This building, situated in downtown Bellingham since 1916, has undergone numerous transformations throughout the years. While its original purpose remains unknown, historical records indicate that it was a significant part of Bellingham’s “auto row” from its early days. Like many structures of that time in the region, it was initially built as a masonry building resting on a concrete slab at ground level. Before being converted into what you see today, it served as a spacious area for cars to enter and exit, featuring 24-foot high ceilings supported by large timber trusses. With the evolution of the auto row into the present-day “urban village,” the building was eventually repurposed into a triplex of office spaces, complemented by a parking garage at the rear. Its key distinctive features, which have unfortunately turned into its bane due to inadequate regular maintenance, are the older timber trusses mentioned earlier, along with the presence of only three exterior walls. For these reasons, it sat mostly unoccupied for years and years. The extensive deterioration of the space due to outdated MEP systems, an aged leaky roof, and antiquated interiors would pose a significant challenge even to an experienced designer. However, what sets this project apart for me is the resilience issues that deterred potential buyers and developers. Furthermore, the positioning of the bottom truss chord at 14′ from the main floor’s finished level presents a unique obstacle. To accommodate a second floor, it would have to be placed between trusses, as was done in the last renovation in the early 90s. During this renovation, the renovator identified this as a problem and consequently had to create multiple separate spaces with distinct exterior entries and addresses.

When Spincycle Yarns teamed up with AD+C to transform the space to accommodate their retail, offices, and manufacturing facility in this old building, I was thrilled. Not only are these yarn experts masters of their craft, but they also possess remarkable visionary skills. This partnership was truly a perfect match. Despite the challenges posed by the neglected building, I was excited and fully committed.

The initial step taken by AD+C was guiding our client through a comprehensive Feasibility study. This study involves several essential steps, starting with verifying the city’s regulations regarding establishing a yarn manufacturing facility in an Urban Village. Following this, a Schematic Design was developed from AD+C’s Programming consultation with the client in order to optimize the space based on the client’s needs. This included addressing challenges such as modifying a large truss that intersected the center of the 2nd floor office areas to consolidate three separate spaces into one cohesive area with a single address. It was challenging to locate consultants who didn’t consider us too unconventional, especially when the industry was overwhelmed with more work than it could manage. Structural engineers could effortlessly decline projects with minimal repercussions. We aimed to find a structural engineering company with similar forward-thinking abilities and expertise in commercial retrofits to assist us in completing this project. After several unsuccessful consultations with various local engineering firms, we eventually connected with a firm that fully understood our vision, showed unwavering commitment, and was eager to support us in bringing this design and retrofit to life. With their assistance, we verified that our Schematic Design is indeed feasible and can progress smoothly into the Design Development phase, making the truss in question a feature of the space post modification. None of this happened overnight, of course. There was copious amounts of discovery due diligence still needed, but we planned for that and the clients were aware that these older buildings need a lot of love and a lot of GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) scanning, concrete slab demo, calculating the manufacturing facilities equipment weight, bringing solar consultants in early in order to calculate the panels’ weight, consulting with MEP contractors to make sure their roof top equipment weight has been considered, opening up various walls and ceilings for structural inspections and a lot of time on the roof.

This project is unique in so many ways, but what I like to highlight the most is the fact that several unconventional women got their heads together and saw a vision of what this building could be if it were repaired and modernized, while simultaneously honoring it’s age and history, keeping with the 1916 aesthetic. I love that there are clients and consultants that still find it important to restore these gems that carry so much of our community history. I always advocate for restoration rather than annihilation.

People often lose interest when they come across terms like “structural damage” or “in need of structural repair.” The thought of restoration may seem daunting, expensive, and challenging initially. However, postponing repairs can result in even higher costs in the future. Sadly, the value of longevity appears to have diminished recently, leading to the neglect and decay of many once vibrant buildings with a specific purpose. Revitalizing these spaces allows you to engage with history and contribute to a legacy. Preserving fragments of our history is crucial for maintaining our roots and understanding our present identity.

Moreover, investing in the restoration of these structures not only preserves their historical significance but also contributes to community revitalization. These restored buildings can serve as cultural landmarks, educational centers, or even bustling commercial spaces that breathe new life into the area. By honoring the craftsmanship and stories of the past, we create a bridge to future generations, fostering a sense of continuity and pride.

Communities that embrace restoration projects often find that the process brings people together, fostering collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. Volunteers, local businesses, and heritage organizations frequently join forces to save and celebrate these architectural gems. This collective effort can instill a renewed sense of community spirit and highlight the importance of preserving our shared history.

In the end, restoring and maintaining our historical buildings is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about cherishing the narratives they house and ensuring that these stories remain a living part of our cultural fabric.