Lifetime Bothell resident Arlene Plancich remembers the quiet days of Bothell, growing up on her family’s farm on Beardslee Boulevard.
“It has been interesting to watch all the growth Bothell has had over the years,” Plancich said. “My parents would be shocked and so happy to see the city they loved prosper.”
Plancich was one of around 75 residents who came out Sept. 3 to the groundbreaking ceremony at the new City Hall’s location. The new building is a part of the City of Bothell’s downtown revitalization plan. The new City Hall will be a part of a multi-block known as the City Center.
“Growing up in Bothell, I heard many people complain that there wasn’t anything to do here,” said Edith Erickson-Berg, lifetime resident. “Now, the city members have done a fabulous job bringing in new businesses, restaurants and other entertainment places that are just a walk away from each other. We don’t have to leave the city to have fun anymore.”
Erickson-Berg said the addition of the new City Hall building is a necessary addition to the growth of Bothell.
“I think of it as a place where we can all come together as a community,” she said. “My father was a former mayor of Bothell and spoke of the need of a new building like this, and he would have loved to be here today at this ceremony .”
The new building is located at 18305 101st Ave. NE., next to the old City Hall that was built in 1938
when Bothell’s population was around 800. Today Bothell’s population is 41,500.
“This is an historic moment for Bothell, one that has followed over a decade of public discussion,” said Mayor Joshua Freed. “Bothell citizens can be proud their vision is a success. Their vision re-imagined Bothell’s historic downtown in a way that would stimulate economic growth and ensure a revitalized downtown reflective of the values and fabric of their community for current and future generations. The City Hall is an important piece of that vision.”
The city’s downtown revitalization plan has attracted more than $200 million in private investment and is expected to stimulate an additional $450 million in private investment over the coming years.
“I am proud to stand here today and see that despite a downward economy, Bothell not only remains vibrant, but is thriving,” said City Manager Bob Stowe. “We built our first City Hall building during the depression and now we are building our new City Hall in the midst of a recession. This shows the commitment and perseverance of our community.”
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene said the new facility is necessary for the city employees to have so they can better serve their citizens.
“As we change and grow in this city, we need a facility like this for the city hall employees and to have a great place where the public can meet,” DelBene said. “We’ve already seen how bringing in new businesses and making city improvements have brought more business and residents to Bothell, so I can’t imagine how much growth we will see after the City Hall is built.”
