Ikea going bigger in Seattle

Ikea is expanding yet another of its older U.S. stores.

The home furnishings giant has begun demolishing a covered parking structure where it will construct a new, larger store in Renton, Washington, across the 29-acre parcel from its current Seattle-area store.

Razing the building will make room for construction of the new Renton store, slated to open in spring 2017.

Actual store construction likely will commence later this year after completion of the demolition and site preparation.

Additionally, reflecting the company’s commitment to sustainability, Ikea is working to recycle, repurpose or salvage as much of the existing buildings’ equipment, materials, and parts as possible. The retailer  has contracted with Deacon Corp. to build the store.

“After more than 20 years operating at this Renton location, we look forward to many more years – but now with a new store that will offer Seattle-area customers an updated, spacious and enhanced Ikea shopping experience,”  said Lars Petersson, Ikea US president.

The 398,000-sq.-ft. current Seattle-area Ikea store was built in 1979. The future 406,000-sq.-ft.  Renton store will consist of two levels.