WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County has finalized its deals with four contractors to design and build the new jail.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the county selected a mix of local and national firms to lead the project.

The design will be done jointly by national firm Nelson Worldwide Architects and Bellingham-based RMC Architects.

“We are confident we have the right team for the job, and I am very pleased to see local industry leaders participating in the project,” said County Executive Satpal Sidhu. “Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves, and get to work.”

RMC was behind the designs for many local buildings, including the Bellingham Public Library, the Millworks development on the waterfront and the new Way Station downtown.

Construction will be done in partnership between national firm Clark Construction and Bellingham-based RAM Construction.

RAM has built community staples like Alderwood Elementary School and the iconic Fairhaven Clock Tower Building.

The two nationwide firms each have experience working on behavioral health and justice center projects within Washington state.

Construction of the new jail on LaBounty Drive in Ferndale will begin in 2026 and the county expects it to be finished by summer 2028 at the earliest.