Bellingham Federal Building

The Bellingham Federal Building was constructed in 1913, incorporating a central post office, courtrooms and federal offices for the growing city. SHKS worked with the City of Bellingham on several phases of work to rehabilitate and adapt the building for use by city personnel. A building program and 20-year Preservation Plan was prepared for the 43,000-square-foot building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 20-year Plan involves phased infrastructure and life-safety upgrades together with a requirement for continued use by a variety of office tenants. The multi-phase renovation project received an AIA Washington Council Civic Design Merit Award in 2018.

SHKS completed phase three of the project: restoration of the building's historic main lobby and entrance along with a renovation of the U.S. Post Office workspace.

The building's lobby—continuously used as a U.S. Post Office—has been altered over the years.

SHKS designed the lobby to better serve today's residents and city staff, and includes restoration of the original architectural character.

Phase two, a complete interior renovation of the ground floor, creates modern workstations and open office space for City departments, and includes restoration of historic skylights and windows.

Phase two, a complete interior renovation of the ground floor, creates modern workstations and open office space for City departments, and includes restoration of historic skylights and windows.

The first phase of work involved adding a new elevator and converting a former elevator shaft and wire enclosure into a light well, bringing natural light into the interior hallway.