Flint, the men’s grooming salon on Main Street, was no longer able to weather the economy since opening in February of 2009. As of this week they are closed for business.

This news comes only 1 week after Artisanal Brasserie and The Artisanal Table called it quits at The Bravern, on top of other retailers and restaurants closing within the past few months.

Main Street, although being a popular destination in Downtown Bellevue, has recently had its struggles maintaining tenants. One of the major concerns of prospects is the lack of parking available for visitors. In February we asked readers what they would like to see added to Main Street, and with Flint closing, this adds yet another opportunity for future tenants.

Tickets to the event are $30 ($35 at the door), or mention “Downtown Bellevue Network” to get $5 off! All event-goers will be entered into a raffle to win a $500 prize basket from all of the Bite participants. Pre-sale tickets are available at the ONVO store now or by emailing info@onvo.com.

10838 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98004

Over the weekend One Main Street hosted their 1st public event to preview their newly completed condominiums. The 57 luxury homes on Main Street have 37 unique floor plans. Although some floor plans may be similar, the views and patio/decks range from floor to floor. One feature that stood out at One Main Street, compared to its competitors, was the generous size of their patio/decks offered. Homes the size of 800 square feet have patios that stretch almost 300 square feet. Larger homes feature patios that wrap around the whole residence.

Although the weather was cloudy over the weekend, the views of Lake Washington were still enjoyable. Warm weather in the summer coupled with clear skies and a great patio will make One Main Street a great place to entertain guests. Some of the features that all homes are outfitted with include hardwood floors, 100% wool carpeting in bedrooms, and Bosch stainless steel appliances. The location of Main Street will make this an even more desirable place to live.

Prices at One Main Street start at a more affordable price point than many of the other newly constructed condos on the market right now. 1-bedroom and open 1-bedroom homes start at $349,900. 2-bedroom homes start at $499,900. If you are interested in taking a tour of the property, their new sales center is now open at the base of One Main Street.

[View with PicLens]

As the 10-story project inches toward completion, this event represents one of the 1st opportunities to tour the 3 model homes and other finished units. One Main Street will make home to 57 residences once complete. Homes start in the mid $300,000’s, making it the most affordable entry point for new construction in Downtown Bellevue. One Main Street is also one of the few FHA-approved condo projects in Downtown Bellevue, which means it may be much easier to get financing for and less will be needed for a down payment.

One Main Street is tucked in the heart of Main St. in Old Bellevue and is next door to Gilbert’s Main Street Deli; it’s close to several parks, restaurants, and shops. Complimentary parking for the event is available in the garage (just follow the signs).

One Main Street
10000 Main Street
Bellevue, WA 98004

What is missing on Main Street - More clothing and other retail boutiques, restaurant and bars, or other service-oriented stores?

520 Bar & Grill will celebrate their 4th anniversary in May. In the time that they have been open Bis On Main, Monsoon East, and the Spot Off Main have all opened up bars which seem to be successful in their own ways. Owners of 520 Bar & Grill, Randi and Joe Brazen, are also the owners of the open space next to their restaurant on Main Street. They are currently contemplating what would be a good fit there to add value to Main Street.

Tell the owners of these spaces who they should be recruiting. What types of companies you would like to see occupy these empty retail spaces? Sound off in the comments section.

A change is occurring on Main Street- if you haven’t noticed, 2 major retail tenants left over the New Year. Posh On Main and Christi’s On Main are either gone or going out of business (Posh was papered over by New Year’s Day). Ambiente Spa on Main Street and 102nd also went out of business this month.

So is Main Street becoming less of an upscale shopping street and now more a go-to for locally owned, quality dining? While we will miss Posh and Christi’s, more Main Street neighbors for Monsoon East, Bis on Main, and La Cocina Del Puerco are something to be excited about.

No word yet on Cantinetta’s opening…
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Update: Caninetta will take the location of the Kitchen Remodel store that is no longer in business (two doors down from Gilberts).  The opening date is expected to be close to the beginning of Summer.

Snowboard Season is officially here!

Snowboard Connection has been in Seattle since 1990 and in Bellevue since September 2005. This year they have moved their Bellevue location into a great new spot on Main Street. “SnoCon”, as its regulars have dubbed Snowboard Connection, is Seattle and Bellevue’s mecca for snowboarders. Practically every inch of SnoCon’s store is full with outdoor wear, boots, bindings, optics, and boards of every size, shape and make.

The store’s commitment to the outdoors doesn’t end there. SnoCon’s repair shop will put any board right and they offer great winter ready tune-ups. The store also stocks a healthy selection of skateboards and surfboards to liven up those otherwise idle summer months. They have the highest quality selections of gear for both men and women.

One of the best things about Snowboard Connection is that every employee has a real passion for snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing or some sort of board sport! Staff is knowledgeable and a great resource.

Where do you like to get your Snowboard gear?

See you on the mountain!

10697 Main St 
Bellevue, WA 98004-5913 
(425) 454-1148

http://www.snowboardconnection.com

Finally, merchants are being allowed to renovate and rent out these abandoned storefronts – and signs of life are coming back to all of Main Street.

First up: Work-Shop, which just opened last Saturday in time for The Taste of Main. At the farthest end of Main Street, this nationally renowed clothing designer, originally from Bellevue, is using this tiny space to sell her Jarbo line and workshop some new designs.

Next: Glassy Baby, who is taking over the former Sophisticated Swine space after their move to NE 8th. Glassy Baby opened in June and features the glass designs of a local glassblower. It’s a highly colorful shop and a great addition to Main Street.

The Yang Sheng Tang Green Health Center is now open, in the former Essex Presentation Center, tucked behind Main Street. This Chinese natural health center provides reflexology, tai chi lessons, Asian cosmetology, and healthy tea and snacks.

And there’s even more coming up. In the fall, in the former Main Street Barber Shop location, will be a locally owned gift shop. Come to Main Street and support these new, local merchants!

Participating restaurants included Monsoon East, who served Papaya Salad, Nem-Nuong (Vietnamese sausage), Lemongrass Chicken, and Pork Ribs; Ginza, who served a sushi sampler; 520 Bar & Grill, who served burgers and salad; Bis on Main, who served Beef Skewers and Fish Tacos; The Spot Off Main, who served up pizza; Red Ribbon, who offered a wine tasting to guests; Amore Chocolates and Fran’s Chocolates offered their truffles. Retailers ponied up gift certificates for Storm tickets, hotel stays, spa days, jewelry, and many other packages for the silent auction.

According to Gilbert’s on Main, who served fresh lemonade, Main Street merchants were extremely happy with the turnout, and they hope to make the Taste an annual event. Did you go? What did you think?

Saturday August 22nd, 10am-6pm will be Bellevue’s first Taste of Main event. For $25, each participant gets his or her choice of 2 beverages (wine or non-alcoholic), one appetizer, one entree, and one dessert. Children’s tickets are $10, and include one beverage, one entree, and one dessert. Participating food vendors to choose from include my fave Monsoon East, 520 Bar & Grill, Bis On Main, Gilbert’s, The Spot Off Main, Amore Chocolates, and Fran’s Chocolates, and others.

While you’re busy noshing on food, Main Street will keep you entertained with a silent auction, live music, kids’ art activities, and of course SHOPPING. Boutiques such as Title IX, Christie’s, Posh, and Gotta Have Shoes! will be offering exclusive sales or activities to all participants.

Interested in joining the shindig? Call 425‐688‐5130 for your tickets, or buy them at the event on Saturday. And it’s all for a good cause, too-all proceeds benefit Children’s Response Center, a Harborview Medical Center program that provides services and support for youth who have experienced sexual assault.