The announcement earlier this month that Central Market won’t be building in the Issaquah Highlands came as a surprise to most residents, but was met with concern by some.
Bernice Johnson, who moved from Bellevue to the Issaquah Highlands about two years ago, said some of the biggest draws to the community for her were the tight-knit feel and walkability, and the proximity to important retail.
But now, with the loss of the grocer and slowed development pace, she’s worried that people will become disenchanted with the Highlands.
“Of course, I understand the effect the economy has been having, but it just seems to me that a lot of stuff should be done that isn’t,” Johnson said. “Decisions should have been made; these are things that were promised to us.”
She also said she found the hesitation of a grocery store, something she called a “necessity,” to be a bit surprising when compared to a shopping center or office space.
Port Blakely Communities announced May 5 that Central Market would no longer be building in the Highlands, and cited the state of the economy and grocery industry as reason for the change of plans.
Some of the difficulties in the grocery industry are coming from a shift in popularity to more “mixed-use” style stores, such as Fred Meyer and Wal-Mart, and the appearance of high-end specialty stores, said Port Blakely CEO Alan Boeker.
“(Central Market) realized that it’s an industry in change, and they’re conservative and careful about expansion, and just felt it wasn’t the right time to open another big store,” he said.
Central Market representatives couldn’t be reached.
However, Boeker said several “big name” national stores had expressed interest for years in opening in the Highlands, and Port Blakely is already in discussions, though Boeker declined to provide any names.
But the pulling-out of Central Market hasn’t slackened the pace of getting a grocery store — if anything, it’s quickened it.
“I’m in a hurry to announce (a name), because I’m in a hurry to start construction,” Boeker said.
Working with a nationally-recognized name also increases the likelihood of securing financing, he said.
And while the news has shaken some residents, few had found it particularly upsetting. Boeker said the company has so far only received two e-mails regarding the delay in the grocery development.
“They were disappointed, but at the same time, it’s nice to hear from them that they understand,” he said. “It’s obvious, as opposed to past years where the reasons for slow retail development hasn’t been as apparent.”
Boeker maintained his conviction that Port Blakely is pushing forward with development despite a slowing economy. The projects and the desire are there, he said, but it’s a tough time to secure bank financing.
“Us wanting it to happen, even as much as we do, won’t make it happen,” Boeker said. “We’re doing everything we can to make sure (planned development) happens as quick as possible.”
