History of WWU Participation in Bellingham's

Waterfront Development

Initial Campus Process

Late in 2002 the City and Port of Bellingham joined forces to begin studying the potential of redeveloping Bellingham's waterfront by forming the Waterfront Futures Group. During the March 18, 2004 Board of Trustees meeting, then President Karen Morse distributed a document developed by the group that introduced the proposal for an off-campus site of Western Washington University. Later that spring, a WWU committee was appointed to discuss whether and how WWU might participate in the proposed development on the waterfront.  The committee's initial work is described below.  

The committee began by drafting principles to guide campus discussion.  During fall quarter 2004, the committee solicited reactions to the principles and ideas for possible waterfront projects, and held forums to encourage and inform input.  Brief pre-proposals were solicited by the committee to gain a better idea of the range of programs or functions that might be pursued, with an initial submission deadline of April 15, 2005.  These were brief conceptual proposals, consistent with the Guiding Principles.

Twenty five pre-proposals were submitted. These proposals were received from individuals, groups, departments, colleges, and interdisciplinary groups for programs and projects that might feasibly be located on the waterfront.  Two forums in May 2005 provided an opportunity for public review and discussion of the pre-proposals.  

Since 2005 the University has continued to work with the waterfront committee, the City of Bellingham, Port of Bellingham and consultants to develop a plan on the watefront.

For information on the history of this project please view the information below.

To learn how WWU's participation in Bellingham's Waterfront Development all began, and to see how the project has evolved overtime, view the below links.

• March 18, 2004 Board of Trustees "Future of the University" Report
• Preliminary Proposals
• Solicitation of Preliminary Proposals for WWU Waterfront Facility Consideration
• June 10, 2005 Board of Trustees Endorsement of Waterfront Planning
• October 17, 2005 Progress Letter from former President Karen W. Morse
• Guiding Principles for WWU's Consideration of Proposals

Board Actions

• Board of Trustees Minutes, Reports and Actions

Waterfront Site

• WWU's potential location
• Proximity of site to campus

Waterfront Committee

• Waterfront Committee Members

Links to Past Forums & Presentations

• 2008
  • March 11, 2008 Campus Forum
  • Former President Karen Morse's April 15, 2008 presentation to the Port's Board of Commissioners -- Creating an Intermediary Authority
• 2007
  • November 1, 2007 Campus Forum
  • March 13, 2007 Campus Forum Presentation
  • Stratus report of Phase II and IIA (pdf)
  • Former President Karen Morse's May 6, 2007 presentation to the Bellingham City Council (pdf)
• 2005 & 2006 Forums
• 2004 Forum

Because development of Bellingham's waterfront is a long term project, the committee is willing to receive proposals for future consideration as ideas are developed. 

Comments and questions concerning the principles and processes may be directed to Buff Schoenfeld, Executive Assistant to the President, who will pose them to the committee.