# A Fairhaven Architecture Debate: Blending Contemporary Design with Historic Character ## Meeting Overview On a storm-swept Tuesday afternoon, the Bellingham Design Review Board convened virtually for their November 19, 2024 meeting to consider a significant architectural project at the heart of Fairhaven. With most members participating via Zoom due to dangerous weather conditions, the board reviewed the design response for People's Bank's new branch building — a two-story, 4,780-square-foot structure proposed for the prominent corner of 12th Street and McKenzie Avenue, the former Zane Burger location. This meeting represented the culmination of months of design development that began with early guidance in June. The project, designed by Michael Stevens of Dykeman Architects, sought to balance contemporary banking needs with respect for Fairhaven's historic character. The session would test whether the architects had successfully addressed the board's earlier concerns about lighting, solar shades, parking configuration, and the challenging transition between the building's traditional masonry front and its more modern rear elevation. ## The People's Bank Design Response Chair Ryan Van Straten called the meeting to order with board members Maggie Bates, Coby Jones, and Lexi Costic present, along with Dave Christensen and Lexi Costic participating as Historic Preservation Commission subcommittee members. City Planner Emmy Scherrer presented the staff report, noting this was the first time the board would see the complete design, including the previously unseen north and east elevations. The project required a departure from city code requiring a continuous building wall, necessitating a 25-foot break from the adjacent Sycamore Building due to geotechnical constraints. "The geotechnical engineers not to build within a certain distance from that building," Stevens explained via Zoom, "and so we made that a little bit larger than what the recommendation was to make it a comfortable space to be in, and allow plantings and things to grow." Stevens, joining remotely from Everett due to the dangerous weather, walked the board through comprehensive responses to their earlier guidance. The lighting plan featured carefully selected fixtures: Hinkley Dorian sconces for the building exterior and Cyclone Domia decorative pole fixtures for the courtyard space. "This fixture on the left will exist in that courtyard space," Stevens noted, "chosen to sort of respond to some of the other acorn fixtures that are in the historic zone there." The solar shades sparked particular discussion. Stevens explained these would be minimal, airfoil-shaped elements only on south and west elevations, designed to clip seamlessly into the curtain wall system. "They're actually an airfoil, so it's like an airplane wing," he said. "We did that instead of louvers, because the wider space is less attractive to birds to sit on." The canopy design represented a modern interpretation of traditional weather protection. "This is a bent piece of steel, so a continuous piece," Stevens described. "We didn't want to create places for birds to perch, and cobwebs to form, and that sort of thing. And so it's a very simple bent piece of metal at each of those window openings." ## Addressing Parking and Site Layout The board's earlier parking concerns had prompted significant revisions. Originally, the design squeezed three parallel stalls along the McKenzie easement. The redesigned approach reduced this to two properly sized stalls with protective planted areas and a concrete seat wall offering bay views. "We were able to readjust the spacing of these stalls out front," Stevens explained. "The planter ends are no longer equal, and we're able to introduce a seating element in the same style and language that we have elsewhere on the site right out front." The parking configuration maintained ADA accessibility near the front entrance while addressing traffic concerns. "This allows this first stall to be further away from the intersection," Stevens noted. "There was some concern in the last meeting about general congestion." Refuse and transformer locations were consolidated in the front area, screened by plantings and designed to complement the building architecture. "Rather than kind of breaking up this parking series of parking stalls, it made some sense to locate both of those here," Stevens said. ## The Design's Traditional Elements The building's street-facing elevations showcased careful attention to Fairhaven's architectural heritage. Stevens highlighted the sophisticated masonry detailing: "We have some detailing at the cornices, but also these pilasters have been further developed with some relief." The design incorporated Flemish bond brick patterns turned vertical in recessed pilaster slots, with the same pattern appearing as a horizontal band beneath second-story windows. The material palette emphasized durability and regional appropriateness. A rough-cut stone base at street level provided "haptic quality for those that are walking by," while smooth-cut stone appeared as window detailing on the second floor. The cornice featured soldier coursing in masonry topped with a concrete cap. The glazing strategy prioritized pedestrian engagement. The interior was programmed so "all of the activity, the active function of the branch is there right on 12th," Stevens explained. The teller line, large video screen, and customer areas were positioned to create visual interest for passersby. ## A Contemporary Corner: The Northeast Elevation The meeting's most substantive discussion centered on the building's northeast corner, where the design departed from traditional masonry to incorporate composite metal panels. Board member David Christensen raised pointed questions about this transition. "This is an unusual site, in that the vision to the public is probably the most important thing," Christensen observed. "You can kind of see at least three sides of it pretty clearly... It's pretty visible. It's not really a back, even though I understand it's a back." Stevens defended the approach as intentionally contemporary while maintaining proportional relationships. "The material is a material that we have elsewhere. It's metal. So it's not like a hardy or some other panel material. It's an aluminum composite panel. So it is a nice material," he explained. The bay proportions matched the masonry elevations, with the stairwell receiving special treatment through continuous glazing rather than punched openings. "It was an opportunity to use some materials that we use on other People's Bank projects and allow those to provide an interpretation of some of the other design moves that we're doing," Stevens said. "It's intended to be similar in presence. But it's the employee entrance. And so we want it to be less grand, less ornate with the brick detailing, but still very elegant." Lexi Costic drew a comparison to precedent: "Reminds me a little of the Acme Building on 10th and Harris has the same kind of neutral brick color, with the fiber cement paneling on the backside... There's kind of a hierarchy there." ## Chain Link Fence Consensus A minor but notable discussion concerned the proposed chain-link fencing at the northeast corner to separate the site from the neighbor's trash area. While not prohibited, staff sought the board's input on appropriateness in the commercial core. Board members quickly reached consensus on improvements. "My only comment would be, I would agree with Coby that it should be a dark vinyl. So it kind of goes away or a dark color, and or with slats," Christensen said. Coby Jones agreed, noting the fence would be "pretty obscured" once landscaping matured. Van Straten summarized the board's preference for "dark vinyl and privacy slats," though this wouldn't require a formal motion. ## The Departure Approval The meeting's formal business centered on approving the departure from traditional building wall edge requirements. The 25-foot break from the adjacent building, necessitated by structural concerns but expanded to create a meaningful outdoor space, required board endorsement. Van Straten framed the issue: "Sounds like it's not possible to have a full building wall edge. Eight-foot break is required for the building next door. They've gone to a 25-foot break, but included some a concrete seat wall, and a custom metal trellis to sort of create the appearance of a barrier of sorts." The board expressed comfort with the solution. Christensen appreciated "the scale of the break," though wished "it was on a different side" for better solar exposure. Van Straten, speaking for those "that don't really like the sun, and would rather not get sunburned," welcomed the north-side location. Costic noted an additional benefit: "I appreciate that the mural on the side of the building will be preserved." ## Building Appreciation and Approval As discussion wound down, board members expressed admiration for the project's overall quality. Maggie Bates summarized the sentiment: "Don't have any objection to it. I think it's quite attractive. And it's pretty clear when you, when you pointed out that the materials were the same. Then for me, it I know it's gonna work when you actually build it, because I think that's pretty important. It's a beautiful building. I love the details, the attention to all the details." Costic moved to approve the departure, with Christensen providing the second. The motion passed unanimously, clearing the way for the project to proceed. ## Storm's End and Professional Appreciation Stevens expressed gratitude for the collaborative process. "Thank you. Appreciate everybody's time as well, and the process has been great. So, and thank you to the city staff, too, Emmy and your team," he said from his weather-delayed location. The meeting concluded with mutual appreciation for navigating both meteorological and design challenges. Van Straten thanked everyone for their time, acknowledging "It's a beautiful building." ## What's Ahead With design review approval secured, the People's Bank project will proceed to building permit review, where final lighting plans will be submitted and mechanical screening details finalized. The approved departure allows for a unique courtyard space that transforms a geotechnical constraint into a community amenity. The design represents a thoughtful evolution in Fairhaven architecture — honoring the district's historic character while embracing contemporary needs and materials. The project's success in balancing these sometimes competing demands offers a template for future development in this cherished historic area. The storm that kept participants apart paradoxically demonstrated the resilience of civic engagement in the digital age, allowing important community business to proceed despite challenging conditions. As members logged off into the stormy afternoon, they had advanced a project that promises to enhance Fairhaven's streetscape while serving the banking needs of the community for years to come.