The City Center is a collection of smaller "neighborhoods," each of which has distinct features that reflect historical land uses, topography and geographic location. For example, the Old Town area was shaped by the economics of the Port of Bellingham, while the Commercial Core Area has a long-standing tradition of general retail. Railroad Avenue has a unique identity as well, which in part comes from the very wide street that reflects the existence of a rail line earlier in the City's history. 

The central waterfront historically supported industrial uses and commercial fishing. It includes Squalicum Harbor Marina, Zuanich Point Park and commercial/industrial areas primarily managed by the Port of Bellingham. The City and the Port have recently joined forces to create a redevelopment plan for 137 industrial waterfront acres acquired by the Port with homes, shops, offices and light industry, as well as parks and promenades, a healthy shoreline habitat along Bellingham Bay, and a new marina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 While there are many homes in the downtown neighborhood, the vast majority of residents of this neighborhood live in condominiums or apartments. The Keystone Condominiums (pictured) is an example of the type of the hotel style building that is popular in the downtown area. Close to WWU, shopping, dining, Farmers Market, Food Coop, Main Bus Line, and the South Bay Walking Trail downtown is a highly desired area.