New Schnitzer Northwest Landmark to Become the Gateway To Bellevue

Business Wire, Oct 18, 2005

BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Schnitzer Northwest:

--The Bravern's inspired design around an open-air plaza and grand arrival court; innovative office space, advanced technology and unmatched visibility; upscale retail and destination dining; will set new standard

Schnitzer Northwest today announced plans for a vibrant urban destination in downtown Bellevue featuring innovative office space, hospitality-inspired interiors, inviting outdoor 'rooms,' an upscale retail collection and destination dining. This latest signature development for Schnitzer Northwest has been meticulously designed to create a memorable experience for tenants and guests, while adding a new level of distinction to the city's center.

The Bravern is located at NE 8th St. and 112th Ave. NE on the superblock shared with Meydenbauer Center. It will bring together two office buildings with an upscale retail collection and destination restaurants around a grand arrival court and open-air plaza. A subterranean garage will accommodate 1,860 cars and a 70-space surface lot will make parking easy for shoppers and diners. The Bravern will be easily seen from I-405 and visitors will enjoy three convenient access points -- NE 8th, 112th Ave. NE and 110th Ave. NE.

The complex, whose value is estimated at $400 million, will merge gracious hospitality with functional efficiency to create a distinctive experience in the Pacific Northwest. Its design is bold and timeless. On-site features and services will include 14 conference and meeting rooms, a state-of-the-art board room, a spa and fitness facility, business center, valet parking, concierge and catering.

The Bravern's innovative concept, nearly three years in the making, is based on extensive research with customers. In addition, Schnitzer executives literally traveled the globe in search of "best in class" landmark properties. "This is not just another mixed-use development," said Schnitzer Northwest Managing Investment Partner Dan Ivanoff. "We conceived and tested every detail with customers. We call the result 'purposeful ingenuity' because, as beautiful as The Bravern will be, it will also be extraordinarily functional."

Bellevue Downtown Association President Leslie Lloyd said that The Bravern's distinctive character represents "a significant step toward achieving the BDA's 'Great Place' strategy."

Ground-breaking is slated for Summer 2006, followed by grand opening in Fall 2008.

A gracious arrival court will mark The Bravern's main entrance and an open-air plaza will serve the community as a gathering place. Individualized storefronts and lush landscaping will line a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Outdoor 'rooms' and seating areas, a 17-foot-high waterfall, a stone sculpture centerpiece, an outdoor fireplace and seasonally changing garden will offer relaxing spots for al fresco dining, independent work sessions and breaks between shopping and dining.

The Bravern Office Commons to Offer More Workplace Choices

The Bravern Office Commons will present 745,000 total square feet of cutting-edge functionality and hospitality by creating useful, well-designed common areas that maximize productivity. Building 1 comprises 248,000 square feet on 12 office floors. At the opposite end of the retail village, Building 2 is 497,000 square feet and will rise 23 floors. Each will have its own Great Room, fireplace, meeting rooms, valet and concierge.

Its daytime on-site population of 3,700 will enjoy preferred access to The Bravern's library and outdoor meeting rooms warmed by fireplaces. Fourteen conference and meeting rooms, range from intimate spaces to a board room equipped with the latest projection, sound and lighting technology.

Maximum work space on each floor is made available by placing bulky utilities on the rooftops and in basement spaces instead of in its tower cores. Wireless Internet and phone service is available from the top floor to the lowest garage level. Office space includes flexible infrastructure, elevators that exceed Class A office standards by 10 percent, flexible floor plans that accommodate easy growth, and mechanical and electrical systems that provide individual control and high performance.

"The Bravern will offer more thoughtfully designed office space and a more highly visible, convenient location than any other complex on the Eastside," said leasing agent Bill Pollard of Pacific Real Estate Partners. "Its value-added features mean that leasing dollars will go farther here." Pollard's firm leased Civica Office Commons and relocated its business there. Pollard knows from experience that The Bravern's innovative environment will improve employee productivity and well-being while supporting recruitment and retention.

The Shops at The Bravern to Introduce Upscale Retail and Destination Restaurants

The Shops at The Bravern will add 130,000 square feet of signature retail and restaurant destinations to downtown Bellevue. Arranged along the open-air plaza with frontage on 112th, NE 8th, and 110th, the retail village will include upscale brands and boutiques, many not yet found in Bellevue. One-of-a-kind restaurants will offer a range of casual to sophisticated indoor/outdoor dining options.