Shopping center to replace Kent’s old Panther Lake school

Shopping center to replace Kent’s old Panther Lake school

A Bellevue developer plans to tear down Kent’s old Panther Lake Elementary School and put up a shopping center.

The SE Grainger Development Group submitted a permit application to the city of Kent in mid-January to build a shopping center with multiple retail and fast food restaurant uses and possibly self storage, according to city documents. The developer would demolish the school, parking lot and ball fields for the new project at 20831 108th Ave. SE on the East Hill.

The school closed in 2009 when the Kent School District opened a new Panther Lake Elementary School at 10200 SE 216th St. The school district and developer have not yet completed the property sale.

“The potential buyer is doing their own due diligence to insure they are able to secure the permitting they will need to go forward with their plans,” said Chris Loftis, school district spokesman, in an email. “Once that process is complete, we anticipate the sale to close in late spring or early summer.”

A SE Grainger Development Group representative did not return emails or voicemails from the Kent Reporter for more information about the proposal.

According to city documents, the property will be divided into seven parcels. Access to the shopping center will be provided via driveway connections to both Southeast 208th Street and 108th Avenue Southeast.

Although the final tenants have not yet been selected, the developer has indicated two possible development scenarios. The first would include two retail buildings, four fast food drive-thru restaurants and a drug store.

The second option would replace the larger of the two retail buildings with a three-story self storage building. Tenant interest will help determine which option the developer takes.

Founded in 1996, S.E. Grainger Development Group specializes in retail development; identifies sites; negotiates leases with national, regional and local tenants; entitles projects; acquires the properties, contracts and oversees the construction and ultimately holds the developed properties as long-term investments.




Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

Courtesy Photo, King County
Prolific tagger faces charges for damage to Kent water tower

Man one of dozens who reportedly tagged properties across King County, including West Hill tower

t
Federal Way man charged in Kent I-5 crash that killed passenger

Documents state that evidence reportedly showed he was the driver, but he blamed the passenger.

The Kent Police Department went all out with their “Moana” themed display - even Maui showed up. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
The Hogwarts Express pulls into Battle of the Badges | Photos

The 2024 Battle of the Badges took over the Renton Technical College on Dec. 14.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
City of Kent crime numbers drop in 2024 compared to 2023

Vehicle thefts, commercial burglaries and robberies see big decreases

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Kent School District says it ‘will do better next time’ with school closures

Late notifications issued about closures after Dec. 18 windstorm

t
Kent Police arrest pair for downtown robbery of pedestrian

Reportedly used pepper spray to attack Kent man, 56, as he walked on sidewalk Dec. 16

Meeker Middle School, one of six schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Kent School District due to power outages from a windstorm. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Windstorm causes closure of six Kent schools due to power outages

Four elementary, two middle schools closed Wednesday, Dec. 18; couple of city roads closed

Volunteers wrap gifts during the 2023 Toys for Joy program. COURTESY PHOTO, Puget Sound Fire
Puget Sound Fire puts out plea for more Toys for Joy donations

Toys needed for children ages 9 to 12; more bikes, scooters requested; deadline is Dec. 20

t
Kent man, 19, faces multiple charges after pursuit near Wenatchee

Driver reportedly fails to stop for state trooper, crashes stolen vehicle along State Route 97

Kent School District Board Director Awale Farah, left, and Superintendent Israel Vela at a high school graduation last summer. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Says because of ‘family commitments’ he cannot fulfill rest of his term that expires in November 2025

t
Kent’s Lower Russell Levee project receives John Spellman Award

City, King County Flood District and other partners recognized for historic preservation

Northwood Middle School, 17007 SE 184th St., in unincorporated part of King County in Renton and part of the Kent School District. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Calls about man trying to access Northwood Middle School causes lockdown

Deputies arrest man for investigation of resisting arrest, obstruction at Kent School District property