Envision Midway

The area commonly referred to as “Midway” has no defined boundary, however for the purpose of this study, the area extends along SR-99/Pacific Highway (Pac Hwy) South from Kent-Des Moines Road to S 244^th Street.  Although the majority of this area falls within the City of Kent, it also includes small areas within the “South Des Moines” neighborhood planning area in the City of Des Moines.  The Midway area is approximately 164 acres and contains a small wetland at its northwest corner, a headwaters of Massey Creek.

Midway is characterized by low intensity auto-oriented commercial development, service uses, auto sales and residential uses, with the largest presence being Highline Community College.  Completion of road improvements to Pac Hwy spurred new development such as Lowes, and a facelift to the La Plaza Shopping Center.  Currently, this area is designated for commercial, institutional and low to medium density residential development.

Highline Community College (HCC) is a major presence in Midway since its founding in 1961.  At that time it was the first community college in King County.  Today the college serves 16,000 students and has 1,170 employees.  The college recently initiated a master planning process for the expansion of its facilities.  In addition, Central Washington University offers baccalaureate and master’s degree programs at the HCC campus.