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, President 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.

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.

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.

Page Updated 09.06.2007