With excavation complete, DPR Construction, Inc., has erected an on-site crane as it continues construction on the new 377,000-sq.-ft. Bellevue Technology Tower, the newest downtown Bellevue, Wash., high-rise designed specifically to meet the needs of high-tech tenants (http://www.techtower.com). DPR, a commercial contractor and construction manager specializing in technically demanding projects, is the general contractor for the 19-story, state-of-the-art tower project being developed by E&H Properties.

In addition, according to Jeff Chaney and Brian Hatcher, leasing agents with Kidder Mathews & Segner - Oncor International (KMS), the tower is currently more than 60 percent pre-leased. Law firm Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati has leased 77,000 sq. ft. of space and will be moving its Kirkland operation to Bellevue. In addition, Conversational Computing, also known as Conversay, and Loc8 (pronounced "locate") Networks have signed leases for 98,000 sq. ft. and 41,500 sq. ft. respectively.

"The new Bellevue office tower provides a tremendous opportunity for companies to be located in one of the most technologically sophisticated buildings of its kind," said Chaney. "DPR is incorporating the latest technology and electrical systems to ensure continued operation of power and connectivity support for extended periods of time."

Featuring an advanced telecommunications infrastructure, 24-hour operations support, redundant energy capabilities and open, flexible interior spaces, the tower's main technology feature will be a 7,000-sq.-ft. dedicated communications platform for the installation of multiple antennae, microwave and communications systems. According to Arne Hall of DPR, one of the primary challenges - as with most high-tech projects - is the need to bring the high-rise to market as quickly as possible now that construction is under way. With completion and tenant move-in dates scheduled for mid 2002, DPR incorporated an innovative soil nailing method rather than the traditional soldier piles and wood lagging system so that construction can commence prior to excavation completion - saving valuable time at the project's outset.

"By soil nailing, we can be reinforcing and strengthening each story as we go by installing closely spaced steel bars, or 'nails,' into what has been excavated while we excavate and prepare for another section," said DPR Project Manager Ron Montoya, who also added that the Bellevue project is the deepest structural soil-nailing excavation in the country.

Designed by Architect Gerry Gerron, who has created Bellevue's signature skyline with such buildings as One Bellevue Center, Rainier Plaza and City Center Bellevue, the new Bellevue Technology Tower's construction will feature a green glass curtain wall exterior of varying heights, angles and materials complemented by an interior boasting 13-foot ceilings. "We're aware that the tower needs to be as inviting to people as to satellite dishes and antennae, so we've created a building that combines highly polished interior materials with sweeping views and tall ceilings to create an open, warm environment," said Gerron. Located at the southwest corner of Northeast Fourth Street and 108th Avenue Northeast, Bellevue Technology Tower will also include various retail amenities on the first floor, as well as parking for three cars per 1,000 rentable square feet. "Bellevue Technology Tower will truly have it all to meet the needs of today's technology tenant," said Chaney. "From 24-hour cooling capabilities and uninterrupted power systems to security and energy conservation systems that exceed state requirements, the new tower offers the advanced infrastructure necessary to support business practices in the new connected economy."

E&H Properties
The Bellevue Technology Tower will be the latest addition to E&H Properties' portfolio of buildings. Founded in 1957 by Eugene Horbach, the company has developed several million square feet of office, industrial and retail properties throughout the Western United States and has been recognized by the Boeing Company as its leading supplier of facilities with the delivery of more than three million sq. ft.

Kidder Mathews & Segner - Oncor International
Since its founding in 1969, Kidder Mathews & Segner - Oncor International has developed significant capabilities and a solid track record in meeting the needs of its varied clients and has grown into the largest regional commercial real estate services company in the Pacific Northwest. Owned by its top executives, selected agents and employees, the firm encompasses more than 125 people providing brokerage, appraisal, property management, and consulting and advisory services. For leasing information, please call Jeff Chaney or Brian Hatcher at 425.454.7040.

DPR Construction, Inc.
A local builder with national capabilities, DPR Construction, Inc., has been "building great things" in Seattle since 1994, including such projects as a new 35,000-sq.-ft., Class A office building for Hughes Northwest, the West Wing Addition and Support Services for Good Samaritan Community Healthcare, new corporate headquarters for Onyx Software, a process development facility for Immunex Corp., and corporate headquarters for WatchGuard Technologies. Specializing in technically demanding projects in mission critical (data/telecom) facilities, corporate/speculative office, biotechnology/pharmaceutical, healthcare, entertainment, and warehouse and distribution industries, DPR has been recognized for its unique collaborative approach in both local and national markets. DPR's Seattle office is located at 157 Yesler Way, Second Floor, Seattle, Wash., and can be reached by phone at (206) 292-4800 or by email at [email protected], or on the Web at http://www.dprinc.com.