Downtown Talks Recap Bellevue's Office Market in 2025

At the Downtown Talks Breakfast Series on December 10, industry leaders examined the future of Bellevue's office market, which has shown resilience in the face of changing work trends. Key panelists included Mary Fialko from Skanska, Gary Guenther from Kidder Matthews, and Char Patterson from JPC Architects. They noted an increasing preference for hybrid work models, with a 2024 Gallup study showing that 60% of employees favor such arrangements. Despite concerns about project delays and high vacancy rates, Bellevue's office market continues to flourish, with over 1.4 million square feet of office space currently under construction. The panelists emphasized that intentional urban design and safety measures enhance Bellevue's appeal as a business hub. They called for improved communication between city officials and private developers to tackle zoning and sustainability issues. The consensus was that Bellevue is well-positioned to remain a vibrant center for businesses, especially in the tech sector, as companies adapt to new work models and seek quality office spaces with modern amenities for long-term success.