Barnes & Noble returns to downtown Seattle

The announcement was all over the news in the Fall of 2025, but WCCR can now officially report that the bookstore will open in their new location at 520 Pike Street later this spring.

“Barnes & Noble’s return to downtown Seattle is enormous. When a national retailer returns to downtown it’s an indicator of confidence in our center city and the strength of our retail trade area,” said DSA President & CEO Jon Scholes. “There is momentum in downtown with a record residential population, visitor numbers that are the strongest we’ve seen in six years and more public space amenities coming online that increase our vibrancy.”

WCCR Brokers Tiffini Connell, Avery Connell and Madeline Stutz worked on the lease on behalf of the landlord, which at the time of signing in October of 2025 was the largest retail lease in downtown Seattle since before the pandemic. Bookworms rejoice: Barnes and Noble plans a return to downtown Seattle1

Scarecrow Video building and adjacent property sold

In late January, WCCR brokers Tiffini Connell and Madeline Stutz represented the seller in the sale of Scarecrow Video’s longtime University District home on Roosevelt Way NE in Seattle to the nonprofit organization. The $5.575M transaction secures the future of one of the world’s largest publicly accessible film libraries by allowing Scarecrow Video to own and control the space it has occupied for decades.

As former property owner Alan Pruzan shared, “We vowed that Scarecrow would always remain in place. I’ve been involved with film and arts nonprofits for decades and I’m thrilled to see an arts organization reach the important milestone of owning their space and controlling their own destiny.” Scarecrow Video buys its longtime building in the University District2

Washington prepares to pass bill to allow more housing in commercial areas

“This is one way to increase access to affordable housing,” Washington State Governor Ferguson said. “For example, an abandoned strip mall or shuttered big-box store could be turned into housing without having to go through the process of changing its zoning to residential.” The bill passed the House on Thursday by a vote of 69-27 and was approved by the Senate last month, 36-12. 3

Seattle is national leader in controlling urban sprawl

Seattle has become a national model for managing urban growth, leading the country in adding residents within existing neighborhoods rather than expanding outward. Between 2000 and 2020, the city’s population grew 28%, surpassing 800,000 residents4, driven by long-term planning and zoning changes that support denser housing. Unlike many fast-growing Sun Belt metros that expand through suburban sprawl, Seattle has concentrated growth in established neighborhoods, helping strengthen infrastructure efficiency, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability.

One of the largest development sites on the Eastside hits the market

A 14-acre mixed-use development site in Redmond, WA5 is being brought to market by Heartland Real Estate Advisory and WCCR. Overlake Seritage, located near the Overlake Village light rail station and minutes from Microsoft’s global headquarters, is positioned as a dynamic transit-oriented site allowing for flexible mixed-use development, including multifamily, retail, hospitality, senior living, and office. The fundamentals of the site are strong, presenting an opportunity to build a dynamic retail offering that can grow alongside the surrounding community in one of the Eastside’s most supply-constrained markets. Call for offers date: 3/27/26

Southern California CRE retail sentiment on the rise

The Winter 2026 Allen Matkins/UCLA Anderson Forecast California Commercial Real Estate Survey6 signals improving sentiment across California’s retail sector. Vacancy expectations are improving statewide, with 60% of respondents expecting retail vacancies to decline in Orange County. Investors are increasingly focused on neighborhood-serving retail (44%) and specialty retail in established districts (28%), reflecting continued demand for food, service, and experiential concepts that drive in-person traffic. The survey suggests retail fundamentals are stabilizing as inflation expectations improve and developers prioritize destination-oriented, service-based uses over traditional merchandise retail.

Famed Japanese bakery opens newest location in Laguna Niguel, CA

WCCR brokers Jaxson Maurer and Julie Shizukuishi 雫石 珠里 are working with Okayama Kobo Bakery & Café on the company’s newest Southern California expansion in a collaborative effort between WCCR’s two offices. The bakery’s newest location opened in early 2026 at 27931 La Paz Rd, Suite B in Laguna Niguel, marking the brand’s third Southern California shop. Known for its additive-free breads made with premium Hokkaido flour, Okayama Kobo continues to grow its footprint while introducing its Japanese baking tradition to new communities.

International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the leadership, resilience, and impact of women across our communities and industries. Seattle leads the nation, with 40% of its businesses owned by women 7, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit shaping the region’s economy.

At WCCR, we’re proud to be a women-owned company, made up of nearly 50% women brokers, and to work alongside so many inspiring women entrepreneurs—clients like Studio45, Molly Moon’s, Hello Robin, AROOM Coffee, Urban Nail Box, Cheeky & Dry Alcohol Free, Pacha Collective, Good Luck Bread, MOOV Pilates, Chai Sutra, Phởcific Standard Time and so many more.

In 2025, the Puget Sound Business Journal recognized this shared momentum by ranking WCCR as the 5th Fastest Growing Women-Owned Company in Washington State—a reflection of the women who continue to lead, build, and invest in our community every day.

WCCR Culture Corner

Our team recently gathered for our WCCR Annual Retreat, a chance to step away from the day-to-day to focus on learning, collaboration, and connection across the firm. This year’s retreat included team sessions, strategy discussions, and plenty of time to strengthen the relationships that power our collaborative culture.

We also held a love ‘em and leave ‘em pickleball tournament at Seattle’s newest facility, Picklewood Paddle Club, where Matthew Carruthers, Paul Jacobson, Riley Gill, and Tracy Cornell took home the championship titles. During the retreat, we were proud to recognize Jaxson Maurer as WCCR’s 2026 Community Impact Award winner for his leadership and commitment to giving back.

In keeping with WCCR’s commitment to community, the team also packed 500 no-cook meal kits for the Ballard Food Bank—a meaningful way to channel our collective energy toward supporting neighbors in need. An incredible time together and a reminder that the best part of WCCR is the people.

It’s Award(s) Season

In the iconic words of Penny in Almost Famous, ‘It’s all happening!’ Award season is upon us. A lot of a lot happens each Fall. Some things are a grind, like budgets, and others we look forward to, like the announcement of the year’s “bests.” And while we honor the year’s bests, we know full well that each nomination and win is many years in the making. So we are stopping to celebrate some of our client and brokerage wins, from NAIOP to Seattle Met Magazine to the PSBJ, we hope you will join us by giving them all a big industry hug!

NAIOP Washington releases their 2024 Development of the Year Finalists

Last month, NAIOP-WA released their 2024 Development of the Year finalists with the winners to be announced at the Night of the Stars event in Bellevue, WA on November 1. Many of our clients made the list, including the following:

• Trent Development had the most individual sites recognized this year — a whopping 6 projects, including a site located just blocks from the Judkins Park lite rail station in Seattle, HiLite, with prime retail opportunities available now, listed by Jennifer Israel and Tiffini Connell.

• Washington Holdings had two sites, Hemlock and Liza. We are hoping to make a retail tenant announcement soon at Hemlock in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle, listed by Tiffini Connell.

• Carmel Partners is on the docket for The Cline on Stoneway in Seattle, and earlier this year they purchased Arlo in Columbia City, which was a NAIOP nominee last year. Contact Avery Connell or Tiffini Connell for more information on retail leasing at this site.

• Main Street Property Group has three projects nominated. Blake Taylor and Kara Farley are marketing retail space available at The Junction in Bothell.

• Wood Partners is exiting the market1, but before they go, they will enjoy a nod for a project in University Place, WA. As long time clients of WCCR, we are sad to see them leave the market, but look forward to completing the retail leasing at Arlo North City in Shoreline’s fast growing market. Thank you for creating community throughout our region!

The Puget Sound Business Journal’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies event features WCCR President, Tiffini Connell on CEO Panel

Earlier this year, West Coast Commercial Realty was ranked as the 7th Fastest Growing Woman Owned Company in Puget Sound. Adding to that honor, on Thursday, October 24, we will celebrate our inclusion as one of the Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies at PSBJ’s annual event at Lumen Field. We are thrilled to share that WCCR President, Tiffini Connell, will join Ollie Garrett, President and CEO of PMT Solutions, Justin Erickson, Chairman and CEO of Harbor Foods, and Chad Mackay, CEO of Fire and Vine on the CEO panel.

“In accepting this honor, we reflect on the results we've delivered for our clients and thank them for their trust in our representation of their real estate brokerage and consulting needs. The last two years have been a roller coaster of experiences, and the partnership and collaboration with our clients, colleagues and the greater community has been key to our success,” Tiffini Connell.

To learn more about the event, click here.

Seattle Met Magazine Names Best New Restaurants

The year’s top rookies brought smiles to our faces with big murals, small cocktails, and creative cooking.2

Congratulations to WCCR friends and clients Gold Coast Ghal Kitchen, Lenox, Ramie and Atoma. Check out Tiffini Connell’s Walk with Me series where she recently toured and dined at Trinh Nguyen’s Ramie in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

Early voting has started in Washington and California

Your vote is your voice! With offices in Washington and California, we are encouraging our brokers, clients and colleagues in both states to VOTE!

Key commercial real estate issues in Washington are Initiatives 2109 and 2117. In California, learn more about Propositions 5 and 33.

In Washington, online and mail-in voter registration must be received by October 28. In California, your last day to register to vote is October 21.

Other news you can use

Seattle’s new Overlook Walk makes for a seamless downtown adventure3

Pinterest takes office space in Seattle's Denny Triangle4

The NAIOP CRE Sentiment Index for Fall 2024 shows an increase from the April 2024 reading5

Southern California's hottest commercial real estate market is for tenants that aren't human6

Walgreens says it will close 1,200 stores by 2027, as earnings top estimates7

Retail Sales Post Better-Than-Expected Gains in September8

PCC Community markets returns to downtown Seattle

The co-op will open its first ever small format store, serving city center office workers and downtown residents1

Seattle Still Leads as Trepp Names Best and Worst CRE Markets

Every month, Trepp lists its three top bulls (best performers) and bears (worst performers) out of the 50 metropolitan statistical areas it follows. In July and August, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA market remained in the top bull position.2

Seattle City Council lifts 10-year-old affordable housing restrictions

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to lift restrictions 3 that have constrained development over the last decade of micro-apartments.

The office property market may finally be at a turning point

Peak distress is fully behind us,” said Stephen Buschbom, research director at industry research firm Trepp,4 who added that what was now key is to have more deals struck to give the industry an idea on price.

Opening TODAY, October 3, in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle, Kayava opens their first West Coast location

Kayava’s corporate owners, plan to start a “new wave of ramen culture and spread it throughout the United States”5 Congratulations to WCCR broker Julie Shizukuishi and her clients!

Join us at the Commercial Brokers Association’s First Annual Salute to Industry Impact event on Friday, October 18.

WCCR is proud to sponsor this inaugural event celebrating the achievements of Pacific Northwest commercial real estate leaders. Hosted by Tom O’Keefe, the event will gather influential professionals and experts to honor excellence in the industry. Event proceeds support Mary’s Place’s No Child Sleeps Outside Campaign, addressing family homelessness through shelter, outreach, and stability services. Reserve your seat today and join us! And thank you to WCCR Broker Avery Connell for volunteering on the steering committee for this event.

WCCR Senior Broker Blake Taylor is named 2024 “Neighborhood Champion”

The Puget Sound Business Journal recognized Blake6 at their annual Commercial Real Estate Leaders event on September 19. Click here to see snippets from his acceptance speech.

ICSC Western Real Estate conference was hot in more ways than one

Palm Springs, CA provided the 105 degree temps, but the retail real estate market provided further signs of a heating up market. WCCR brokers Matt Kurz, Avery Connell, Tiffini Connell and Jaxson Maurer were on hand to mix, mingle and advance deals and they came back with news of a promising 4th quarter in our California and Washington markets. (We promise it wasn’t a boondoggle.) Click here to learn more about our services in Southern CA!