Better Days Ahead

Contrasts abound in Bellingham.

Half a block from this lovely civic amenity is this seen-better-days building. The Dahlquist Building (1905) hasn't fared nearly as well over the years as its diminutive neighbor, the Betschart Block (1900).

One of the first reinforced concrete buildings erected in Bellingham, it housed Thomas S. Dahlquist's Bellingham Bay Grocery Company on one side and a garage and car dealership on the other, with rooms for rent on the upper floors. Judging from the faded sign, the building was used as a hotel at some point, as well. The two bay windows on the back of the building give a hint of past glory.

The adjacent red brick building was built by two Swiss brothers, who offered The William Tell Bar on the first (street-level) floor and a boarding house on the upper floor.

The Dahlquist Building is heading for a brighter future, however, as two local food businesses -- Dashi Noodle Bar and Acme Farms + Kitchen -- are going to bring their excellent enterprises to this location. You can read more about that here.

I'm excited about these new ventures -- and as they will be just steps away from the YMCA, it will be easy to stop by after my exercise class!