When local developer and founder of Fortress Development, Andy Lakha, first broke ground on his latest project and lifelong vision, he could not have foreseen all the obstacles that lie ahead threatening to stop him in his tracks. Yet after enduring the pandemic, rising inflation, supply chain issues, the banking crisis and, most recently, a concrete workers’ strike, Andy and his world-class project, Avenue Bellevue, are still standing. When we spoke in early September of this year, Andy said, “Avenue Bellevue presents an unparalleled living experience with the best in dining, shopping, amenities, and services in a world-class setting. And, as Avenue nears completion, we are seeing a surge in interest from both local and international buyers reflecting the growing recognition of the unique value and lifestyle Avenue offers.”

Today, Andy is thrilled to announce that both towers—The Residences and The Estates—are open as of November 1st, with the luxury five-star hotel— InterContinental® Bellevue at The Avenue®—opening soon after. While some of the retail shops in the beautiful European-style Plaza connecting the two towers are now open, the others will follow in the next few months.

Located at the corner of NE 8th Street and Bellevue Way, the project recently set a new price record with both the sale price and price per square foot with the sale of a penthouse home at $14.35M – over $3,000 PSF. This breaks the previous high of $12M, making it the highest sold/pending condo ever in WA according to the NWMLS. The other two penthouses recently sold for just under $10M and just under $8M respectively, also reaching almost $3,000 PSF. Avenue’s record-setting presales showcase the sought-after location, lifestyle, and value Avenue Bellevue offers.

To be more specific, Avenue Bellevue boasts beautiful views of the lake, mountains, and city, and provides foremost access to some of the leading industries in Bellevue’s tech sectors and shopping districts. The 141 luxury homes at Avenue Estates and 224 homes at Avenue Residences feature top-of-the-line amenities including leading European brands in kitchen, closet, and bathroom design. The Estates homes are set above the luxury hotel from InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, so residents can enjoy the hotel’s amenities including concierge services, room service, valet parking, and a cutting-edge fitness center.

The gorgeous Plaza connecting the two towers is a wonderful place to gather with family and friends and features one-of-a-kind retail shops and restaurants, including three Michelin star chef Joshua Skenes’ fine dining and a new concept restaurant, Japanese cuisine by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, and Pasta Ramen by James Beard-nominated chef, Robbie Felice. Jo Malone London offering luxurious colognes, indulgent bath and body products, and lovely home scents will open soon, as will Salt & Straw Gourmet Ice Cream for that after-dinner treat. And this is just a short list of what you can expect.

Andy is proud of the fact that he was the only one to keep their project going during the pandemic, with no corners cut along the way. A city council member recently told him that this is the only project that looks exactly as it was originally designed. Speaking of design, Andy spent two years putting together a team of experts who understood and embraced his vision, including conceptual architects, Weber Thompson, and production architect, Collins Woerman; Feng Shui Master, Huang Dao; Landscape Architects, PFS Studio; Lighting Designer, Chip Israel; and the world-class interior design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates. The color palates and finish materials used in both the Estates and the Residences are exquisite, with the Residences being a bit smaller and more affordable than the Estates. The Residences offer studios up to 2-bedroom units and penthouses, while the Estates offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom/bath units, as well as penthouses. Beautiful wrap-around balconies accompany the Estates units, while 95% of the condos in the entire project have balconies.

As you would imagine, the reception from the Bellevue community has been amazing. “People have been excited for the project to open because it is not only the best address in Bellevue but also a place for everyone to hang out,” says Andy. “We have created something iconic that will stand the test of time and something that myself, my family, my friends, and the community can be proud of.”

So come on down to the Avenue and celebrate the upcoming holidays with family and friends. It will be lit up beautifully and, for the 2024 holiday season, will offer something very special to complement Snowflake Lane. After all, Andy’s ultimate vision is to have people saying … “Let’s meet at the Ave.!”

To learn more about Avenue Bellevue, go to liveatavenue.com.