Lettered Streets - Bellingham Washington

The Lettered Streets Neighborhood is located centrally, along the old waterfront of Bellingham Bay. Historically, the first settlers were attracted to this area back in the 1850s because the Whatcom Creek waterfall provided energy for their sawmill. A blockhouse, a sawmill, and several residences were built by 1856.

The neighborhood was originally established as a middle-class community adjacent to the city's downtown district. Many of the homes here were constructed in the late 1890s and the early 1900s for middle-class and working families. Homes are of varied sizes and styles, reflecting the trends from the early 1900s. Most homes are on small lots on the neighborhood's quiet, tree-lined streets.

Today, the neighborhood is a mixture of residential and commercial areas. Many of the homes in the neighborhood are rentals. The neighborhood also has a few apartments.

Retail businesses and restaurants are found lining Holly St., Dupont St., Girard St. and Broadway.

The Bellingham Theatre Guild's playhouse (right) is located in this neighborhood, on H Street.

The historic Pickett House (left) was built by George Pickett in 1856. Captain George Pickett led an infamous charge at Gettysburg during the Civil War. The 150 year-old house is the oldest wooden structure in Whatcom County. Tours are periodically hosted by the Whatcom Chapter Daughters of the Pioneers.

Shopping

The Lettered Streets Neighborhood is located next to downtown and has easy access to many retail shops, restaurants and offices. Terra Organica, a small health food grocery store, is located in the downtown Public Market along with several other shops. The closest supermarket is the Meridain Street Haggen a short drive to the north.

Parks

Maritime Heritage Park is a popular park, hatchery, and educational facility located on Whatcom Creek. The public can learn about the life cycle of the salmon here and see large numbers of Coho and Chum salmon that return to the hatchery during October and November. Local residents come to the park to fish for the salmon each fall.

Battersby Field and the adjacent paved playground by Whatcom Middle School are both owned by the Bellingham School District. The Bellingham Parks Department maintains the field and coordinates community use when not in conflict with the school activities.

Fout's Park is a small neighborhood park with grassy areas, playground equipment, and picnic tables.

Schools

In general, public school students living in the Lettered Streets Neighborhood attend Parkview Elementary, Whatcom Middle School and Bellingham High School.

Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association

For homes or condos in the Lettered Streets Neighborhood of Bellingham be sure to visit our Lettered Strees Real Estate page on http://realestate.bellingham.net/

Created on 02/10/2006 02:58 PM by bellinghamteam
Updated on 04/15/2008 03:44 PM by bellinghamteam