheduled to begin at the intersection of Warren Street and Mission Avenue on June 8. Construction by the city’s contractor is expected to begin on Warren Street during the first part of July.

The project represents a major investment in Bellevue’s historic downtown district and is designed to improve both the appearance and functionality of the Olde Towne corridor.

Among the improvements planned are angled parking spaces, raised crosswalks, benches, trees and decorative planters intended to make the area more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing.

“This has been an ongoing project for numerous years,” Ristow said.

The project has involved extensive planning and public input. Ristow said downtown business owners participated in user-group meetings throughout the design process. During those meetings, designers presented multiple concepts and examples from similar projects in other communities before arriving at the final design.

“A consensus of the attendees was considered before landing on the final design,” he said.

One of the most noticeable changes for motorists will be the redesign of Mission Avenue. Currently, the roadway consists of two wide travel lanes, parallel parking on both sides of the street and a center turn lane.

Under the new design, Mission Avenue will be narrowed to a more traditional two-lane street with angled parking on both sides. Ristow said the speed limit is not currently scheduled to change.

The redesigned parking configuration is expected to significantly increase available parking in the district. Based on project plans, more than 80 parking spaces appear likely along Mission Avenue between Washington Street and Franklin Street once construction is complete.

The city also expects the project to improve pedestrian safety and walkability through the installation of raised crosswalks and streetscape amenities that encourage visitors to spend more time in the district.

While many of the improvements will be visible above ground, a substantial portion of the work involves infrastructure upgrades beneath the surface.

Ristow said aging utilities in Olde Towne have created design and scheduling challenges throughout the planning process. Utility relocation work by MUD has been one of the primary factors affecting the construction timeline.

“The older utilities in this part of town have caused design and scheduling changes that are being worked through,” he said.

The project also addresses longstanding stormwater concerns along Mission Avenue.

“Storm drainage has long been an issue on Mission Avenue,” Ristow said. “The design took these concerns into account.”

The streetscape project carries an estimated construction cost of approximately $7 million. An additional $1.5 million has been spent on engineering, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations and easements, bringing the total project investment to roughly $8.5 million.

Ristow said the project is funded through the city’s Capital Improvement Program.

Construction is expected to continue into 2027.

Ultimately, city officials view the project as an opportunity to strengthen the character of Bellevue’s historic downtown while creating a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and businesses.

“Not really a negative concern or variable,” Ristow said, “but this project looked hard at the walkability and aesthetics of the corridor, and the project will improve the look of downtown with the amenities included in the design.”