Correction 8/8/23: A previous version of this story featured a photo that misidentified affordable housing construction as the planned condominium. This story has been updated with a new photo that shows construction of the condos.
In February 2022, the Port of Bellingham, along with Harcourt Developments, started construction on three condominiums set to open this October.
The condos were labeled as “highly desirable” by Chris Erdmann in an interview with Cascadia Daily News. Erdmann is the CEO of blu.ink Real Estate, the company selling the condos. For the 90 units included across three buildings, reservations for the condos are available starting at $2,500.
These buildings are all part of Bellingham’s Master Development Agreement, which seeks to enhance the city’s waterfront with new residential, retail and office spaces.
While the condos might look quite attractive to buyers, they could be an eyesore for current local businesses in the area.
Kulshan Brewing Company’s Trackside location sits next to one of the three condo construction sites.
Trackside regular Sophie Vandenbergh, has enjoyed the scenic outdoor beer garden next to the water for some time now.
“It’s definitely a bummer to lose those sunsets,” Vandenbergh said. “It’s not like I’ll stop going to…Trackside, it’s just a little disappointing.”
Kulshan was unavailable for comment.
Despite her disappointment, Vandenbergh sees a potential positive of the construction as the new residents along the waterfront could attract more customers to these businesses.
As the Master Development Agreement progresses, and the waterfront continues to see growth, more businesses' views may be compromised in the process.
Grace Eaton (she/her) is finishing her third year at Western, majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism-public relations. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, playing lacrosse and reading.
You can contact her at graceeaton.thefront@gmail.com.
