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Side
by Side: A
Sneak Peek at Downtown Life
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Stu
Vander Hoek’s family has been a mainstay in Bellevue for 60
years. His grandfather started a business here in the mid-1940’s
and his father was one of the founders of the Bellevue Downtown
Development Board, a precursor to today’s Bellevue Downtown
Association.
So it’s no surprise that he has continued his family’s
legacy of building a stronger, more progressive downtown core in
Bellevue. Like his father, he’s served as chair and is currently
on the board of directors of the Bellevue Downtown Association.
He’s president of the Eastside Heritage Center. And as president
of Vander Hoek Corporation, he develops and manages mixed-use residential
communities in Old Bellevue.
In 2003, Stu received the DIP Purple Heart Award for his numerous
contributions to downtown Bellevue. He gets a lot of satisfaction
from helping to fulfill the vision for Downtown Bellevue. “It’s
very rewarding to help the community continue to grow and evolve
– to add to the fabric of the community. It’s also a
fabulous learning experience as I learn from the many people I’ve
worked with on projects, and they from me. It’s been a tremendous
life lesson.”
He has a particular fondness for the historic Old Bellevue neighborhood.
Not only are many of his developments in Old Bellevue, his office
and home are too – he and his wife, Karen, live in one of
the communities he developed, Courtyard off Main.
“The thing I love most about Old Bellevue is that it has a
real soul. It has a real, pedestrian-friendly, character about it
– the narrower streets, brick sidewalks, classic light posts.
And when you go into a shop here, chances are you are dealing with
the owner, not a hired clerk.”
In addition to its charm, one of the biggest perks to living in
Old Bellevue for Stu is its proximity to so many things. “Everything
is so conveniently located. You can walk to Meydenbauer Beach Park,
Barnes and Noble, the library, the parks, restaurants. You can even
watch the fireworks right outside your door.”
While Stu’s parents served as role models for his business
involvement with Old Bellevue, another role model serves as the
inspiration for the enthusiasm he brings to each project –
Jimmy Buffett. “He has such a great approach to life. His
free-spirited, ‘take me to the beach’ attitude is infectious,”
says Stu.
As is Stu’s enthusiasm for Old Bellevue.
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