Video: Upscale shopping center coming to Bellevue

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BELLEVUE, Wash. - Bellevue has sometimes been called Seattle's little sister, but Bellevue is booming and getting bigger all the time. Now the city is aiming to become a standout for shoppers.

The developer for Bellevue Square has major expansion plans that include adding more upscale retail stores. The developer behind what will become The Bravern is also focused on the upscale. He says shoppers looking for the finest things will no longer have to get on a plane to get them.

The mass of dirt and steel at the site will soon be transformed into a paradise for the upscale shopper. The Bravern is a 1.6 million square foot mixed use development. It will have towers of condos and office space and plenty of room for shopping - the caliber of shopping that some are comparing to Rodeo Drive.

"Anchored by the first Neiman Marcus in the Pacific Northwest, the first Jimmy Choo in the Pacific Northwest, the first David Barton Gym in the Pacific Northwest and the first Wild Ginger on the Eastside," said Dan Ivanoff, Schnitzer West, LLC.

Just announced Thursday morning, it will also include the first Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in the Pacific Northwest. The developer has deals with other retailers signed and several more are in negotiations. So what exactly are those other stores?

"It's frustrating to have deals already signed and not be able to say," said Ivanoff.

Look at the names that generally line up next to a Neiman Marcus and you'll get a good idea about what's coming to Bellevue.

"I'm just going to say some names ... is Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Bottega, Gucci, David Yurman, Prada.... those are all the same kind of names that line up next to a Neiman Marcus in Bellevue, Wash.," said Ivanoff.

The retailers at The Bravern are set to come online in September of 2009. The condos will be ready for move-in in January of 2010.