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Bellingham Herald

partner publisher · 15.4K followers
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Local broker helps explain why Bellingham restaurants are closing. What to know

A wave of restaurant closures in Bellingham and Whatcom County has prompted a local commercial real estate broker to examine what’s driving the trend. Rising costs, falling foot traffic and shifting local economic conditions are squeezing small-business owners from multiple directions. FULL STORY: Why are so many Bellingham restaurants closing? What one local broker has to say Here are key takeaways: Bellingham lost six restaurants in September while only one new restaurant opened in Whatcom County, according to previous reporting by The Bellingham Herald. Ryan A. Martin, co-owner and broker at Pacific Continental Realty, pointed to declining enrollment at Western Washington University, falling cross-border traffic from Canada and higher downtown office vacancies as pressures making restaurants harder to sustain. Bellingham’s minimum wage rose to $19.13 per hour — $2 above the statewide minimum — adding to financial pressure alongside higher costs for food, fuel, utilities, insurance, property taxes and leases. Downtown Bellingham office vacancies climbed from 4.8% to 8.3% in the third quarter, reducing the number of workers supporting restaurants during lunch and business hours, Martin said. Martin said raising menu prices to offset costs can backfire by reducing visit frequency, and he recommends continued monitoring to determine whether closures

Bellingham, WA · 1d

Alva Renovations LLC

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More Than Just Homes: How Ron Alva is Building Community in Bellingham

In the streets of Bellingham, Washington, Ron Alva is building more than just homes—he’s building a community. After years of honing his skills in the construction industry, Alva took a leap of faith in April 2023, founding Alva Renovations. The decision was not just about pursuing a new challenge; it was also about embracing flexibility and a deeper connection to his community. Alva's roots trace back to 1997 when his family immigrated from Guatemala, driven by the hope of creating better opportunities.

Bellingham, WA · 3d
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thenorthernlight.com

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Semiahmoo Resort seeks potential buyer

Semiahmoo Resort could soon see a change in ownership. The resort, listed through Crystal Investment Property, went on the market in mid-October, with call-in offers considered through Oct. 30. Per the listing, ownership is looking to either sell or recapitalize the entire resort, including the spa, golf course and all three on-site dining options: Packers Kitchen + Bar, Great Blue Heron Grill and Seaview Café.

Blaine, WA · 1d

boatingindustry.com

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BRIG USA Adds West Coast Marine Services to Dealer Network

BRIG USA recently welcomed West Coast Marine Services as its newest authorized dealer, expanding its presence in the Pacific Northwest. With locations in Bellingham and Anacortes, Washington, West Coast Marine Services has supported boaters across Northwest Washington since 1986. Its team offers boat and engine sales, marine parts, maintenance, and mobile service, according to the company.

Bellingham, WA · 20h
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everettpost.com

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Everett “strong fundamentals” cited in $82.7 million apartment complex deal

EVERETT– A Seattle real estate investment firm says “Everett’s strong fundamentals” propelled its decision to ink an $82.7 million deal to buy Canopy Apartments, a 336-unit complex on 112th Street SW. Timberlane Partners acquired the 16-acre property of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in between Evergreen...

Everett, WA · 17h

425magazine.com

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Everett’s 336-Unit Canopy Apartments Sell for $82.75M

Timberlane Partners, a Seattle-based alternative-investment manager focused on multifamily real estate, announced today that it has purchased a 336-unit garden-style apartment community in Everett for $82.75 million. Timberlane acquired the Canopy Apartments, located at 923 112th St. SW, in partnership with EOS Residential Investors, a New York-based investment firm. Canopy...

Everett, WA · 2d

boatingindustry.com

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Everett Bayside Marine Owners Set Sail into Retirement

Longtime Port of Everett tenant, Everett Bayside Marine, is now under new ownership as founders Jeff LaLone and Dan Hatch prepare to retire after decades-long careers in the recreational boating industry. The co-founders sold the business to Seattle Boat Company, which has taken over the ground lease for its building...

Everett, WA · 1d

whidbeylocal.com

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Navy Flight Schedule at NAS Whidbey Island Complex Aircraft carrier-based flight training operations are scheduled to occur at OLF and Ault field complex

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – There are no aircraft carrier-based flight training operations scheduled to occur at the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island complex the week of Nov. 9-15, 2026. People living in local communities should remain aware that the aforementioned operations are not the only operations...

Coupeville, WA · 2d

Realtor.com News & Insights

partner publisher · 28.9K followers

Bellingham Buyers Have More Homes To Choose From as List Prices Fall

Bellingham buyers found more homes to choose from at lower prices as inventory climbed and sellers trimmed asking prices.

Bellingham, WA · 1d

whatnow.com

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Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria Gets New Owners

Brooklyn Bros. Pizzeria’s longtime operators, Jonny Elia and his wife, Caitlin Hoover, have purchased the business. Its Everett flagship opened in June 2006 and operates at 1919 Hewitt Avenue. The company also has a restaurant at 8326 Mukilteo Speedway in Mukilteo. “We’re planning to make some kitchen and dining...

Mukilteo, WA · 1d

unearththevoyage.com

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Washington Has 6 Butcher Shops Where the Meat Beats the Grocery Store and Costs Less

One butcher shop on this list never locks its doors. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so a midnight steak craving actually has somewhere to go. That detail hooked me fast. Then I learned another shop sells exotic game next to its jerky, and a third keeps homemade salsa beside the premium cuts.

Washington · 1d

FLYING

partner publisher · 2.7K followers

Emergency Repairs Close Boeing Field Control Tower, Restricting Air Traffic

ATC at Seattle's KBFI are operating from temporary facility with reduced operational capabilities as roof leaks force cab closure.

Seattle, WA · 18h

everafterinthewoods.com

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This Washington Quilt Shop Fills A 1930s Bungalow With Fabric, Hand-Dyed Wool, And Thread

The owner dyes the wool herself. That one detail tells you a lot about this little shop in a 1930s bungalow. Inside, the old house holds three levels of fabric, patterns, kits, and thread. Rooms that once held sofas and beds now hold stacks of cotton and bright wool. Classes...

Des Moines, WA · 4d

hoodline.com

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Admiral's Empty Quality Cleaners Building Faces $1M Cleanup Before It Can Reopen

The Quality Cleaners building at the southwest corner of California Avenue and Admiral Way has sat empty for several years, ever since soil testing turned up dry-cleaning chemicals beneath it. Now the Bloom family, which has owned the 1916 building since the 1950s, is seeking permits for a remediation plan they hope will finally let people walk back through its doors.

Seattle, WA · 13h

islands.com

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Salt Lake City Gen Zers Are Moving To This Pacific Northwest Haven Known As 'Mother Nature's City'

Salt Lake City may be among the most popular metro areas for Gen Zers who want large homes, high-paying jobs, and plenty of outdoor adventures. But young adults born between 1997 and 2012 aren't afraid to cross state lines in search of new places to call home. In fact, they're doing it more than any other generation. And according to U-Haul's 2026 Midyear Migration Trends report, many of them are making the 13-hour drive straight to Seattle, Washington. For nature lovers, this Pacific Northwest haven offers a similar combination of bustling city life and the great outdoors.

Seattle, WA · 2d

seattlemedium.com

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Seattle’s Black Business Owners Weigh The Cost Of Staying In The City

After 28 years in business, Capitol Hill restaurant owner Sabrina Tinsley and her partners have put La Spiga up for sale. In Rainier Valley, Erasto Jackson says rising expenses are testing his determination to keep Lil’ Red’s Takeout and Catering open. And downtown, Jamila Conley has installed a security gate at WeRise Wine Bar after repeated concerns about public safety.

Seattle, WA · 2d

MyNorthwest.com

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Ballard pub to end restaurant service, citing labor and food costs

Little Beast, the British pub in Ballard that drew national attention in its first year, will stop regular restaurant service at the end of 2026. The owners said rising costs have made a small restaurant impossible to run at a fair price. Starting in January, the space at 5107 Ballard...

Seattle, WA · 1d

secretseattle.co

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Built for the 1962 World’s Fair, Seattle Center now turns into a European-style Christmas market beneath the Space Needle, with festive treats, unique gift vendors, and daily snow showers for 2026

The holiday season is almost here, and the Seattle Christmas Market is bringing a little European Christmas magic to the heart of the city! Running November 20 through December 26, 2026, the market transforms Seattle Center into a festive winter wonderland filled with European and local vendors, daily snow showers, holiday entertainment, festive food and drinks, and plenty of seasonal cheer. The market is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Seattle, WA · 1d

connectcre.com

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Recent Signing Brings Seattle Office Building to 96% Occupancy

The Swig Company’s Lake Union Building in Seattle now stands at 96% occupied after a recent lease agreement with an unnamed private equity firm for 5,000 square feet. Only one 3,800 square feet space remains on the building’s newly remodeled fifth floor. Located at 1700 Westlake Avenue N...

Seattle, WA · 1d

theebbtide.com

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Shoreline College’s Cafeteria Opens for Business

The Shoreline College (SC) cafeteria grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony took place this week on Nov. 4. Starting this month in partnership with Upper Crust Food Service, breakfast and lunch will be served daily, open to all students and faculty. “With food that’s affordable and fresh, there will be something...

Shoreline, WA · 1d