Spurred by a civic interest in redevelopment, portions of the Central Business District are undergoing rapid change after years of commercial idleness - with big plans for the future.
The area stretches from waterfront industrial property on Squalicum Harbor to the downtown cultural district that includes the Whatcom Museum of History and Art and the Mount Baker Theatre, which is undergoing a $2 million renovation. It includes the 137-acre Georgia-Pacific West Inc. property, which the Port of Bellingham has offered to take over and clean up for redevelopment.
A Waterfront Futures Group has been meeting for two years and recommends sweeping changes on the waterfront from Little Squalicum Beach to Chuckanut Bay. The plan calls for improved public access, trails and parks all along the bay, and for the creation of a new city neighborhood on now-idle industrial land. The new neighborhood would have shops, offices, residences, Western Washington University facilities and many public amenities under the plan.
Meanwhile, the downtown core has welcomed new residents of two condominiums built on opposite corners of Holly Street and Railroad Avenue. More condos are being built at the southern end of Railroad and the city has launched an ambitious plan to renovate an open-air market there.
Maritime Heritage Park, a showcase for Whatcom Creek, and Zuanich Point are the major parks in the area.
While downtown visit the Downtown Bellingham Visitor Information Station to learn more about whats going on in the Downtown Bellingham area.