# Design Review Board Guides Downtown Development at Unity Street and Old Town The September 2nd Design Review Board meeting showcased Bellingham's evolving downtown landscape, with two significant affordable housing and mixed-use projects advancing through the city's design review process. Both projects represent crucial steps toward addressing the community's housing needs while preserving the character of historic neighborhoods. ## The Bellingham Housing Authority's Unity Street Vision Neil McCarthy of RMC Architects presented plans for a four-story, 65-unit affordable housing development at 202 Unity Street, where the Housing Authority has maintained offices for over thirty years. The $12-million-plus project, already supported by Bellingham's Home Fund, represents a thoughtful response to the city's housing crisis. "We're trying to provide much-needed housing in the downtown area," McCarthy explained, describing how the project acknowledges the unique topographical features that define this corner of downtown. "There's a spine that historically would have gone through here," he noted, pointing to the dramatic grade changes around Whatcom Creek and the elevated areas behind Mount Baker Theater. The design team identified five key site observations that shaped their approach: the area's unique topography, adjacency to civic and cultural landmarks, opportunities for healthy living, the neighborhood's transitional character, and the prominence of the corner location. These observations informed their response to the city's urban village des…