| Welcome to Mercer Island |
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…a vibrant residential island community located in the middle of Lake Washington, connected to both Seattle and the east side cities by interstate highway I-90. | |
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Located in close proximity to major employment and destination centers, this 6.2 square mile island city offers high quality residential living, commercial centers, and office space.
Incredible views, rapid access to major centers, and a strong community provide a home for many businesses and residents in Puget Sound.
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The Town Center (TC) is the primary commercial, office, and multi-family residential area. There are currently 637 living units either in place or under construction and 4,300 jobs located in the Town Center.
The Commercial Office Zone (CO) contains 8 parcels of land reserved for office, healthcare, and care services.
The Planned Business Zone (PBZ) contains several retail and office spaces that provide services to south end Mercer Island residents.
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The Island
The Town Center is the site of several exciting new mixed use projects. A list of projects and permit status is available online. | |
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Seven projects are currently in the permitting process and several others are in the feasibility process. |
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As of December 2004, the Town Center contains 637 living units and 4300 jobs in a little over 62 net acres.
New residential and office projects mixed with commercial use will bring additional residents and businesses in the next several years.
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The nearby Mercer Island Park and Ride is also currently in the permit process and will be completed late 2006. This renovated facility will provide 450 parking spaces for commuters to Seattle and the east side.
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The new Community Center at Mercerview is also currently under construction. The Community Center is located near the Town Center overlooking Lake Washington. The new facility will offer a full gymnasium and locker rooms, recreational and gathering spaces, a kitchen, a game room, a double-sided fireplace with views of Lake Washington, and an outdoor terrace. The Community Center is scheduled for completion December 2005. | |
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With so many new and existing amenities, an evolving Town Center, and a vibrant community, Mercer Island is truly a destination!
The People
Mercer Island is home to 22,036 people (2000 Census data). The population is generally highly educated with an average household income of $173,646 and an average household size of 2.58 people. A predominantly residential community means there are more households than jobs, a ratio opposite that of most nearby communities. We are home to many of the nearby cities’ employees. |
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Mercer Islanders are active in their community. The local newspaper, The Mercer Island Reporter, keeps everyone up to date on local events, activities, projects, and public opinion.
Residents can often be seen at local festivities and events.
Mercer Island residents are also active within the School District. After school activities hosted by the schools and the local Boys and Girls Club keep students busy and active. |
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The school district has a very high rate of graduation (91%) with 80% of all students continuing education in a 4-year university. Mercer Island graduates continue to earn high grade point averages and excel throughout their college careers. (See the Seattle Times School Guide for more information) |
Growth
The beauty of the island, proximity to jobs, and a strong community translate to high property values. The average price of a home on Mercer Island in 2003 was $813,000.
High property values mean increasing development. The past several years have seen increased amounts of building and remodeling, particularly for commercial and residential mixed use developments.
Permit activity over the last 4 years
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Permits |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
| Single family – new and remodels |
202 |
180 |
180 |
208 |
| Multi-family – new and remodels |
14 |
8 |
6 |
15 |
| Commercial – new and remodels |
60 |
50 |
34 |
26 |
| Mixed Use |
8 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
More growth is planned for the future, as required by the Washington State Growth Management Act. The majority of Mercer Island’s new commercial, office, and residential units will be placed in the Town Center. Additional small subdivisions and single family home remodels will continue to occur across the island.
Links
Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce
Mercer Island School District |
