The Federal Building Project

The iconic Federal Building is approximately 45,000 sq. ft. and located in downtown Bellingham on West Magnolia Street.  A life-safety renovation paid for by federal grant funds took place in 2009 to make the building code-compliant.  The City of Bellingham owns the building and the BPDA provides asset management/owner representative services.

The three-story Federal Building also has basement storage.  The BPDA will seek funding and if successful in securing funding plans to:  reconfigure the building to multi-tenant use and uses that enhance asset values and commercial activities for nearby properties; make upgrades to tenant spaces and common areas for re-leasing; and complete building deferred maintenance.

The Federal Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the State Heritage Register. Built in 1913, it was acquired by the City in July 2004. Building uses, and any exterior and interior alterations, are subject to review and approval by federal and state agencies and must comply with requirements of the approved historic preservation plan and preservation covenants.