The City of Mercer Island Design Commission has had a first look at yet another proposal to construct a five-story mixed use development on land in the Town Center now occupied by several Island businesses.

The Hines Mixed-Use development is the latest project that will include ground floor commercial space with housing in the floors above.  Parking will be included below grade or on the main level.

In order to be allowed the ‘bonus story,’ or to go to the maximum height allowed, five stories or 65 feet, the city stipulates that a ‘significant public amenity’ must be included in the design. Those  amenities can include a public plaza, units set aside for affordable housing or a ‘pedestrian connection’ through the site.

The project site is made up of land presently owned by two owners on three tax parcels. They include the building addresses of 2885 78th Ave. S.E., the site of the Seven Star Restaurant and other businesses within that building; the State Farm office, at 7710 S.E. 29th Street and, the  present location of Terra Bella at 2864 77th Ave S.E.

The project will not include the land occupied by the Veloce Velo  bike shop or Mud Bay.

According to Dean Bitney who owns the property at the corner of S.E. 29th Street and 77th Avenue  S.E., his tenants are aware that the land is in the process of being sold.

Terra Bella, he said, presently has an 18 month leases for use of the property.

The land, which he offered for sale earlier this year for $2.1 million, has not officially sold. It will be final when the buyers get the permits they need to develop the land, he said.

Bitney said he had received 250 calls regarding the property. Many of the callers he added, were Islanders.

He said that the final dollar amount agreed upon was close to his asking price. “I am happy with the amount,” he said. The contractor, Perkins + Will has yet to make a formal application with the city.

According to Scott Greenberg, City of Mercer Island Development Services Group Director, the project developers have come in early to talk with the city staff to ensure they are ready to meet city codes regarding the design.

The preliminary staff analysis provided to the design commission states said that “the eastern lot is eligible for a significant public plaza, while the western property can use significant affordable housing to achieve the bonus story.

Present city building codes include the statement,  “Every lot in the Town Center is eligible for the maximum building height (described further in the code text) by providing a significant public amenity.

Greenberg said that if the design review goes well, construction could start in a year.