Chachoosen Village
Location: Bellingham, Washington
Client: Lummi Tribe

Chachoosen Village is a mixed-use community on 40-acres for a partnership between private tribal developers and the Lummi Nation. Using 21st Century planning theories, and inspired by Lummi culture and values, the design leverages the beauty and efficiency of the landscape. Terraced gridded streets and a strong visual axis are punctuated by points of gathering and culminate in playing fields and an interpretive cultural trails system.

The final Master Plan concept provides for restaurants and retail supported by 36 rental townhomes at the core. A grid system builds flexibility into the core allowing more retail or townhomes depending on demand. Both buffered and connected are 39 single-family lots of 7,200 square feet, sufficient for individual boat storage for the thriving Lummi fishing community.

The design engages natural systems for cost benefit. Surface storm-water infiltration using porous paving minimizes costs of storm-drainage infrastructure. Angling the grid to facilitate terracing across the 7% average slope yields zero-net cut and fill. “Shared Streets” allow motor vehicle convenience but prioritize the pedestrian. Throughout the site unique natural features are preserved and/or enhanced for added value in this unprecedented mixed-use community.