BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New tenants will be occupying the Bellingham Public Market soon.

Local nonprofit placemaking agency Paper Whale announced Thursday, Sept. 24 that it’s partnering with Whatcom Transportation Authority to move onto the former Public Market property on Cornwall Avenue.

My Bellingham Now previously reported on WTA’s initial interest in purchasing the building back in 2024, with plans to build a new bus station. WTA’s Board of Directors estimated the new station would be ready several years down the line and they had to find a short-term tenant before the new station could be built.

The authority purchased the building in 2025.

Paper Whale, which organizes local events like the Noisy Waters Mural Festival and the Rising Tide Speaker Series, says their plans for the property go beyond using it as an event space.

They plan to host artist studios, exhibitions and workshops in the new building.

WTA claims that the joint purchase will add vibrancy and creative activity to the future station.