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Downtown Bellingham
The Dahlquist Project
Prepared by: Corrine Matthews, Alyson Marczynski,
Amanda McCoy, & Oriana Osborn,
Executive Summary
Bellingham’s downtown neighborhood is currently in a state of transition from a historic
business center to a more mixed-use urban neighborhood. The Downtown Renaissance
Network and the City of Bellingham have developed a vision for the future of this neighborhood
which includes a thriving city center with locally owned businesses, housing, and tourism.
This proposal seeks to create an opportunity to provide these aspects through a community
project which would address the needs of populations within the community while working to
beautify historic downtown Bellingham. The renovation of a historic downtown building – The
Figure 1 Map of Downtown Bellingham
Figure 2 Front view of the Dahlquist Building
Dahlquist (see Figure 2) – and the creation of a discount hotel would provide numerous benefits
to the downtown community.
The intent of this document is to provide a clear set of recommendations based on the needs of
the community in order to develop a plan of action for the proposed project.
Summary of Recommendations
Provide employment opportunities in downtown Bellingham, lowering unemployment
and stimulating economy.
o Employ local trades people to do renovation work
o Focus employment for the finished hotel on those people with criminal records
or other limitations that prevent them from finding work.
Utilize these community members during the renovation as well for tasks
that do not require specific skill sets (clearing unneeded materials,
painting, etc.)
Continue efforts to beautify and restore downtown Bellingham in order to uphold the
rich traditional neighborhood consisting of mixed use buildings with easy accessibility.
Provide economic stimulus for the downtown Bellingham area by attracting more
businesses; therefore increasing employment, public use, and tourism.
o Addition of a discount hotel could bring additional tourists to the downtown
Bellingham area
Decrease homeless population by providing more temporary low-income housing and
jobs
o Coordinate case-management with community organizations to help address the
needs of this population.
Needs Assessment
Problem Description
People become homeless for many reasons. Many homeless
people have a difficult time qualifying for housing due to barriers
such as, mental illness, alcohol or drug addiction, inability to pay
mortgage or rent, disbanded family, domestic violence, loss of
income, temporary living situation ended, felony conviction,
medical disability, poor credit, deficient job skills, or they have recently been released from an
institution.
Any given day in Bellingham, there are over a thousand homeless people. Mike, the owner of
Mac’s Motel (see Figure 4) on Samish Way had this to say, “Due to the bad economy, I am
seeing more and more families come through here. It is sad. Many are on a waiting list for low-
income housing but the wait is anywhere from 2 years or more” (M. Mike, personal
communication, February 5, 2009).
The magnitude of the homeless problem in
Whatcom County could be estimated by the
number of homeless people who are affected
by barriers which most directly prevent
affordable housing placement. These
barriers are prior felonies, poor credit, and
Figure 3 Homeless person on State St.
Figure 4 Mac's Motel, Samish Way
recent institutional release; such as from juvenile detention, jail, or mental intuition. According
to Whatcom County’s 2008 Homeless Count, 24% of homeless persons have been convicted of
a felony, 12% have a poor credit rating, and 21% have been discharged from an institution
within 6 months prior to the census.
Unfortunately, even with the many resources that Whatcom County has for people
experiencing homelessness, there are hundreds of people who are chronically homeless in
Whatcom County. Furthermore, many people who are homeless do not want permanent
housing. O. Osborn recently interviewed several homeless people January 29, 2009, as a census
volunteer at Whatcom County’s 2009 Homeless Count. Many of the homeless people she
interviewed said that they did not want to acquire permanent housing. Some of the reasons
given were, “I’m not sure how long I’ll be in the area,” “I don’t want to sign a lease,” and,
“Housing requires a lot of work.”
Even so, the Homeless Service Center’s waiting list expanded from 1 month to 2 or 3 months for
people who wanted to get into permanent housing once the Whatcom County 2009 Homeless
Counts were completed. Worse still are the numbers of people who have to wait months or
even years for affordable housing. Mac’s Motel owner Mike had this to say about the housing
wait, “One family with 5 kids just moved (out) and they were here for over a year. Many people
that stay here don't have the money to get out.” (M. Mike, personal communication, February
5, 2009).
Since the inception of Whatcom County 10 Year Homeless Housing Plan in 2005, there are a lot
of Organizations working together in Whatcom County to help end homelessness. The
following organizations work in concert with the Homeless Service Center branch of the
Opportunity Council: Dorothy Place, Lydia Place, Catholic Community Services, and Northwest
Youth Services. Case workers from these organizations advocate for homeless people who
want to try to find and maintain permanent housing. Still, what about the people who don’t
want permanent housing? It is possible that they might want a roof over their head in the
mean time?
Prevalence
According to the Whatcom County Point-in-Time Homeless Count (2008), “At any point in time,
at least 1,326 people in Whatcom County are homeless” (p. 2). Many of the people who are
homeless in our community spend the night in vehicles, motels, encampments, in the homes of
friends and family, under bridges, or in shelters located in downtown Bellingham. There are
not currently any nonprofit run motels that can be used as temporary shelter for low income
families in Bellingham.
Potential Solutions
The Archdiocese Housing Authority has renovated
several local historical buildings for businesses and low
income permanent housing. Additionally, there are 72
motel vouchers available and offered between the
Opportunity Council and Old Town Christian Ministries. These nonprofits could potentially help
more people if they owned the building where their motel vouchers were used. There has been
a lot of talk about the renovation of several historical buildings in the Bellingham area and
Figure 5 Mt. Baker Apartments
considerable debate about whether or not the ventures will successfully blend the current
downtown culture with the culture of condo owners and their families (Paben, 2008, ¶12).
However, optimists “point to Seattle's Belltown as an example where condominiums
successfully moved in next to homeless services”
(Paben, 2008,¶ 18).
Another Seattle motel near the Queen Anne district,
the Aloha Inn, is owned by Catholic Community
Services and operates successfully in much the same
way the Dahlquist Building will upon renovation.
“The Aloha Inn not only houses homeless people
temporarily, but allows qualified applicants to save money for permanent housing while
learning skills to acquire better jobs. The Aloha helps people by letting them help themselves
and others” (The Aloha Inn, 2009, ¶ 4).
Back in 1991, when the Aloha Inn started opening its doors to the homeless community, it was
met with neighborhood outcry. It seems that oftentimes when a city wants to improve
conditions for the homeless, there is a certain amount of community uproar, but then there are
the people who understand the greater community need and forge ahead.
Figure 6 The Dahlquist Building
Table 1 Downtown Bellingham Asset Map
Statement of Need
Downtown Bellingham is a growing thriving community. That being said, current economic
times are poor and getting worse. The need for: 1. Tourism income, 2. Employment, and 3.
Housing will only continue to grow in the current economic climate. In order to meet
Bellingham’s needs of continued historic renovation/preservation, employment, and decreasing
the homeless population, we have devised a solution that will meet all three issues head-on. As
Homan (2008) notes, “For most Americans, the quality of our lives is strongly affected by the
conditions that exist in the area captured by the view from our front doors” (p. 368). Our
proposal will indeed meet Bellingham’s downtown neighborhood right where they live and be a
positive contribution to the entire city.
Ultimate Desired Condition
The City of Bellingham City Center Master Plan (2002) states, “The City Center should preserve
its historic landmarks to maintain a link with the community’s heritage and to help contribute
to the economic development and vitality of the city” (p. 5). In following the City of
Bellingham’s lead, our ultimate goal is to:
1. Provide employment income
2. Provide low-income housing
3. Increase the historic value of the City of Bellingham. This will:
a. Increase heritage tourism
b. Bring a higher city value to its citizens
Specific Target
Restoration and renovation of the Dahlquist building, at 1313 North State Street; for the
intended creation of a discount hotel that could double as a place of temporary low-income
housing.
Why Restoration is the Key
Many historic towns have sought to re-invigorate their downtown areas by renovation and
preservation of their historic buildings. Bellingham has done this on numerous occasions in the
past but there are still many abandoned pieces of historic architecture that need attention to
bring them back to their former beauty. In restoring a building, the city of Bellingham not only
saves a piece of history, but brings pride to its city and residents. It creates a sense of place,
purpose, and historical value. According to the City of Bellingham City Center Master Plan
(2002), there are over 74 buildings of historic value in the downtown area alone (p. 8). The
Dahlquist is one of those buildings.
Restoration of the Dahlquist building provides employment to local trade people and crafts
people. In so doing, we not only stimulate the economy of Bellingham, but we bring local pride
and craftsmanship to the people employed. As restoration continues, the materials needed to
furnish the Dahlquist can also be acquired locally, both by in-kind donation and also by
purchase. By furnishing all employment and the purchasing of products locally, we will foster a
further sense of ownership in downtown Bellingham.
After restoration of the Dahlquist is
complete, it will be used as both a
discount hotel and low-income
temporary housing. This will in turn
provide a more vibrant tourism
economy and also be a stable place for
those that need housing while they
apply for permanent low-income
housing relief, which can take years. The goal of the Dahlquist restoration project in housing
low-income residents is to provide respite for those that cannot find it elsewhere. Due to the
economic downturn, many people’s credit is gone, their houses foreclosed, and they have
nowhere else to turn. Also, there are many people in Bellingham that have a former criminal
history that limits them from living anywhere where a background check must be passed. The
people living in hotels on Samish Way are an example of such a population. According to Mike,
the manager of Mac’s Motel on Samish Way, Over 50% of the people staying at the hotels on
Samish are long-term renters who have nowhere else to go (M. Mike, personal communication,
February 5, 2009). Allen Matsumoto, president of the Sehome Neighborhood Association and
the Sehome representative to the Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission noted that, “Six
of the hotels on Samish Way received the highest amount of 911 calls in the past three years,
compared to other city hotels” (Bellingham Business Journal, 2005, ¶12) (See Figure 7). If the
people in such situations were given better permanent housing and offered a form of
employment, the crime rates and 911 calls would hopefully decrease.
Figure 7 Mac's Motel on Samish Way
Further employment would be offered at the Hotel Dahlquist to said low-income residents. This
could either offset their rent or supply them with income for other necessities in getting ‘on
their feet.’ Employment to these residents would not only provide them with income though,
but would also provide work experience to those with little or no employable skills. Jobs would
be offered in hotel maintenance, front desk work, janitorial services, and etc.
Dahlquist Strategic plan
Major Activities to Accomplish
The Dahlquist project has been divided into a four-level strategic plan that must be
accomplished in order for completion of the project. Some of these steps are ongoing
throughout the project and have been noted as such.
Ongoing: Financing
Based on the size of the project/building and comparisons to similar undertakings both in the
Bellingham community and elsewhere, the proposed renovation will cost an estimated two
million dollars. Obviously, a project of this cost will require extensive financing and the
committee has addressed this through several different methods.
The funding for this project would take place in two phases: Renovation (Phase I) and Post-
Renovation (Phase II). The intended use of the renovated building is for it to be a discount hotel
and/or short-term apartments, and therefore once the renovation was complete, the funding
for the project would be cyclical.
Renovation Phase I
In-kind Assistance: A large portion of
funding for this project would come
from donations of goods and services
from the community. This has been
done before in Bellingham with the
renovation of the Pickford Film
Center in downtown Bellingham (See
Figure 8). This renovation of a historic
downtown building is currently taking place through community donations of money,
services and materials from individuals and local businesses. Through the help of various
construction companies and volunteer help during the demolition phase, the Pickford has
made significant progress in the renovation already and will continue to do so with the
additional money from community donations.
Grants and Foundations: Another major source of financing for this project will come from
grants or other forms of funding from the local government institutions, along with funding
from local foundations. Some possible sources of these funds could be the City of
Bellingham, The Whatcom Community Foundation and the Washington State Department
of Community, Trade, and Economic Development.
Loans: If further funding is necessary, loans can be obtained preferably from a local bank
such as the Whatcom Educational Credit Union. These loans can be paid off later from
further donations and through the funding provided during Phase II.
Figure 8: Future Site of the Pickford Film Center
Post-Renovation Phase II
Hotel Rooms and Apartment Rentals: Once the building is renovated it can be used as a
discount hotel and also temporary housing for people in transition situations. This will
provide continuous income for the project and can be used to help with building
maintenance and employee pay.
State Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): For those that use The
Dahlquist as a place for temporary low-income housing, it may be possible to gain
supplemental funds from the Washington State HUD program.
Level I: Acquiring the Building
The Dahlquist building is currently owned by Wayne Chin and unfortunately is not on the
market. However, the building is not being used on the upper floors and there are no known
plans in place for renovation or restoration. While these are some obstacles that need to be
overcome, this particular building was chosen because of its historic value, size, and location
which make it a perfect candidate for the proposed building project. With the right amount of
community pressure and influence, these problems can be resolved in order to acquire the
property.
Level II: Renovation
After the building has been acquired and adequate funding has been obtained, the actual
renovation can begin. As previously discussed, the major portion of renovations would be
completed by local companies through either in-kind donation of services and materials or
purchase. Volunteers can also be used for unskilled work, as needed. The intent is to make this
a true community project using local materials, businesses and people.
Level III: Partnerships
Partnerships with local organizations will obviously be needed to keep the Dahlquist project
running. Since the intended use of the building is to be a discount hotel and temporary housing
for low-income people, a non-profit organization that works with the homeless population
would be an ideal candidate for obtaining control of the finished building, or even earlier in the
process if necessary. One such organization is the Opportunity Council, which is a great
candidate because it already owns several properties and would likely benefit from having an
additional mixed-use property that would not only provide additional housing but would also
bring in money that could further benefit the organization.
The use of several organizations is also a possibility considering the size and scope of the
project; other organizations that could be of assistance and partnered with during various
stages of the project would be Habitat for Humanity, Womencare Shelter, and Catholic
Community Services.
Ongoing: Employment
The renovation of the Dahlquist Building would provide employment for various community
members as well as an economic boost to local businesses. During the renovation phase, local
companies may receive some payment for work completed, as well as benefiting from positive
public exposure.
Upon completion of the renovation, the Dahlquist Building could employ some low-income
residents. Residents could work in positions such as hotel janitors, desk clerks, room cleaners,
and hotel maintenance. This would give these residents a stable form of employment as well as
a way to earn money and allow for a reduction in rent, since as Homan (2008) points out,
“ninety percent of renter households are in counties where a two-bedroom apartment is
unaffordable for workers earning an average renter wage” (p. 372).
The eventual goal of the Dahlquist Building is to be able to provide two types of economic
stimulus: Increased business for local companies/businesses and employment for those in
desperate need of work such as the homeless population or transients who are unable to find
work due to either past criminal history or lack of skills. Both of these groups will benefit from
the renovation of the Dahlquist Building and in turn impact the community by boosting its
economic stability.
Level IV: Use of Renovated Building
Mixed Used Building
Upon renovation, the Dahlquist
Building will be utilized as a mixed-use
building; meaning that the top three
floors will be converted into low-
income apartments/discount hotel and the bottom floor will remain in business as the
bar/restaurant, The Rogue Hero. A couple of examples of mixed use buildings are the buildings
at the corner of Railroad and Holly St. (See Figures 9 & 10)
Figure 9 Apartments & Cresswell Bogs mixed use building
Discount Hotel
Part of the completed renovation will
be used as a discount hotel for
tourists, or visiting students. There are
currently no hotels that are located
directly in the downtown area, so this
would be a great benefit to both
visitors to Bellingham and downtown
businesses alike. Downtown Bellingham’s location is perfect for those visiting the Western
Washington University campus; and with the Olympics coming to Vancouver in 2010, the need
for more conveniently priced hotel rooms may rise.
Low-Income and Temporary Housing
The purpose of converting part of the building into temporary housing is to be able to provide
stable housing for low-income people who cannot find adequate or safe housing due to poor
credit or past criminal history.
The Dahlquist Building will also provide a place for people to live temporarily while they are on
the waiting list for section 8 housing, which can take a minimum of two years to be approved
for. By providing housing in a centralized location, we could possibly lower the current
population of homeless/transients that frequent the downtown street-corners and give them
opportunities they do not currently have.
Figure 10 Apartments & Starbucks mixed use building
Conclusion
Development of the Dahlquist Building is a 2-5 year project that will require significant public
and private investments both in services, time and money and will result in incredible
opportunities for the community. The proposal put forth in this document is an effort to
provide a clear direction and path forward for this project.
References
The Aloha Inn. (n.d.). The Aloha Inn: History. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from
http://www.alohainn.org/aloha.htm
City of Bellingham. (2002). City center master plan, Bellingham, Washington. Bellingham, WA:
Winter & Company.
Homan, M. S. (2008). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world (4th
ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson, Brooks/Cole.
Lanphear, N. (2005). Neighborhoods look to revamp business districts. The Bellingham Business
Journal. Retrieved February 6, 2009, from
http://www.thebellinghambusinessjournal.com/may_07/revamp.html
Paben, J. (2008, November 9). Will Bellingham homeless, condo owners co-exist? The
Bellingham Herald. Retrieved February 7, 2009, from http://seattlepi.nwsource.com
/local/387116_homeless10.html
Whatcom County Homeless Count. (2008). A point-in-time census of homeless residents.
Retrieved February 9, 2009, from http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/pdf
/2008 pit_report_final.pdf