Mercer Island Moves Ahead With Light Rail Mixed-Use Development

MERCER ISLAND, WA — Progress on a mixed-used building and commuter parking facility near the city's future light rail station took a step forward this week. The City Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a developer, which will allow negotiations on a land sale to begin.

In January, Mercer Island selected Mainstreet Property Group as the preferred developer to construct a mixed-use building and 100-stall commuter parking lot on the former Tully's Coffee site, which is owned by the city. Under the non-binding MOU, Mercer Island will work exclusively with Mainstreet to negotiate the terms of the development — including land purchase and development agreements. The MOU expires in two years.

Mainstreet was one of five developers that applied to build the project. You can see Mainstreet's proposal for the development here.

The Council voted 5-2 in favor of the MOU. A Sound Transit light rail line spanning Seattle to Redmond, with a stop in Mercer Island, is set to open in 2023.