Centers and Corridors

CENTERS

As we plan for 2050, we are re-evaluating our Centers for growth capacity, character, and transitioning to pedestrian-oriented urban forms (buildings, streets, sidewalks, etc.). We're also wanting to maximize housing opportunities, keep jobs and housing near transit, preserve manufacturing zoning, and looking for ways to improve equity and inclusion in our built environment.   For the Redmond 2050 update, that means changes for all our centers - plus adding an industrial/manufacturing center designation in SE Redmond (on land currently zoned for those uses). Some of the highlights for that work are show on the next few slides, with links to additional information.


Types of Centers

The regional planning framework includes three levels of growth centers that serve to guide regional growth allocations, advance local planning, inform transit service planning, and represent priority areas for transportation funding.  

Growth in centers has significant benefits, including supporting multimodal transportation options, compact growth, housing choices near jobs, climate goals, and access to opportunity. As important focal points for investment and development, centers… support equitable access to affordable housing, services, health, quality transit service, and employment.

Learn more about each type of Center and what they look like in Redmond by exploring the tabs below:

Transit Oriented Development

Redmond 2050 continues to focus growth in Redmond’s centers in a way that addresses needs and goals related to equity, sustainability, and resiliency.

As part of this work, we've received a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to implement Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) near the light rails stations. Our TOD focus areas for Redmond 2050 are the areas within a 10-minute walk of the four new light rail stations. 

Learn More

  1. Overlake and Downtown
  2. Southeast Redmond

Regional growth centers are mixed-use centers designated by the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) that include housing, employment, retail and entertainment uses. There are two types of regional growth centers:

Metro Centers

Urban Centers

Metropolitan Growth Centers (Metro Centers) have a primary regional role – they have dense existing jobs and housing, high-quality transit service, and are planning for significant growth. They will continue to serve as major transit hubs for the region. They also provide regional services and are major civic and cultural centers.Urban Growth Centers (Urban Centers) have an important regional role, with dense existing jobs and housing, high-quality transit service, and planning for significant growth. These centers may represent areas where major investments – such as high-capacity transit – offer new opportunities for growth.

Overlake Metro Center

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The most significant changes will occur in the Overlake Neighborhood. The opening of two new light rail stations in the neighborhood provides opportunities for transit-oriented development.  The  environmental constraints in Downtown and Marymoor that aren't a factor in Overlake, as well as the availability of many vacant and redevelopable parcels, make this neighborhood a good place to accommodate growth while minimizing negative impacts. Changes will include expanding the urban center boundary (cross hatched area in map at right to be added to the center), up-zoning, a new incentive package, taller buildings, updated design guidelines, and creating an International District in the Overlake Village area (and much more).  

Downtown Redmond Urban Center

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The City will be looking at ways to maximize potential for the new light rail station as well as updating design guidelines, community character and historic preservation policies, removing code provisions that make it less likely for office developments, and reviewing potential updates for Town Center.  

  • Downtown updates are a part of Phase 2 (2024 adoption) 
  • Staff Contact: Lauren Alpert

CORRIDORS

As part of the Redmond 2050 project the City is exploring potential for growth and development along major corridors. Corridors that may see changes include Willows Road, Avondale Road, Redmond Way SE, and 148th Ave NE.  

Learn More about growth alternatives studied 

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  1. Beckye Frey

    Principal Planner

  2. Lauren Alpert

    Senior Planner