Fairhaven Historic District | Bellingham

Fairhaven Historic District – In Detail

The Fairhaven Historic District is a picturesque neighborhood located on the south side of Bellingham, Washington, hugging the eastern shoreline of Bellingham Bay. With its rich history, striking late-19th century architecture, and vibrant modern-day cultural scene, Fairhaven stands as a living museum blended with modern vitality. This district balances heritage preservation with contemporary experiences in a compact, walkable environment that is ideal for tourism, education, or leisure.

Origins and Historical Significance

Founded in 1883 by entrepreneur Dan Harris, Fairhaven was one of several competing settlements in Whatcom County during the late 19th century. It quickly developed into a booming town by the late 1880s, fueled by real estate speculation and the possibility of becoming the western terminus for the Great Northern Railway. Although the railroad ultimately chose Seattle, the short-lived boom period left a lasting architectural and cultural footprint on the town.

In 1903, Fairhaven was incorporated into the newly formed city of Bellingham, following a merger with Whatcom. Despite this integration, Fairhaven retained a distinct identity due to its geographic separation, architectural character, and strong local pride.

During its industrial peak, Fairhaven was home to thriving businesses in salmon canning, lumber milling, shipbuilding, and coal mining. Pacific American Fisheries, headquartered in Fairhaven, was the largest salmon canning operation in the world in the early 20th century. This industrial might contributed to Fairhaven’s economic clout in the region.

Architectural Heritage

Fairhaven is distinguished by its remarkable concentration of late Victorian-era commercial architecture. The core of the historic district comprises about three city blocks, containing structures that primarily date between 1889 and 1913. Many buildings feature styles popular during the late 19th century, such as:

Richardsonian Romanesque: Characterized by massive stone facades, rounded arches, and strong geometric lines. This can be seen in buildings like the Mason Block and Morgan Block.

Italianate: Marked by elaborate window crowns, vertical proportions, and decorative brackets, often found on storefront cornices.

Chalet and Jacobethan Revival styles: Present in civic structures like the Fairhaven Library, completed in 1904 with funds from Andrew Carnegie.

Notable buildings include:

The Sycamore Square Building (originally Fairhaven Hotel): Once among the most luxurious hotels in the state during the 1890s.

Mason and Morgan Blocks: Anchors of Harris Avenue, still used for local shops and galleries.

E.M. Day Building: A distinctive commercial building that has housed everything from law offices to a speakeasy.

Many buildings have been carefully restored or maintained to preserve their historic integrity. Unlike many urban renewal projects that erase historical context, Fairhaven's restoration ethos emphasizes authenticity. Even new constructions are mandated to reflect traditional architectural details and scale.

Urban Layout and Streetscape

Fairhaven's streetscape plays a major role in maintaining its historical ambiance:

Brick and concrete-ribbed streets preserve the feel of the 19th century.

Iron railings, vintage-style signage, and gas-lamp-style streetlights reinforce the aesthetic.

Harris Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, and cafes, all housed within restored buildings that retain original facades, ironwork, and transom windows.

The district is pedestrian-friendly, with narrow lanes, wide sidewalks, and numerous benches and plazas that encourage slow exploration. Its compact size allows visitors to see much of the neighborhood in a single afternoon.

Modern Fairhaven – Culture, Commerce, and Community

Despite its historical roots, Fairhaven is far from static. Today, it thrives as a mixed-use district that balances commerce, culture, and community life. Highlights include:

Village Books: An independent, locally beloved three-story bookstore with author readings, events, and an attached café offering views of the bay.

Fairhaven Village Green: A community park hosting outdoor movies, concerts, markets, and family-friendly festivals. Bocce ball courts and grassy areas add recreational value.

Art Galleries and Studios: Fairhaven is a magnet for artists. Galleries feature local fine art, sculpture, ceramics, and jewelry. Artists often open their studios during First Friday Art Walks.

Cafes and Restaurants: Eclectic dining ranges from casual seafood shacks to gourmet farm-to-table cuisine. Local specialties include Pacific Northwest seafood, craft beer, and coffee roasted on-site.

Boutiques and Artisan Shops: Clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and Northwest-themed gifts fill the storefronts.

The atmosphere blends slow-paced small-town charm with a progressive artistic edge, attracting a mix of tourists, retirees, students from nearby Western Washington University, and young professionals.

Recreation and Nature

Fairhaven is bordered by natural beauty, offering seamless transitions from historic streets to outdoor escapes:

Taylor Dock Boardwalk: A wooden pier and boardwalk leading from Fairhaven to Boulevard Park, perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. Stunning views of the bay, sunsets, and the San Juan Islands await.

South Bay Trail: A scenic walking and biking trail that connects Fairhaven to downtown Bellingham.

Marine Park: A small beachfront park near the ferry terminal, ideal for picnics, kayaking, and tidepooling.

Nearby, ferry services from the Alaska Marine Highway and whale-watching excursions launch from the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, just a few blocks from the historic core.

Transportation and Accessibility

Fairhaven is exceptionally well-connected:

Amtrak Cascades Station: Links Fairhaven to Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, BC.

Bellingham Cruise Terminal: Gateway for ferries to Alaska and San Juan Islands.

Greyhound Station and Local Buses: Regional and citywide bus services converge in the district.

Walkability and Parking: Visitors can explore on foot with ease. Limited street parking is available, along with a few public lots near the boardwalk and Village Green.

Bike racks, accessible sidewalks, and crosswalks add to the convenience and inclusivity of the district.

Conclusion

Fairhaven Historic District exemplifies how a small historic area can be both a preserved relic and a lively community. Through conscientious preservation efforts, it has retained its architectural integrity while embracing new life as a center of arts, dining, and cultural exploration. Whether you’re interested in Pacific Northwest history, architecture, coastal scenery, or simply want to enjoy a walkable neighborhood filled with character, Fairhaven offers a comprehensive and rewarding experience. Its balance of old and new makes it one of the most compelling historic districts in the western United States.