For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008
Contact:
Shirley McFearin, Port of Bellingham: 360-739-2519
Wayne Weed, Bellwether Gate, LLC. 360-961-1234
Ken Marzocco, CH2M HILL 360-220-0934
Port Approves Lease for Phase 2 of Bellwether on the BayTM
CH2M HILL Engineering Firm Plans Staff Expansion at New Site
[Bellingham, Wash.] Significant numbers of new permanent jobs are expected on Bellingham's waterfront as the second phase of the Bellwether on the BayTM project moves ahead following today's long-term land lease approvals by the Port of Bellingham's Board of Commissioners.
Developer David Ebenal, managing member of Bellwether Gate, LLC, signed long-term capital leases with the Port to design, construct, own and operate four mixed-use buildings with underground parking at this development alongside Squalicum Harbor.
"Bellingham's waterfront is one of our community's greatest assets," Ebenal said. "I am very pleased to be part of the Bellwether on the Bay development. I look forward to this new project that will increase public access, provide new jobs and attract new businesses to Bellingham."
The agreement between the Port and Bellwether Gate, LLC, calls for construction of the first building, located between Anthony's Restaurant and the Hearthfire Grill Restaurant, to begin by this September. This first building will be a mixed-use, four story building with underground parking and ten residential condominiums on the top floor.
Bellwether Gate, LLC, already has its anchor tenant, international engineering firm, CH2M HILL. Today the Port Commission also approved the developer's sublease with CH2M HILL.
"Bellwether Gate will bring new life to the Bellwether on the Bay development and will provide essential family wage jobs to our community," said Port Commission President Doug Smith. "This project is a definite "win" for our community because it allows a major employer to remain and grow within Bellingham."
CH2M HILL plans to increase its local engineering staffing significantly in Bellingham. The expanded CH2M HILL operation will occupy the second and third floors of the new building, as well as a portion of the first floor. This building will be completed by December 2010.
"As long time members of the Bellingham downtown, we are proud to be a growing part of the local community as it transitions the waterfront to a low impact, environmentally friendly place of business. We will provide hundreds of family wage jobs". said Craig Lang, Manager of Business Development for CH2M HILL.
Under the terms of the 50-year capital lease agreement, Bellwether Gate will pay the Port about $3 million for the lease, in payments timed to coincide with receiving occupancy permits for each building.
All of the buildings will be mixed use featuring ground floor retail and office with residential on the upper floors of two buildings. When all of the buildings are complete in 2012, they will add approximately 137,000 square feet of building space to the waterfront development.
Bellwether Gate LLC is a newly formed development company with the same principals as Bellingham firm Ebenal Company. The Ebenal Company has completed several major new developments in Fairhaven including the building housing Village Books and Fairhaven Gardens. The company also restored the historic Waldron Building.
For over 30 years, CH2M HILL and its predecessor companies have been one of Whatcom County's major employers serving energy, environmental, transportation, resource and process industries worldwide. CH2M HILL and its employee are very active in supporting a wide range of charitable causes in the community including being the county's second largest contributor to the United Way.
The Bellwether on the BayTM development already includes two mixed-use office buildings, a hotel, and several restaurants. The first phase of this development opened in 1999. Today 40 businesses operate at Bellwether on the BayTM employing about 400 people.
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