Check our travel advisory page for updates on SR 11 (Chuckanut Drive) road closure.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 30, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael Hogan
mikeh@portofbellingham.com
(360) 676-2500

Port Commission to Consider Termination Agreement with Waterfront Master Developer

The Port Commission will consider entering into a termination agreement with Ireland-based Harcourt Developments at its upcoming public meeting on May 6 which would end the company’s exclusive rights to develop commercial and residential projects on Bellingham’s downtown waterfront.

Harcourt was unanimously selected as Master Developer in 2015 by an evaluation committee of representatives from the Port, City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, and Western Washington University.

Harcourt restored the historic Granary Building in 2019 and finished one condominium building earlier this year, but overall, the pace of development has not met the schedule and performance requirements set forth in the Master Development Agreement.

The proposed termination agreement outlines terms for ending the development relationship, including the release of all property under exclusive development rights by Harcourt to the Port. If the agreement is approved, any decisions about the future of this property will be made by the Port Commission in open public meetings with continued public engagement and input.

Harcourt will continue to own the Granary Building and three condominium buildings along the Whatcom Waterway. One condominium building is finished and two are under construction. The condominiums include ground floor retail and underground parking to support a walkable, year-round neighborhood.

Public comment will be accepted during the Port Commission meeting on May 6, and meeting materials are available on the Port’s website at with the proposed termination agreement available here


About the Port of Bellingham:

The Port’s mission is to promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County. Throughout Whatcom County, the Port owns approximately 1.4 million square feet of office, commercial, and industrial building space and has contracts with 250 industrial and commercial tenants which provide thousands of jobs for the community.

For more information visit www.portofbellingham.com

        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
Visiting?

Places to Stay
Itineraries
Getting Here
Sightsee
Read Blogs
Engage!

Events
Photo Contest
Communities
Attend
Contact Us
Tourism Talk

Industry Resources
Join as a Partner
Media Inquiries
Sports
About Us
Site by Drozian Webworks
©2025 Visit Bellingham Whatcom County