Here’s an update on Whatcom construction projects that are finishing, getting started
It’s peak construction season in Whatcom County and projects are nearing completion as new proposals seek permits.
While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the construction industry earlier this spring, the job numbers have nearly recovered in Whatcom County. The state’s Employment Security Department estimated Whatcom had 7,600 construction workers in June, compared to 8,000 workers the same period a year ago.
Here’s a roundup of some of the projects and proposals:
▪ Faber Construction is finishing up the Lummi Nation’s Salish Village Travel Center west of Interstate 5 near Slater Road on 4839 Rural Ave. According to a news release from the company, work is expected to be completed by August.
It includes eight double-sided fueling stations serving cars and commercial trucks and 10,600 square feet of building for a convenience store, the Lummi Bay Market at Exit 260.
Faber, which is based in Lynden, also recently completed a five-story, 117-room La Quinta hotel in Marysville.
▪ The Fairhaven Towers, which is under construction at the corner of Harris Avenue and 12th Street, is expected to have residential units available in October. The five-story high-end apartment building has 35 units, including a “Crown Jewel” penthouse that is listed for $6,540 a month.
The average rents for the other units vary, with the lowest price around $800 a month for a studio unit.
▪ A new 128-unit apartment complex proposal is currently working its way through the Bellingham permitting process. The plans call for the four-story building to be constructed at 1811-1815 C. St., near the Bellingham Police Department. The proposal calls for 65 parking spaces and 120 spots for bikes and is currently going through the design review process.
▪ Also going through the Bellingham permitting process is a 21,000-square-foot medical office building proposed for 381 W. Horton Road, near the PeaceHealth Cordata medical center.
▪ A design review permit was approved last month for the second phase of the Orca Building project. The building proposed to go in at 1215 Mill St. is three stories and will have 26 apartment units.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
