Paper Whale Leases Historic Public Market Building

The local arts organization plans to transform the downtown space into a hub for community events and studios.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Paper Whale Leases Historic Public Market Building

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Paper Whale has taken possession of the Public Market building at 1530 Cornwall Ave in Bellingham. The organization plans to use the site for artist studios and events while the building awaits future redevelopment.

Why it matters

The lease allows the Whatcom Transportation Authority to foster community vibrancy in the space until long-term plans to convert the property into a transit station move forward.

The leased property is located at 1530 Cornwall Ave in downtown Bellingham. The site is intended for temporary community use until the transit authority begins its long-term conversion project.

The players

Paper Whale

This is a local organization that hosts community-focused events such as the Noisy Waters Mural Festival and the Rising Tide Speaker Series.

Whatcom Transportation Authority

This agency manages regional public transit and plans to eventually redevelop the leased site into a permanent station.

The details

Paper Whale plans to renovate the space in the coming months to host its various programs, including the Noisy Waters Mural Festival and the Rising Tide Speaker Series. The partnership ensures the building serves the public while the transit station transition remains in its early planning stages.

September 2026: The lease agreement between the WTA and Paper Whale was announced.
October 2026: Paper Whale officially took possession of the building space.

Market Landscape

This temporary lease follows the strategic directives established by the Whatcom Transportation Authority transit station master plan. By activating the space, the project bridges the gap between current use and the agency's long-term infrastructure goals for downtown.

Residents can expect new opportunities to engage with artist studios and local cultural programming in the downtown area. The project ensures the building remains accessible for community events during the interim period before construction begins.

The takeaway

This partnership highlights how temporary leases can revitalize vacant urban spaces before major infrastructure projects begin. Community members can look forward to active programming at the historic Cornwall Avenue site for the next several years.