BELLINGHAM WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new childcare and affordable housing project is coming to Bellingham.

The Opportunity Council has partnered with the City of Bellingham to purchase a 2.7-acre property near Bellis Fair Mall. Plans for this project include over 120 permanent affordable housing units for families and seniors along with a childcare center that could serve up to 100 children at a time.

“The needs for abundant childcare and affordable housing in our community far surpass what is available, and these needs connect directly to many of our most pressing challenges,” Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund said.

The new development is expected to cost about $60 million. The Opportunity Council will cover $34 million of the total cost, while the City of Bellingham will contribute $8.7 million. Additional funding is expected to be covered by federal, state, and local programs.

Mayor Lund also said that the project has been in the works for well over a year, adding that Bellis Fair owner Felix Reznick helped them obtain the property.

Construction on the first phase of the project, which includes the childcare center and housing for families, will begin this October.