BDA's 52nd Annual Celebration Recap

On Thursday, February 12, more than 450 community leaders and innovators gathered at Meydenbauer Center to celebrate the exciting accomplishments Downtown Bellevue achieved throughout 2025. The evening was filled with vibrant energy as we honored 52 years of progress, growth, and community spirit that continue to shape what makes Bellevue such a remarkable city. Let’s revisit some of the event’s biggest highlights.

Tim Carr, BDA Board Chair, and Patrick Bannon, BDA President, opened the evening by reflecting on recent successes and sharing a vision for the future. Keynote speaker Peter Kageyama followed with compelling stories about the kinds of places that give cities their identity spaces that invite people to gather, return, and feel a sense of belonging. His examples from cities nationwide underscored how intentional placemaking builds lasting community pride, setting the stage for recognizing the evening’s Placemaking Award winners and the projects and programs shaping Downtown Bellevue’s next chapter.

Placemaking Award Winners

CommonWealth Partners received a Placemaking Award for the transformative renovation of City Center Plaza. Completed in 2025, the project reimagined the property through significant reinvestment, introducing modernized workspaces, enhanced amenities, activated retail and dining, and a redesigned public plaza that fosters connection and activity. The renovation exemplifies how thoughtful stewardship can revitalize a key downtown asset while supporting long-term vibrancy and growth.

Silverstein Properties received a Placemaking Award for Avenue Bellevue, a mixed-use development that has reshaped the downtown experience by seamlessly integrating residential living, retail, and hospitality. Opened in 2024, the project introduced hundreds of new homes, vibrant street-level retail, and the Pacific Northwest debut of the InterContinental Seattle Bellevue, helping position Bellevue as a more dynamic, globally connected destination while creating an active, community-centered neighborhood.

Ascend Hospitality Group/AHG Cares received a Placemaking Award for creating the Bellevue New Year’s Eve Night Market, a community celebration that has quickly become a beloved local tradition. Since launching in 2022, the free, family-friendly event has transformed downtown streets into a lively, car-free festival featuring dozens of local vendors, live music, and immersive experiences, drawing thousands of attendees each year. Produced with support from Amazon, the Night Market exemplifies how collaborative, people-centered programming can foster connection, highlight local businesses, and strengthen civic pride in Bellevue.

Wintergrass received a Placemaking Award for its decades-long role in bringing music, culture, and community together in Downtown Bellevue. Since relocating to Bellevue in 2010, the annual festival has transformed Hyatt Regency Bellevue into a four-day celebration of bluegrass, Americana, and global roots music, featuring concerts, workshops, and participatory jam sessions that foster connection and belonging. Its enduring impact supports local businesses, draws visitors each winter, and strengthens the cultural fabric of Bellevue.

The Bellevue Downtown Association Annual Celebration would not have been the same without our attendees, whose presence reflected the strong connections that unite our community. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the many partners whose support made the event possible.

Presenting Partners: Amazon, AV Factory, The Brazens, B'zoe Care, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, IMA, KeyBank, The Spring District, Symetra, Vulcan Real Estate

Corporate Partners: City of Bellevue, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Howard S. Wright, Microsoft, Mortenson, Sterling Realty Organization, The Bellevue Collection

Supporting Partners: Baylis Architects, Clark Nuber PS, Clise Properties, FANA Group of Companies, GLY Construction, Heritage Bank, JPC Architects, Meydenbauer Center, Port of Seattle, PRK Livengood PLLC, Puget Sound Energy, Republic Services, Seattle Children's, Skanska, Sound Transit, Su Development

Media Partners: 425 Business & GeekWire

Check out some of our favorite moments from the evening in the Annual Celebration Photo Gallery.