New Mixed-Use Development 'City Gate' Begins Preparations in Lynden

CityGate Project RenderingPhoto byCity of Lynden

LYNDEN, WA — A new mixed-use project named City Gate is set to rise at the highly visible corner of 19th and Front Streets. Construction fencing has gone up and permits have been issued for this significant development. The project, which will feature commercial space on the first floor along Front Street, aims to bring residential density closer to essential services such as groceries, gas, and restaurants, as well as major transportation corridors.

The City Gate project is owned by Citygate Lynden and is situated on a 1.64-acre parcel at the northeast corner of Front and 19th Streets (Parcel number: 400 319 115 160). The mixed-use zoning code changes support the idea of locating dense housing developments near commercial centers, rather than on the city's outskirts.

"I'm excited about how this project represents residential density in a location close to services like groceries, gas, and restaurants, as well as the city's major transportation corridors, rather than at the far edges of the city as some developments have been in previous years," said Lynden planning director Heidi Gudde in an email to Bellingham Metro News. "Recent changes to the mixed-use zoning code will continue to build on the concept of locating our densest housing developments near commercial centers."

Project Details:

• Proposed Parcel Size: 1.64 acres (71,438 sq. ft.)
• Zoning: CSL with MU Overlay
• Max Height: 48 ft
• Lot Coverage: 45% (32,147 sq. ft.), Actual: 12,864 sq. ft. building footprint
• Minimum Open Space: 10% (7,144 sq. ft.), Actual: 7,459 sq. ft.
• Max Residential Density: No maximum; 45 residential units proposed

Proposed Building Area:

• Main Floor: 12,864 sq. ft. (4,650 sq. ft. residential, 8,214 sq. ft. commercial)
• Second Floor: 13,032 sq. ft.
• Third Floor: 13,032 sq. ft.
• Fourth Floor: 12,603 sq. ft.
• Total: 51,531 sq. ft.

Residential Units:

• First Floor: 4 two-bedroom units
• Second Floor: 14 units (10 two-bedroom, 1 three-bedroom, 3 one-bedroom)
• Third Floor: 14 units (10 two-bedroom, 1 three-bedroom, 3 one-bedroom)
• Fourth Floor: 13 units (9 two-bedroom, 1 three-bedroom, 2 one-bedroom, 1 studio)

Parking:

• Total Required: 116 spaces (per current code)
• Development Agreement Requirement: 92 spaces
• Proposed: 106 spaces (101 non-HC, 5 HC)

The project includes approximately 8,000 sq. ft. of commercial lease space with shared amenities such as toilet and conference rooms, accessible from the sidewalks and plazas on 19th and Front Streets. Residential units on the main floor will have internal corridor access. The development features nearly 9,000 sq. ft. of open space, including landscaped areas, grass areas for pets and play, and a patio area with barbecues for communal use.

The second, third, and fourth floors will consist entirely of residential units, with a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom options. The fourth floor will include a 480 sq. ft. indoor common area and a 429 sq. ft. deck overlooking the intersection of 19th and Front Streets, available for all building residents.

A total of 106 parking spaces will be provided, with the potential for shared parking with the adjacent Tractor Supply parking lot. The final number of commercial parking spaces may vary based on the type of businesses that occupy the lease space.

Second Project Rendering of CityGate LyndenPhoto byCity of Lynden