The Community Process

Since City Council unanimously approved Touchstone's Private Amendment Request in December 2008, there has been a thorough and transparent public-review process that has resulted in significant feedback on the project from various local stakeholders.

Over the past 18 months, there have been more than 25 Design Review Board meetings focused on the specific design of the buildings and landscaping at Parkplace. At each of these meetings, public comment has been helpful and thought-provoking, and it's positively impacted many aspects of the direction of final design.

What's more, since the project's public process began 3 years ago, there have been more than 50 total meetings with the Design Review Board, Planning Commission and City Council, not to mention 3 project open houses and 30 meetings with neighbors, interested citizens, the Parks Board, and other City boards and committees.

Today, the Kirkland Design Review Board continues to welcome public comment on the proposed design. As outlined below, there are a number of meetings already scheduled for this summer and fall, and we welcome your continued participation.

Touchstone anticipates that the design review process will conclude this fall. Then the 1-year process of securing entitlements and permits on the project will begin. Actual construction of the project will start after permits are secured.

Public Process Timeline:

Fall 2010: Anticipated final project approval by Kirkland's Design Review Board

Feb 2009 to present: Kirkland Parkplace redevelopment reviewed by Design Review Board at 20 public meetings.

Upcoming scheduled Design Review Board meetings include:

 
For minutes and audio recordings of past Design Review Board meetings, visit the City of Kirkland Web site at http://www.ci.kirkland.wa.us/depart/Planning/DRB_Meeting_Information.htm.

Dec. 2, 2008: Kirkland City Council unanimously (7 to 0) approves Touchstone's Private Amendment Request and adoption of ordinances and Master Plan for the project.

Oct. 2008: Planning Commission votes 5 to 2 in favor of recommendation to City Council to adopt the ordinances and Master Plan.