It’s several months shy of two years since thriving video game developer and publisher Riot Games purchased Mercer Island’s former Farmers Insurance property.
Presently, the project stands in the permitting reviewal and inspection stages of the process at the building situated at 3003 77th Ave. SE. The Los Angeles-based “League of Legends” and “VALORANT” creator signed the papers to acquire the property on Dec. 8, 2021, for $114.1 million from Mercer Park South LLC, according to a previous Reporter article. At the time, the Mercer Park Workplace office building stood five stories and covered 156,000 square feet.
“Our team is working hard to wrap up the project where we will have a space that will allow Rioters to collaborate and dream up genre-defining games and experiences for players everywhere. We look forward to meeting the Mercer Island community and becoming a good neighbor who will be part of the city’s history,” said Weston Hartley, director of Workplace Experience, North America, at Riot Games, which is led by CEO Nicolo Laurent.
Jeff Thomas, Mercer Island’s director of Community Planning & Development, said the city isn’t privy to details as to when Riot Games will occupy the building. He said the multiple permits that have been issued sit in various junctures of review and/or inspection with Paroline and Associates Inc. of Bellevue. Interior permits for the robust project are focused on framing and ceiling installations, plumbing, electrical and mechanical elements and a commercial kitchen hood. Exterior permits are in the reviewal realm for work on stairs, ramps and an upper story courtyard.
A bold red sign on fencing at the location indicates in white letters that the company is coming soon in 2024. The sign is emblazoned with the company’s recognizable fist logo.
Riot Games plans to hire 400-plus employees in the engineering, research and development and live services spheres at the Mercer Island office. Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill founded Riot Games in 2006 and released its debut title, “League of Legends,” to worldwide acclaim in 2009. The company possesses 20-plus locations around the world.
Scott Gelb, president of games at Riot Games, said in a previous Reporter article that the company is anticipating linking up with the region’s immense passel of passionate and talented game developers.
On the local commerce front, Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce CEO Jen Dean said that Riot Games’ presence on the Island will be a boon for businesses already here and attract more retailers to the city. The throng of new employees also means additional people drawn toward community involvement.
Dean said she believes the business community is elated for Riot Games’ arrival, and notes that, “It will take some adjustment for the businesses to learn how to operate (supply and demand) with all the new customers, but ultimately it will equal growth for Mercer Island businesses, and that is exciting.”
