Trail users in Bellingham should plan their routes accordingly: a section of the South Bay Trail is closing this week, possibly as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, as construction begins on the Fairhaven Center development. The closure may last up to two years, according to the City of Bellingham's announcement. An alternate walking route runs along 11th Street, shown in green on the city's map.
The Fairhaven Center project involves the construction of three new buildings on the property at the northwest corner of Mill Avenue and 11th Street, a long-vacant lot known locally as "The Pit." The development includes one residential building and two mixed-use residential and commercial buildings, all rising above a large parking garage. According to the City of Bellingham's project page, the buildings will offer nearly 200 residential units, with a more precise count to follow as design is finalized.
The trail closure was previously anticipated but its timing had been uncertain. The property owner has updated the city on the schedule, prompting the current advisory. When construction is complete and the trail reopens, it is expected to run near its current alignment, so the long-term route for pedestrians and cyclists will remain essentially unchanged. The two-year estimate reflects the full construction timeline for the phased project.
The South Bay Trail is a popular multi-use path connecting Bellingham's Fairhaven neighborhood to downtown, running along the waterfront and through the historic village area. The section near the Fairhaven Center site is heavily used by commuters, dog walkers, cyclists, and recreational users. The 11th Street alternate route, while less scenic, provides a functional bypass that keeps walkers and cyclists safely away from active construction.
The Fairhaven Center project includes a development agreement with the City of Bellingham that allows for height exceptions in exchange for public benefits including the eventual trail restoration and improvements to the public realm around the site. The development has been years in the making, and the lot's transformation from underused surface parking to a dense mixed-use development marks a significant shift for the Fairhaven Village neighborhood.
Residents and trail users are encouraged to review the city's maps showing the exact closure zone and alternate route before heading out. The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation department will post updates as construction progresses. Additional information about the development project itself, including design plans and the development agreement, is available through the city's Fairhaven Center project page.
Cyclists using the South Bay Trail corridor to commute between Fairhaven and downtown should allow extra time and check signage on the ground before making assumptions about detour routes. Construction zones can shift over time as different phases of work progress, so what works as a bypass today may change.
For those curious about what's coming, the Fairhaven Center is one of the more significant infill development projects in Bellingham's recent history, adding substantial housing supply and commercial space in a walkable, transit-served neighborhood. Residents can follow the project's progress and weigh in during city review processes through the City of Bellingham's planning department.
