Meridian

OVERVIEW

Meridian neighborhood straddles busy Meridian Street from Interstate 5 north to Kellogg Road.

Much of the area is commercial property, including Bellis Fair, Cordata Place and Meridian Place, but some areas have apartments, retirement homes and assisted-living centers.

There are no major parks, but Cornwall Park borders Meridian just south of the freeway.

It’s a growing area, signaled by the recent construction of a fire station in the area. The neighborhood gained its independence from Guide Meridian neighborhood in 1995 because of its commercial nature and its location at the juncture of two main traffic routes: I-5 and Meridian Street

HISTORY

In 1985, Bellingham gave final approval to the construction of Bellis Fair mall. The issue fostered intense debate over the impact of a regional mall on downtown and local businesses. The mall opened Aug. 3, 1988.

SCHOOLS

Alderwood Elementary, Parkview Elementary, Shuksan Middle, Squalicum High.

Some elementary students will attend Aldrich Elementary in fall 2009.

District: Bellingham School District, www.bham.wednet.edu.

PARK

Cornwall.

QUOTE

“I love it here (Spring Creek Retirement). I like the proximity of a few eating places and drugstores. I also have a one-minded vision for being close to the Bellingham Athletic Club.”

Eileen Rick, Meridian resident for four months

This story was originally published September 11, 2007 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Meridian."