It was just a vision in the winter of 2012, a sketch on paper. Now it’s real. All 280,000 feet of it.
Construction on Issaquah Highlands Grand Ridge Plaza began June 2012. By July 2013, the first of its big anchor businesses, Regal Cinemas, opened. Restaurants, including The Ram and Big Fish Grill, opened in September. BevMo!, Starbucks and Dicks Sporting Goods soon followed.
This week was a big week, though, with Marshalls and Home Goods opening their doors to hoards of happy shoppers on Thursday, October 24, 2013. The check out line stretched a full circle around the back of the connected stores – not kidding! I decided I would come back when the hype subsided.
Beauty supply store and salon, ULTA, also opened this week. Beauty queens be advised – there aren’t many brands or products missing in this beauty super store.
Today, October 24th at 10AM was the official opening of the newest area Safeway, the big anchor store of the new shopping plaza. It doesn’t look like the fuel station is ready yet.
Parking is tight at Grand Ridge Plaza, with the assumption being it will be easier once the newness of Grand Ridge Plaza area wears off. Streets can also be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the area – pay attention to the one way streets through the shopping area.
For now, it’s officially here. A new, closer shopping option for Snoqualmie Valley residents who regularly travel to Issaquah to shop. It’s one I-90 exit closer and a short drive up the hill.
Be aware, though, if you haven’t been up to the Highlands in a while, it may take a minute or two to get your bearings. It feels like a totally different place now that Grand Ridge Plaza is a reality – and not just empty land with a sign and a sketch.
Other Grand Ridge business include:
- Mod Pizza
- Pinkabella Cupcake
- Wells Fargo
- Frame Central
- UPS Store
- Civilized Nature
- Zumiez
- Opal
- Bai Tong Thai Restaurant
- JoS. A. Bank
- GNC
- Great Clips
- Jimmy John’s Gourmet
And more – it’s a big place. Visit Grand Ridge Plaza Facebook page or Issaquah Highlands Facebook page to keep up with business openings and happenings.
