According to a request for proposals released by the city of Blaine, the city is soliciting proposals for the redevelopment of city-owned property located within downtown Blaine. The request for proposals describes the project as combining civic, residential, and potential commercial uses.
The site is the current location of the 5,400 square-foot Whatcom County Library System Blaine branch at 610 Third Street.
Required elements for project proposals include the following.
- construction of a new public library facility of approximately 8,000 square feet
- provision of dedicated future space for a childcare facility
- development of multifamily housing containing more than 30 residential units with a mix of studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units
- a parking strategy to support the residential, civic, and commercial uses
The city of Blaine recently removed all parking and height restrictions for the applicable zone, which is designated as Central Business District, Town Portal-60. The project site is located on city-owned property bounded by G Street, 3rd Street, and H Street, adjacent to the Blaine Public Safety Department.
The city of Blaine is open to property exchange arrangements, ground lease structures, sale or phased disposition of property, development agreements, public-private partnerships, condominium ownership structures, and air rights arrangements.
The procurement schedule established by the City of Blaine includes the following dates.
- June 8, 2026: request for proposals issued
- June 23, 2026: optional site tour
- June 25, 2026: deadline for submission of questions
- July 3, 2026: responses to questions issued
- July 8, 2026: proposal deadline
- July 13, 2026 to July 17, 2026: interviews
- July 22, 2026: selection of preferred proposer
- August 10, 2026: city council consideration
The City is encouraging proposals that maximize housing production and support a broad range of community needs, including workforce housing, family housing, and opportunities for seniors and other residents seeking to live in Blaine’s downtown core.
Recognizing the increasing demand for housing throughout Whatcom County and across Washington State, City officials view this redevelopment opportunity as an important step toward expanding housing supply while simultaneously investing in critical civic amenities.
The RFP also provides developers with flexibility to propose a variety of ownership, financing, and partnership structures. Potential arrangements may include property exchanges, ground leases, development agreements, public-private partnerships, condominium structures, and other innovative approaches that maximize public benefit while ensuring project feasibility.
City of Blaine (June 6, 2026)
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