Almost three decades after its inception, Issaquah Highlands remains a dynamic and evolving community. Our growth continues to bring fresh opportunities and new places to live, work and connect.
Bellevue College Seeks Extension for Development Agreement
On Monday, July 21, Issaquah City Council discussed a development agreement extension for the Bellevue College parcel in Issaquah Highlands.
In 2011, Bellevue College purchased the 19-acre parcel with the goal of building a satellite campus with multiple academic buildings. However, over the past decade, shifting enrollment trends, increased online learning and the high cost of developing a standalone campus have led the college to reconsider this vision.
The proposed amendment would extend the development agreement for an additional two years, allowing Bellevue College more time to reimagine a viable plan for the parcel. The current development agreement allows the potential development of 372,000 gross square feet of institutional use or more than 200 residential units. During this extended period, the college plans to engage with the community to gather input and explore new possibilities for the site.
Councilmembers expressed a range of opinions on the proposed extension. Concerns included the potential impact of additional housing on community density, emergency evacuation routes and the ongoing need for affordable housing.
While the current agreement doesn’t expire until Dec. 31, the council ultimately decided to step back and table the discussion. The topic will return for further exploration at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting, where councilmembers can ask additional questions and consider attaching new conditions to the proposed extension.
For more details, watch the Issaquah City Council meeting here.
New Home Construction in Harrison, Grand Ridge Drive Neighborhoods
This year, the Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) hit a milestone in the Harrison Street neighborhood. The last of the 90-lot neighborhood was finally completed in March!
The Grand Ridge Drive neighborhood includes a total of 40 lots. Of these, 32 homes have been completed, four are currently under construction and four are still in the planning phase.
Shelter Holdings Works Toward New Commercial, Multi-Family Housing
IHCA is working with the City of Issaquah and IHIF Commercial, LLC (also known as Shelter Holdings) on the construction of multiple parcels along Discovery Drive and 9th Avenue Northeast.
Shelter Holdings officially broke ground on the 21.5-acre site this spring. Plans include 77 townhomes, 210 apartment units and a 55+ senior living facility, with additional multifamily and commercial projects envisioned for the corridor in future phases.
Developers are continuing to adjust route detours as they survey for underground work, mobilize equipment and materials, establish work limits and install erosion control components. Find more details on road and infrastructure improvements at ihifcommercial.com as the project moves forward.
Grand Ridge Plaza Celebrates New Businesses
Grand Ridge Plaza is buzzing with new energy as exciting businesses take off! From donuts to wings, you can always find something delicious to eat without traveling too far.
The wildly popular Good Lazy Donuts has already made a sweet impression, drawing crowds and rave reviews since opening. To find more time for production, the donut shop has pivoted its schedule to open Thursday through Sunday.
What better way to work off all these tasty treats than trying a Pilates fitness class? Pilates Studio 11 officially opened its doors in June 2025. The new studio will highlight strength, mobility and performance-based training, while staying true to core Pilates principles.
And the momentum doesn’t stop there—we’re excited to welcome Wing Stop to the neighborhood within the next year. There’s never been a better time to explore what’s new in Issaquah Highlands!
As published in the summer issue of Community Connect magazine >>>
