Skip to Main Content

Heart of Bellevue

Discover the people & places that bring life to the Heart of Bellevue.

About the Campaign

Have a story to share? Please reach out to us. 

SIGN UP FOR THE HEART OF BELLEVUE NEWSLETTER

MORE
Bluesman Sings From the Soul: Meet Grammy Award Winner Bobby Rush
At 83, bluesman Bobby Rush won his first Grammy Award for the album Porcupine Meat and continues to perform 200 shows a year. You can hear his toe-tapping soul music live on June 3 at this year's Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Tim Motts
In 2019, Tim Motts moved to Bellevue and became President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue. Hear more about why he believes youth are the greatest asset for communities, what a safe place for kids and teens looks like, and why he loves working in Downtown Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Aussie Roots Meets American Blues: Get To Know Featured Artist Blake Noble
Australian musician Blake Noble captivates audiences by combining percussive guitar played simultaneously with the ancient Australian didgeridoo. Don't miss your chance to hear the Blake Noble Band live at this year's Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Liz Paruchuru
The Bellevue Farmers Market opens on May 12! Liz Paruchuru, marketing engagement manager for BFM, shares what we can expect from this year's season, how BFM supports the community and her favorite spots around Downtown.
Read More
MORE
5 Questions with Chief Shirley
Wendell Shirley joined the Bellevue Police Department as interim chief last year. Today, he's the first person of color to head the department. Hear more about how he plans to respond to Bellevue's growth, what makes a safe downtown what we can look forward to at the next Downtown Talks on May 24.
Read More
MORE
Inside Smith & Main's Small Business Success
Small businesses that survived the pandemic are now sharing stories of strength, resiliency and lessons learned. Chanel Smith, owner of Smith & Main, explains how she managed to keep her local boutique alive and thriving in Old Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Bellevue LifeSpring ‘Steps Up to the Plate' for Families in Need
Since 1911, Bellevue LifeSpring has dedicated themselves to supporting local children and families in need. They look forward to celebrating their work and meeting their $500,000 fundraising goal at their annual Step Up to the Plate Benefit Luncheon on May 24.
Read More
MORE
Bellevue's RECOOP Spa Adapts to a New Normal
In 2014, Grace Hackerman opened RECOOP Spa for those with busy lives who needed a one-stop shop for regular self-care regimens. Today they offer a full range of natural and organic treatments including massages, facials, body treatments, waxing and nail care.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Mia Marshall
After 30 years of working for local and global design firms, Mia Marshall decided to start her own business. In 2021, she founded Marshall Design + Management to help real estate developers, landlords, and tenants bring their business visions to life. Hear more about her new business, variety of projects and her favorite spots around town.
Read More
MORE
Matcha Magic Now Open in Downtown Bellevue
Many years ago, Rachel Barnecut took a trip to Asia where she visited tea fields and explored the history, ceremony and benefits of tea. Her newfound love for matcha inspired her to open Matcha Magic, the newest business in Old Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
BDA Recognizes Bellevue's Growth and History at Downtown Forward
Over 350 business professionals and community members came together last Thursday to celebrate the people, projects and progress shaping Downtown Bellevue. Here are some highlights from this year's Downtown Forward event.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Putter Bert
Putter Bert spent most of her childhood in the Boston Children's Museum. Soon after college, she got a job there and went on to earn leadership roles at different children's museum across the country. Eventually, she became CEO and president of KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Hear Putter’s view on the evolution of children’s museums and her favorite spots around town.
Read More
MORE
36 Years and Counting, Bellevue’s First Sushi Restaurant Prospers
I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue has successfully made it through three decades of business. Hear how Shuhei Shimazu, general manager and head chef, found success bringing premium, traditional sushi to the Eastside.
Read More
MORE
10 Lunch Spots Under $10: Downtown Bellevue’s Guide to Worldwide Cuisine
Delicious food shouldn't break the bank! Here's our around-the-world guide to inexpensive eateries around town for your next lunch break.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Lorali Downes
For years, Lorali's Optical has provided unique, high-quality frames in Old Bellevue. Hear more from owner Lorali Downes about the inspiration behind her products and her treasured spots in the heart of Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue Celebrates 70 Years of Championing Youths
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) has been an excellent local resource for families in need since 1952, marking this year their 70th anniversary. CEO Tim Motts explains that BGCB has become a vital lifeline for the community, ensuring Eastside youth have equal access to life-enhancing programs.
Read More
MORE
Fresh Tresses for Spring: 7 Places To Get a New Haircut in Bellevue
When you’re not feeling like your best self, we recommend sprucing up your look with Downtown Bellevue’s talented stylists and marvelous salons to lift your spirits. Here’s a list of hair salons and barbershops across the city offering memorable haircuts leaving you feeling fresh and ready to go back to work.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Manny Romero
Manny Romero has worked with El Gaucho since 2002, and is the longest-serving waiter in Bellevue with 12 years of service. However, working in restaurants wasn't always his plan. Hear more about his reasons for changing careers, his view on the restaurant industry and why he loves Downtown.
Read More
MORE
Culinary Perseverance Inside Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s Eastside is most known for their contemporary rooms, quality services, culinary vision and artistry. Jef Foster, executive chef at Hyatt Regency Bellevue, said he's proud to create menus that resonate with the downtown community.
Read More
MORE
Announcing the 2022 Placemaking Award Winner: Mary's Place
The Bellevue Downtown Association is proud to announce the 2022 Placemaking Award winner as Mary’s Place! The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have helped make Downtown Bellevue a more vibrant urban environment.
Read More
MORE
Cheers to RTO! Plan Your Return-to-Office Bar Crawl
Downtown Bellevue is ready to welcome you back in style. From cozy lounges to lively sports bars, there's a place for everyone. Treat yourself to a self-guided bar crawl featuring some of these favorite local spots.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: David Rees
David Rees opened d’Original Jewelers 32 years ago and is now known as one of the most trusted names on the Eastside. Read on to learn more about Rees’ love for jewelry and his favorite places around the heart of Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Downtown Talks Recap: Major Projects & Trends Shaping Bellevue's Future
Last week, the BDA hosted the first Downtown Talks breakfast at Bellevue Club. Attendees were thrilled to network with other downtown supporters and hear what projects and trends are shaping Bellevue. Read on for our event recap featuring guest speakers Kate Joncas and Gary Guenther.
Read More
MORE
A Delicious Comeback: Seattle Restaurant Week Returns to Downtown Bellevue
It’s that time of year again! Seattle Restaurant Week is back featuring a long list of all-star eateries in Bellevue and beyond. The bi-annual promotion runs from April 3-16 and we’re dishing out the details on prix fixed menus, unbeatable prices and fun recommendations to try.
Read More
MORE
From Rural Village to a Big Tech Hub: A Historian's Take on Bellevue's Future
Margaret O'Mara is a professional historian focused on the high-tech industry, American politics, and the connection between the two. On April 21, she'll be presenting her work at our Downtown Forward celebration. We sat down with O'Mara to learn more about her career and why knowing your history is essential to creating a vibrant downtown.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Donald Elfalan
Long before Bellevue was known as the premier Eastside shopping center, Donald Elfalan saw the potential it had and began his career at Bellevue Square’s Nordstrom in 1991. Today, he’s the top salesperson for the men’s suit department. Learn more about his love for people, styling and the heart of Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Celebrating Women's History Month: Meet 6 of Bellevue's Extraordinary Leaders
In honor of Women's History Month, we're highlighting six of these female leaders in Downtown Bellevue. Hear what lessons they’ve learned throughout their career, their favorite female-owned businesses around town and what advice they’re giving to the next generation.
Read More
MORE
Copper Kettle Coffee Bar: A Hidden Oasis With Local Treats
In the depths of the Bellevue Botanical Garden lies the Shorts House. It features warm and cozy seating, a garden resource library, and in 2016, the unique Copper Kettle Coffee Bar. Owner Christina Dong said her coffee bar offers more than a typical coffee shop experience.
Read More
MORE
Live, Work & Play: How To Balance a Thriving Downtown
Developing vibrant downtowns is a skill that Kate Joncas, director of urban strategy and development for MIG, has successfully mastered over the years. Learn more about her experience urbanizing places in our latest Q&A, and hear her in person at next week's Downtown Talks breakfast on March 29.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Andrea Steckler
After decades of working in Bellevue, Andrea Steckler purchased Salon TEWL in 2019. She had plans to change the name until she found out what it stood for: Treat Everyone With Love. Learn more about Steckler's passion for hair, Downtown Bellevue, and where you can find her around town.
Read More
MORE
Bellevue’s Top 5 Cake Shops for Every Occasion
From weddings to birthdays to graduation ceremonies, upgrade any celebration with an extravagant cake that satisfies your sweet tooth. Here are five shops serving some of the best slices (or whole cakes!) Downtown has to offer.
Read More
MORE
East Link Light Rail: An Inside Look at Bellevue's Future Commute
While Sound Transit runs many projects, their current focus is on the East Link Extension project. Learn more about East Link’s significant milestones, project history, and what we can look forward to in our Q&A with Sound Transit's Luke Lamon.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Gary Guenther
Throughout his career, Gary Guenther has worked with clients ranging from healthcare organizations, large corporate headquarters, technology companies and local & institutional investors. Read on for more details about Guenther’s work, and where he likes to spend time around town.
Read More
MORE
Black Bottle Bellevue Fights Hunger With Food Lifeline
Black Bottle defines themselves as an unpretentious gastrotavern with a desire to help the community around them. For each share-plate purchased at Black Bottle, an equivalent nutritious meal is donated to Food Lifeline.
Read More
MORE
Featured Artists Announced for 15th Annual Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series
The Eastside's premier showcase for jazz & blues artists returns to Downtown Bellevue on June 5-10. This year's featured artists include Grammy Award winner Bobby Rush and Australian composer Blake Noble who will perform ticketed shows at Meydenbauer Center Theatre.
Read More
MORE
Jubilee REACH Empowers Students & Families Across Bellevue
Jubilee REACH has grown into a city-wide organization that supports students and families across Bellevue. Theresa Larsen, investor relations manager for the nonprofit, said the biggest thing that makes them shine is their strong relationships with the local community.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Debra Barer
Debra Barer's family has proudly served the Bellevue community for over 20 years, handling packages at The UPS Store in Downtown. Learn more about why she loves working in Downtown and her favorite places around the city.
Read More
MORE
Need a Break? Stop by Semicolon Cafe for a Pause in Your Day
Semicolon Cafe’s unique branding features the symbol that indicates a pause between two sentences. The same concept is weaved into the company's vision: to be a place where the community can rest. Jizhou Li, owner of Semicolon Cafe Bellevue, believes their business is an excellent match for the Downtown area.
Read More
MORE
Chef John Howie Celebrates 20 Years of Seastar Restaurant
On March 11, Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar is celebrating 20 years of business in Downtown Bellevue. Chef John Howie invites everyone to celebrate their milestone with 20 days of dining featuring a rotating anniversary menu from March 11-31.
Read More
MORE
REI Bellevue's Quest For More Outdoor Adventures in Downtown
Often referred to as a “city in a park,” it’s no surprise REI Co-op relocated back to Downtown Bellevue after being away for nearly 20 years. Hear more about REI's focus on local partnerships and community adventures in Bellevue, including their popular Meydenbauer Bay boathouse.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Jonathan Ip
Bellevue’s continuous growth inspired Dr. Jonathan Ip to open Bellevue Dental Studio in the heart of the city. Learn more about how Ip is changing the perception of dental offices and his favorite places to visit in Downtown Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
A Life-Saving Match: Residence Inn Finds Opportunity with Traveling Nurses
Like many hotels in Downtown Bellevue, the pandemic left Residence Inn fighting to survive. Kate Hudson, director of sales and marketing for Residence Inn, saw an opportunity. She launched a traveling nurse program in March 2020, which contributed to nearly 8,000 overnight stays and ultimately saved the business.
Read More
MORE
ZenRock Fitness Expands Unique Workout Experience to Bellevue
The combination of warm-colored walls, striking abstract art and soft textile rugs creates a calming atmosphere inside the newly opened ZenRock Fitness in Downtown Bellevue. Owner Petra Jahn is excited to expand their workout experience and accommodate all fitness preferences.
Read More
MORE
BDA Breakfast Series Returns In Person As Downtown Talks
Previously known as the BDA Breakfast Series, Downtown Talks will include six in-person events hosted at the Bellevue Club, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. The community is invited to hear local business and community leaders discuss issues that impact growth and the making of Downtown’s place.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Lorie Hoffman
Although her current title is Arts Community Manager at the City of Bellevue, Lorie Hoffman considers herself an artist first and foremost. Hear Hoffman discuss the importance of art in Downtown Bellevue, current City-supported art projects and her favorite places around town.
Read More
MORE
Bellevue Youth Link Celebrates Unity, Diversity on a Virtual Stage
Youth Link, a youth leadership and community service program, will celebrate Bellevue’s diversity on a virtual stage next month. The organization plays an important role in engaging young people in Bellevue with over 70 youth-led projects and events.
Read More
MORE
Bellevue Arts Museum Honors the Nikkei Farmers of Bellevue
Seattle artist Michelle Kumata and Creative Director Tani Ikeda created an immersive mural experience that tells the forgotten stories of Bellevue Japanese American farmers. Emerging Radiance: Honoring the Nikkei Farmers of Bellevue will be on view at BAM now through March 13, 2022.
Read More
MORE
FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar Celebrates 19 Years in Bellevue
As Bellevue continues to grow, mom-and-pop shops are becoming more of a rarity. FLO Japanese Restaurant & Sake Bar is one of the few remaining in Downtown. Hear how owners Steve and Jia Mooko adapted through the pandemic, and why they love doing business in Downtown Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Person Behind The Place: Mary Kenney
Last November, Mary Kenney finally opened Rouge Cocktail Lounge in Old Bellevue, serving small bites and New Orleans-inspired cocktails. Hear what inspired her to open a lounge, and where you can find her in Downtown Bellevue.
Read More
MORE
Shred 415 Builds Community, Not Just Muscle
Franchise owners Alice and Fadil Chosovich invite the community to visit Shred 415, a new community-oriented workout studio. Hear more about why they expanded to Bellevue and what they're planning for in 2022.
Read More