On Oct. 14, the Whatcom Transit Authority purchased the property at 1522 Cornwall Ave. in downtown Bellingham for $6.2 million. They plan to turn the 1.6-acre site into a large transit-oriented development, constructing up to two 8-10 story mixed-use buildings with a new Bellingham Transit Station.
The plan is ambitious, set in downtown Bellingham, only a block from the current station. Maureen McCarthy, director of community and government relations at the WTA, said they will make changes to the property over the next few years, preparing to lease it to a private developer who will plan and build the development. The Washington State legislature earmarked $5 million to the WTA for the project’s transit-related components.
The WTA plans to have transit and commercial areas on the lower floors, with apartments on the middle and upper floors. Although they haven’t found a developer yet, they expect to begin construction in 2030.
According to McCarthy, the WTA budgeted $200,000 this year for preparing the site for construction. With the existing building scheduled for demolition in 3-5 years, costs will continue to accrue until the site is ready for construction.
Having spent $6.2 million just to purchase the property, WTA may be biting off more than it can chew. They’re currently in a budget deficit and facing significant backlash for their proposed fare increase. This has left WTA in a balancing act of public image and finances.
By leasing out 1522 Cornwall Ave., the WTA will avoid the major cost of construction. A private developer will be planning, building, and running the site, while much of WTA’s work will just be managing the transit station.
The property has lived many lives, all while branding the signature “Public Market” sign, styled after Seattle’s Pike Place Market. The site has seen a Safeway, a kids' play area, a grocery store and a temporary shelter for those facing homelessness. Now, it sits vacant.
There are worries about the building’s housing affordability, but no real answer. According to McCarthy, WTA and the City of Bellingham both have an interest in affordable housing, but ultimately, it’s up to a private developer who may be more revenue-focused.
“It used to be the perfect location back when the Terra Organica grocery owned it,” said Blanca Waldrip, owner of Gown & Glove Bridal Consignment across the street from the site. WTA’s new development would be a positive for Waldrip, but she still sees drawbacks.
“It’s not a real benefit, no matter how many apartments they build,” Waldrip said. “It’s all the same price.”
The City of Bellingham’s comprehensive plan, expected to be updated by Dec. 31, focuses on growing housing for residents of all income levels and providing incentives to develop affordable housing.
“There’s already a precedent in the downtown area for affordable housing. I just hope that the partners that are involved with WTA can make that a priority,” said Tammi Laninga, a professor of urban and environmental planning and policy at Western Washington University.
Significant change to 1522 Cornwall Ave. has been a long time coming. In 2022, the Urban Planning Study at Western envisioned changes to the area, adding 5-story mixed-use housing on the site.
It’s not uncommon for transportation companies to plan transit-oriented developments, but many are in larger cities with larger budgets. Cities like Chicago, New York City and San Francisco have all implemented transit into mixed-use developments.
Bellingham, though, may not have the population or economy to guarantee return-on-investment like that of larger cities. Large cities are generally more resilient to economic shocks and pose less of a risk to developers. If 1522 Cornwall Ave. doesn’t find a private developer, WTA could be waiting longer than expected for a new Bellingham Station.
Despite concerns, the development could be a centerpiece of Bellingham’s downtown if all goes according to plan. If Bellingham Station is directly connected to housing, bus transit will become a central part of significantly more people’s lives.
While the WTA’s expectations for the site may change over time, this project will continue to grow downtown Bellingham and lead to a stronger transit system.
“Our city has been working really hard to create these urban villages,” said Laninga. “It’s going to hopefully become easier for people to navigate our city without needing a car.”
Liam Britt (he/him) is a second-year visual journalism major and opinion writer for The Front this quarter. Liam also writes for The Rage, a student-run magazine at WWU. In his time away from work, Liam enjoys going to music venues, skateboarding with friends and getting creative in the kitchen. You can reach him at liambritt.thefront@gmail.com.
