Blaine project ‘on time and on budget,’ developer says

A construction project at 685 Peace Portal Drive is on track to be completed by spring.

“We’re on time and on budget,” said developer Peter Gigante. “I’m really fortunate that I’ve got a really good team.”

Gigante purchased the property with his wife Joana and is in the process of constructing a three-story, approximately 5,300-square-foot building.

Previously, the site contained a two-story, approximately 3,200-square-foot building owned by the Hollinger family. Formerly used as office space, the original building was constructed in 1920 and added onto in 1973.

With help from a variety of county contractors – including Dirt Works Bellingham Inc., Price and Visser Millwork and Lyndale Glass – construction is set to be completed by April, Gigante said.

The building will include three apartment units, a restaurant and retail store with access to the H Street Plaza. Gigante said he’s executed lease agreements with Drayton Harbor Oyster Company and Barlean’s Fishery Inc. to occupy the space.

Several fixtures, which are being stored in a nearby building owned by Brad Imus, are being refurbished and incorporated into the new building, including old timber, ceiling tins and other antiques.

“People seem pretty excited about it,” Gigante said about people who have inquired about the project. “I think Blaine is turning the corner.”