Stay and play in Bellingham’s revitalized downtown

These cultural projects are intended to inject some life into a downtown that has been reeling from a common urban problem: the exodus of chain department stores and small businesses. But with Western Washington University about two miles south of downtown, many community leaders believe they have the audience for their cultural offerings.

"I think downtown is developing into the cultural center for Whatcom County. Western (Washington University) is a great audience for that -- the students, professors, visiting professors, alumni. We have a great community," said Kirsten Walker, executive director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership.