What does the future hold for Kirkland's Parkplace?

Progress? What do you think about the proposed changes for Kirkland's Parkplace?



Doug Howe of Touchstone Development made a presentation at the last Highlands meeting on May 17th. The May 25-31st issue of the Puget Sound Business Journal also highlighted the proposed changes to Parkplace as one of its front page stories. Touchstone Development has an option to purchase Parkplace for a massive redevelopment project. Their plans include over 1 million square feet of office space, two hotels, increased retail, and open plazas for walking and sitting outside. Their hope is to extend 4th street south under the existing tennis courts as the new vehicle entry to Parkplace and to bring the parking underground. Eliminating above ground parking would add a huge amount of space for the proposed pedestrian friendly plazas and office/hotel/retail buildings. The proposal also includes building townhomes above the retail shops. Currrently, the zoning only allows for buildings to be 5 stories high. Touchstone Development is proposing the height limits be increased to 8 stories on the eastern perimeter of Parkplace. The buildings would step down in height from east to west. These changes would have to be reviewed by the City of Kirkland, as the development does not fit in with the city's current comprehensive development plan. (Look for meetings regarding Parkplace development and the comprehensive plan later this year.)




http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2007/05/28/story3.html. To read the full article, you must be a subscriber to the Puget Sound Business Journal.



At the Highland's meeting several concerns were raised about the propsed development. One neighbor was concerned about the impact of traffic on Central Way and Kirkland in general. Another resident voiced concerns about the current smaller independent retail outlets in Parkplace and how these retail stores were going to they fit with this new model. I was pleased the Business Journal spoke with Rebecca Willow of Kirkland's Parkplace Books. She was quoted as saying the redevelopment project would bring in office workers and more people to shop and dine.



On paper this sounds like a positive project for Kirkland. It would increase our class "A" office space, which is in great demand on the Eastside. More office workers would translate to more jobs in the central core of Kirkland and more people to to purchase goods from local retailers. A pedestrian plaza and underground parking would be a fabulous addition to the area.




On the negative side, would the local retailers be shut out? Would traffic become more of a nightmare downtown?



What are your thoughts?