Nelson Block, Bellingham
The Nelson Block holds a significant place in the city's architectural and commercial history. Originally initiated in 1891 by Malcolm McKechnie, construction was halted due to the decline in Fairhaven's economic boom. A decade later, James Purdy Nelson acquired the property from McKechnie and enlisted architect William Cox to design a two-story structure in the High Victorian Italianate style, incorporating elements of the Richardsonian Romanesque tradition.
The building's first-floor corner, featuring a grand round-arched portal, was designated for the Citizen’s National Bank, which opened under the management of Henry, Andrews & Company. Additionally, the Nelson Block housed two other commercial establishments: Ira Shey’s clothing store at 1102 Harris and the General Saloon at 1305 11th Street. The full basement accommodated various businesses over the years, including the Sharpless Barber Shop and Baths, the Sharpless & O’Dell Billiard Parlor, and later, the Evening Herald and the Fairhaven post office.
The building's first-floor corner, featuring a grand round-arched portal, was designated for the Citizen’s National Bank, which opened under the management of Henry, Andrews & Company. Additionally, the Nelson Block housed two other commercial establishments: Ira Shey’s clothing store at 1102 Harris and the General Saloon at 1305 11th Street. The full basement accommodated various businesses over the years, including the Sharpless Barber Shop and Baths, the Sharpless & O’Dell Billiard Parlor, and later, the Evening Herald and the Fairhaven post office.
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Nelson Block on Map
Sight Name: Nelson Block
Sight Location: Bellingham, USA (See walking tours in Bellingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bellingham, USA (See walking tours in Bellingham)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bellingham, Washington
Create Your Own Walk in Bellingham
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bellingham is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fairhaven Historic District Walking Tour
Initially one of four pioneer settlements surrounding Bellingham Bay, Fairhaven traces its origins back to 1853. It later evolved into a town under the leadership of Daniel J Harris, famously known as Dirty Dan Harris, in 1883. Experiencing rapid growth in subsequent years, Fairhaven eventually merged with Bellingham in 1903.
Because of its waterfront location, Fairhaven thrived as a hub for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Because of its waterfront location, Fairhaven thrived as a hub for... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Bellingham Introduction Walking Tour
Set along the shores of Bellingham Bay against the majestic backdrop of Mount Baker, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. The city finds itself at the center of a uniquely picturesque area, the ancestral home of several Coast Salish peoples. The Indigenous communities of Lummi, Nooksack, Samish, and Nuwaha have inhabited this territory for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles