Visionary Development Opportunities in Kirkland's Station Area

The NE 85^th Street Station Area is a primary focus for future housing and employment growth in Kirkland.  In 2022, Kirkland’s City Council adopted a framework and policies for the NE 85^th Street Station Area Plan to help realize a bold vision for this Regional Growth Center.

 

The Vision

The Station Area is a thriving, new walkable district with high tech and family wage jobs, plentiful affordable housing, sustainable buildings, park amenities, and commercial and retail services linked by transit.  The vibrant, mixed use environment is a model of innovation. With an outstanding quality of life and unmatched mobility choices, the Station Area is eco-friendly, a place to connect, and deeply rooted in the history of the land, the people, and the culture of this special crossroads in Kirkland. The highly visible integration of ecological systems within an urban setting set the Station Area apart while tying the unique sub-area districts together with existing open space and active living opportunities.

The Station Area offers a robust set of opportunities for future development including:

• A subarea plan centered on a future Sound Transit Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stop (anticipated to be operational by 2027) that will link to light rail at points north and south;
• In addition to the regional BRT line, a future King County Metro rapid-ride line routed through the main corridor of the area;
• The City has already completed zoning changes that significantly increased housing and commercial capacity in the area;
• A flexible form-based code;
• Several unique districts that provide options for a variety of scales and uses;
• Plans for enhancing the urban environment and providing generous infrastructure for walking, biking, and rolling;
• Kirkland has adopted one of Washington State’s first Tax Increment Financing districts – which will help the City deliver on large infrastructure projects to support the future build out of the area; and
• An adopted Planned Action Ordinance consistent with the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) has already provided environmental analysis for future development – streamlining future permitting processes.

Seeking Branding and Marketing Collateral Development

I. Overview

The City of Kirkland is seeking letters of interest from qualified brand-marketing firms to develop a distinctive identity brand and supporting professional marketing collateral targeted at real estate developers and investors. The goal is to promote urban commercial real-estate opportunities in the NE 85th Street Station Area.

II. Background

The NE 85th Street Station Area spans over 700 acres in Kirkland, WA centered by the construction of the new NE 85th and I-405 reconfigured interchange and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Stride station. These investments are a once-in-a-generation regional transit investment and an opportunity to build new neighborhoods to meet Kirkland’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development that supports housing, employment, innovation, and mobility.

The area has seen major public investments in environmental analysis, transportation, and infrastructure improvements. The City of Kirkland has proactively invested in planning studies and adopted a Planned Action Ordinance to streamline the development process, creating a clear and predictable path for new projects. There are opportunities for innovative development of varying types and scales within the area.

While the foundation for growth is in place, opportunities for specific redevelopment sites remain limited at this time. This effort aims to generate interest among current property owners, developers, and investors.

III. Scope of Work

1. The first element of the project is to create a distinctive name and brand identity for the NE 85th Street Station Area – one that is reflective of Kirkland and this area. The selected firm will be expected to engage partners and create name and branding concepts that resonate with the community and position the area for long-term recognition. The resulting brand package will provide clear messaging and visual direction
2. The second element of the project is to develop a suite of marketing materials that effectively communicate the redevelopment potential of the NE 85th Street Station Area. These materials should clearly highlight the area’s strengths—including recent rezoning, major transit investments, and long-term growth opportunities—and be tailored to audiences such as developers, investors, and property owners. The goal is to create engaging, high-impact collateral that attracts capital, prompts developers to pursue opportunities, and directly supports the advancement of real estate deals in this emerging district.

Example Deliverables:

• One-page fact sheets or flyers tailored for distinct audiences (e.g. developers, investors, property owners, commercial tenants)
• Flexible presentation deck for use at developer meetings, industry events or City briefings
• Webpage content and visuals
• Social media content and visuals
• Print and digital media advertising content and visuals
• Recommendations for additional outreach formats

IV. Deliverables

1. Draft and final name and brand for the NE 85th Street Station Area.
2. Draft and final versions of all marketing materials in editable and print-ready formats.

V. Letter of Interest

Please include the following in your letter of interest:

1. Firm Profile – Overview, location, relevant experience
2. Project Approach – Narrative outlining how your team would approach this project and detailed deliverables
3. Team Composition – Resumes or bios of key personnel
4. Relevant Work Samples – Especially in urban development, real estate, or city branding
5. Project Timeline – Estimated timeline from kickoff to final deliverables
6. Cost Proposal – Itemized budget and fee structure
7. References – At least two references for similar work

VI. Evaluation Criteria

Letters of Interest will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated experience with similar marketing and collateral development projects
• Quality and creativity of past work
• Understanding of urban development, real estate, and public-private investment audiences
• Cost-effectiveness and clarity of budget
• Proposed timeline and availability

VII. Estimated Timeline

• Letter of Interest Request Release Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Bids accepted through Monday, January 26, 2026 at 4 pm
• Interviews (if needed) weeks of February 2 and 9, 2026
• Selection Notification by February 23, 2026
• Project Kick-off: March 2026

VIII. Questions and Submission Instructions

Submit questions and letters of interest electronically to: Jen Davis Hayes, Economic Development Manager, City of Kirkland, City Manager’s Office jdavishayes@kirklandwa.gov; 425-559-3062 (cell, text OK)

IX. Additional Information

To learn more about the NE 85th St Station Area and related planning efforts, visit Kirklandwa.gov/StationAreaPlan.

 

Contact details

Location

NE 85th St, Kirkland 98033  View Map