The Watermark at Bellevue, Bellevue, Washington
A finalist in Environments for Aging’s 2026 Design Showcase, The Watermark at Bellevue introduces a vertical independent living model to downtown Bellevue, Wash. The development includes approximately 145 residential units and nearly 20,000 square feet of shared amenity space.
The 22-story tower offers an uncommon high-rise experience in senior living, with panoramic views of Bellevue and Mount Rainier shaping the resident experience. Designed by Encore Architects (Seattle) with interiors by RD Jones & Associates (Baltimore), the project combines a sophisticated residential aesthetic with the functional needs of an independent living community.
Amenities are distributed intentionally across the first, second, third, and 20th floors, encouraging movement and daily interaction throughout the building.
Amenity strategies for senior living communities
The first floor supports daily convenience and community connection, with a bistro that opens directly to the street and provides residents with access to nearby retail and adjacent multifamily apartments.
The mailroom and leasing offices complete the ground-level program, establishing a zone of casual interaction at the building’s primary entry.
The second floor functions as the community’s social hub, housing the main dining room, a bar and lounge, and library. The library and lounge are designed with additional dining tables, allowing the spaces to absorb overflow dining during peak service periods.
The third floor is dedicated to wellness, with a fitness center and yoga studio promoting an active lifestyle.
On the 20th floor, a private dining room and sky lounge provide more intimate gathering spaces and expansive views. Paired with access to the rooftop deck, these upper-level amenities support opportunities for relaxation and reflection.
The Watermark at Bellevue project details
Location: Bellevue, Wash.
Completion date: June 2024
Owner: Alliance Residential Company
Total amenity area: 20,000 sq. ft.
Total construction cost: Not disclosed
Cost/sq. ft.: Not disclosed
Architect: Encore Architects
Interior designer: RD Jones & Associates
General contractor: Alliance Residential Company
Art/pictures: Paintings by Vince Bernard; West Elm; American Furniture Company; Davis Whitfield; Lusive Décor
Carpet/flooring: Zenith Rugs, Alarwool, Architessa
Doors/locks/hardware: Studio Collection
Fabric/textiles: Pollack, Moore & Giles, Designtex, Luna Textile, Garrett Leather, United Fabrics, Justin David Textiles, Fabricut, Architex International, Arc-Com, Cortina Leather, Kravet, HBF Textiles, Carnegie Textiles, Romo
Furniture—seating/casegoods: Composition Hospitality, SNS Group, Jasper Seating Company, Sandler Seating Company, Kwalu, Woodgoods, Dylan Myers Design
Lighting: Better Designed Lighting, Arteriors, Visual Comfort
Signage/wayfinding: Portland Sign Company
Surfaces—solid/other: The Stone Industry, Artistic Tile, Daltile
Wallcoverings: MDC, Phillip Jeffries, National Solutions, Wolf Gordon, Weitzner
Project details are provided by the design team and not vetted by Environments for Aging.
