Planned development near The Landing could be largest in Renton’s history

Public comment period ends Jan. 18 for planned 1,179-unit development taking over the vacant site of the former Fry’s Electronics.

By Bailey Jo Josie bailey.jo.josie@rentonreporter.com • January 12, 2023 8:30 am
Fry’s Electronics in Renton permanently closed in 2021 and owners of now-vacant site seeks to build housing and retail units over the next decade. Photo courtesy of Bay West Development
Fry’s Electronics in Renton permanently closed in 2021 and owners of now-vacant site seeks to build housing and retail units over the next decade. Photo courtesy of Bay West Development

Nearly two years after the Fry’s Electronics in Renton closed down, a redevelopment plan is on the way.

The permit application to re-develop the property into three buildings with an expected 1,179 units is complete, but the period for public comment ends Wednesday, Jan. 18.

From California-based Bay West Development and architect Carrier Johnson + Culture, the buildings are outlined to have housing, retail, commercial and restaurant spaces. Covering 11 acres, the former Fry’s property at 800 Garden Avenue North which is located between the railroad tracks along I-405 and the Target, near The Landing.

According to Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, this project would likely be the largest mixed-use residential development in Renton history. A new access road will be built to separate the development from the Lowe’s to the north and the tracks to the east.

Plans for the first of three project phases will have an eight-story building facing Garden Avenue with 419 units. The project also has plans for a grocery store along with a retail plaza, public art and an open public space facing North 8th Street on the southern portion of the property.

If permit processes and demolition are executed accordingly, phase one could begin in 2024.

Plans for phase two are set to begin in 2029 and phase three, which is a planned seven-story building with 760 units, could start in 2034 — approximately 10 years after phase one is expected to break ground.

Housing units will range from 540-square-foot studios to 1,230-square-foot three-bedroom units. In addition, 660 bike stalls are planned for tenants.

Vehicle parking for the project will total 1,613 stalls within three levels of the north building and two levels of the three southern buildings. There will also be short-term parking for shoppers.

The land was acquired for over $15 million from Boeing in 2000, where it became the now-closed Fry’s Electronics.

Public comments can be taken at the City of Renton Planning Committee meeting, which will run from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18. The meeting is available virtually on Zoom and in-person in the seventh floor Council Chambers at City Hall.