2021 Project Updates
Behind the scenes, KulshanCLT is scaling up to meet the demand that continues to grow as fast as local housing prices. Your generous support is helping us move forward on our existing and new projects. Here are a few details of what’s in the works!
Families Move into Telegraph Townhomes!
Families or individuals moved into six of the eight Telegraph Townhomes units that were completed earlier this year. The remaining two will hopefully close in early 2022. The next four townhomes are under construction and already about 70% complete thanks to the efforts of Habitat for Humanity Whatcom County volunteers, staff, and many local businesses who have pitched in with financial, material and labor support. Crews have begun interior work and thanks to a $75,000 grant from Puget Sound Energy, solar panels are being installed on the first 12 homes. These homes would not exist without community partnerships, including Whatcom Community Foundation’s Threshold Fund, a revolving construction loan program.
Texas Street Single-Family Home
We’re thankful to Bellingham City Council who approved the transfer of a surplus residential parcel (611 Texas Street) to KulshanCLT to be used for affordable housing. Groundbreaking is planned in early 2022 on a permanently-affordable single-family residence on the lot.
KulshanCLT could not have afforded to build the home if it weren’t for the City transfer because lots in that area are selling on the open market in excess of $180,000. We’re delighted to work again with world–renowned, Bellingham-based architect Greg Robinson who has developed a beautiful cottage design for the home. Cascade Joinery, whom we’ve worked with twice before, are very excited to give back to the community to build the house for us.
Next Steps in the Birchwood Neighborhood
We recently hosted a community meeting with Birchwood neighbors to get their input on the plans for our three-acre property. One acre continues to be used by City Sprouts Farm. By the end of this year we’ll select a builder to steer construction of an anticipated nine new homes that will occupy another acre. Those homes should be completed by the end of 2023, and use of the final acre is yet to be determined and will hopefully include a community-focused space .
Soon we’ll share more details on our newest projects in Ferndale and Blaine that could mean 150 new KulshanCLT homes within the next two to four years.
