Kemper Freeman, CEO of Kemper Development and owner of the Bellevue Collection commercial development, doesn’t foresee a recession for the East Side.

In an interview with the Puget Sound Business Journal, Freeman cited the East Side presence of Amazon and Microsoft as the foundation of his confidence in the East Side economy and health of the Bellevue Square shopping mall. He thinks the robust growth of Amazon and Microsoft will enable the East Side to withstand a recession caused by the COVID-19 virus outbreak that has closed many retail locations and led to mass layoffs throughout the Puget Sound region and state.

Though all details have not been worked out, Freeman predicted Bellevue Square could reopen with health and safety precautions in place by June 1.

Freeman oversees the Bellevue Collection that includes 200 retail brands, 80 restaurants, three hotels, theaters and luxury residences.

Read the entire interview here.