HistoricSiteMarkers
Progressive & Modern Era

Bellingham Bay 'Flatiron' Building

Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington

Marker Inscription

Registered national Historic place United States Department of the Interior Bellingham Bay building "Flatiron Building" Under the provisions of the National Historic Preservations Act of 1966, this property possesses exceptional value in illustrating American history and culture. Historic preservation certification Number 83003358 March 8, 1991 Original construction 1908 Renovation 1990 Bay Building Partners Robert N. Christenson Terence R. Monoghan Kenneth R. Koch James H. Loweree Allen L. Reinikka

Erected by United States Department of the Interior

The Story

Bellingham's 'Flatiron Building,' built in 1908 on a narrow wedge of land at Bellingham Bay, is a distinctive triangular commercial block of the early twentieth century. Renovated in 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognized for its exceptional value in illustrating the region's commercial architecture and growth.

Why it matters

Wedge-shaped 'flatiron' buildings, born of the constraints of angled city streets, became beloved landmarks of America's booming turn-of-the-century downtowns.

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