Join us for an engaging journey through the vibrant streets of the Lettered Streets Neighborhood, where history, community, urban planning, and housing innovation meet. The City of Bellingham Planning Staff leads tours with the Whatcom Housing Alliance to spread housing education to our community. Our neighborhood tours spotlight the unique characteristics and potential of Bellingham’s diverse neighborhoods, offering an in-depth analysis of housing styles, hyper-local stories, and get first-hand education on the evolving vision for our city’s housing future. Whether you’re curious about historic architecture, how we’re planning for the future, or the community spirit that makes Bellingham special, these tours are your chance to connect with neighbors and reimagine our shared spaces. Perfect for residents, newcomers, and anyone passionate about the future of housing and community in Bellingham!

Event Highlights

🕰️Neighborhood History & Design: Dive into the design and development history of the Lettered Streets Neighborhood, constructed in the late 1890s and one of Bellingham’s oldest neighborhoods. Discover the unique features that define it.

🏘️Future of Middle Housing: Learn how middle housing—like duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes—already exists here and how more of it can offer diverse, affordable options for all community members, aligning with our city’s future growth and housing needs.

🗣️Community Feedback: Let us know which housing types, design features, and neighborhood characteristics you think should influence Bellingham’s middle housing planning. Your input will help guide staff as they work to create more inclusive housing opportunities.

We’ll begin the tour at the corner of B & Halleck Streets in the Lettered Streets Neighborhood.