Project Overview: EF-133 and EF-141
Projects EF-133 and EF-141 fill a need for new permanent buildings at the City Operations site on Pacific Street. As the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments continue to grow, finding space for employees and equipment has become a challenge. The projects were constructed together by one contractor. The new buildings are energy efficient and built to LEED standards.
Project EF-133 is the construction of a five-story Operations Center building at the City Operations site on Pacific Street. This project will bring together the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Operations teams in one building, creating efficiencies in physical location, operations yard layout, communication, and asset consolidation. These changes will increase both departments’ ability to continue to deliver excellent service to the Bellingham community. The floors have been designed to support the following:
- Floor 1: City BTV Studio. The Studio will be televising City meetings and the space has the capacity for over 100 attendees.
- Floor 2: Locker room and lunchroom for City Operations field crews
- Floor 3: Public Works Operations group
- Floor 4: Parks Operations group
- Floor 5: Public Works Natural Resources Group
Project EF-141 demolished the existing vehicle barn on the south side of the site and replace it with a new Operations Barn. The previous building was in use since Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) moved from the site over 20 years ago. The building was no longer viable to house the essential equipment needed to keep the city operating. The new building is up to code and provide a safe and secure location for the equipment from all groups.
The new Operations Barn will be an energy-efficient building that will provide:
- Heated vehicle storage for temperature sensitive equipment such as the vactor trucks.
- Workshop space for all the Public Works utility crews and Parks Operations and Natural Resources field staff.
- Wood shop space to replace the Parks barn at Woburn Street facility.
- Storage space for parts and supplies for all the operations activities.
Status – May 2023
The Pacific Street Operations Center Building and the Operations Barn are both fully constructed and operational.
Public Open House on March 1, 2023
Thank you to the many community members who joined us for a dedication ceremony and tours of the new Pacific Streets Operations Center on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
Project Details
- Status – Construction
- Contract awarded – June 4, 2021
- Contract amount – $20 million
- Contractor – SpeeWest Construction
- Vicinity Map
Additional Information
On January 13, 2021, the City hosted a virtual informational open house to provide information about the project and answer questions. You can view a recording of the meeting.
Current Project Updates
Public Works projects that are currently under construction are featured in our weekly project emails. If you’d like to sign up for these email updates, please send an email to askpw@cob.org indicating you’d like to be added to the weekly project updates.
Contact
Mike Olinger, Assistant Director of Public Works
Phone: (360) 778-7725
Email: molinger@cob.org
