Downtown Vision
Redmond's downtown is the core of the city, providing for housing, employment, shopping, recreation, culture and arts within a lively setting surrounded by nature near the Sammamish River and Bear Creek. Redmond's plan intends to enhance the downtown as a place that is economically diverse and healthy, compact and pedestrian-oriented, while maintaining a sense of the City's history.

    Issues in 2001
  • Need for additional:
    • Housing
    • Parks and other amenities
    • Parking
  • Potential uses for the BNSF railroad right-of-way through downtown
  • Downtown street circulation and standards
    Status 2011
  • Constructed additional condominiums and apartments, bringing estimated number of residents Downtown to a total of 5,600
  • Identified property for a Downtown Central Park; negotiations for properties underway
  • Purchased BNSF right-of-way for Redmond Central Connector – for a future trail, linear park and light rail transit
  • Developed master plan for Redmond Central Connector
  • Extended Bear Creek Parkway between Redmond Way and Leary Way to improve street circulation
  • Purchased property to extend 161st Avenue NE from Redmond Way to Bear Creek Parkway
  • Parking enforcement for downtown streets improves management of parking supply
Before and After

In 2001, Cleveland Street was lined with many one-story buildings and even a few empty lots. Due to the lack of activity on the street, few pedestrians walked through this area.

Today, the street has completely transformed. Several mixed-use buildings up to five stories tall create a street that is vibrant both day and night. Retail on the first floor draws people to the area and the living spaces above ensure people can live close to their work.