After months of planning, listening, and building, we’re excited to officially introduce the name of our newest housing community near Bellis Fair Mall: Cedar Commons.
If you’ve driven by the corner of Eliza Avenue and Bellis Fair Parkway lately, you’ve seen the early stages of something big — a two-phase development that will bring more than 120 new affordable apartments and a five-classroom early learning center to Bellingham. As we celebrate 60 years of helping people, fighting poverty, and building community, projects like Cedar Commons show how our mission continues in tangible, transformative ways.
Why Cedar Commons?
Earlier this year, we asked our staff to help us choose a name for this new neighborhood. “Cedar” reflects the landscape of the site, which will be planted with beautiful, resilient cedar trees. “Commons” evokes connection: shared green spaces, intergenerational play areas, community gathering rooms, and people coming together to support and uplift one another.
Our new housing project is coming soon to the corner of Eliza Avenue and Bellis Fair Parkway. Cedar Commons brings affordable housing together with an early learning center.
A Spotlight On The Project
We’re proud to share that our vision for Cedar Commons was recently featured in the Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. The story highlights how the development is designed to build a resilient community and meet the critical needs of families and older adults in Whatcom County.
As staff member Emily Martens wrote, “A new chapter in community-centered housing in Bellingham is underway. This thoughtfully designed development goes beyond shelter — it’s a commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and the power of community.”
Read the full article here to learn more about how Cedar Commons is building “affordable homes with heart.”
Not only does the project support families and older adults, but it also focuses on sustainability, health, and accessibility.
What Makes Cedar Commons Special?
Cedar Commons isn’t just another apartment complex. It’s a comprehensive investment in housing, education, and health.
- Phase 1, underway now and expected to be completed in Spring 2026, includes housing for families and an early learning center with five classrooms, creating up to 80 new child care slots for our community
- Shared courtyards and green spaces promote intergenerational connection and will be hubs for community events, outdoor play, and quiet retreat
- Phase 2, starting in 2025 and finishing in Spring 2027, will focus on older adults aged 62 and up, with private, sensory-friendly units, shared wellness spaces, and the ability to accommodate live-in caregivers or roommates
Sustainability That Supports Health and Well-Being
From the ground up, Cedar Commons is being built to support long-term environmental and community health.
- Independent Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems for each unit to bring in fresh air while filtering out allergens, smoke, and other environmental pollutants, also reducing energy use and helping to lower utility costs
- Outdoor spaces at Cedar Commons will prioritize native vegetation and stormwater management
- Trees and plantings will provide natural shade, beauty, and temperature regulation
- The City of Bellingham will add new bike and pedestrian paths in the surrounding neighborhood, creating safer, more connected ways for residents to get around without a car
Designed for Accessibility and Flexibility
Units will be ADA-compliant and designed with universal design principles in mind, making them adaptable for people of all ages and abilities.
In Phase 1, we’re making sure that families have homes that that can grow as kids do: open floor plans, accessible bathrooms, and flexible spaces will create places where every family’s circumstances and lifestyle are a priority.
In Phase 2, which focuses on older adults, units will include calming colors and low-stimulation environments to prioritize folks’ sensory needs. Two-bedroom options will fulfill the needs for roommates or live-in caregivers. Wellness and movement rooms and flex space for visiting healthcare providers will also be on the property to promote the overall well-being of residents.
Opportunity Council staff test out possible colors for the outside of new development Cedar Commons.
We Couldn’t Do It Alone
Partnerships are a key part of how we operate at Opportunity Council, and this project is no exception. It’s important to us that community input and collaboration form the foundation of this project.
As Emily shared in the recent article, “When developing affordable homes, it’s important to remain sensitive to the needs of people who will use the space. Opportunity Council surveyed community members in Bellingham, including families and folks in the coordinated Entry Housing pool, on what they value in a home.” (Keep reading here to find out more about how this feedback shaped the project!)
The team at our longtime partner Dawson Construction works on the windows at Cedar Commons.
Cedar Commons is being developed in partnership with the City of Bellingham and supported by Whatcom County, the Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Whatcom Community Foundation, Enterprise Community Partners, and federal allocations championed by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.
We’re incredibly grateful for the collaboration and shared vision of these partners. When we work together, we can do more than build housing — we can build futures.
60 Years of Heart
As we hit 60 years of service this year, projects like Cedar Commons are a beautiful reminder that while the tools and timelines may change, our heart stays the same. Every new development, classroom, and connection is rooted in our mission of giving people a hand up when they need it.
Thank you to everyone who is helping make this project possible, and to all who share our belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live and the opportunity to thrive.
Stay tuned for updates as Cedar Commons continues to take shape. We can’t wait to welcome our new neighbors home.
P.S. Be sure to check out the full article for a deep dive on these exciting new updates.
