Burlington Gallery replaces Cascade Mall
“Cascade Mall” is no more, at least in label. The shopping mall alongside Interstate 5 in Burlington, which changed hands in April 2023, was renamed in October to Burlington Gallery. Leasing agent Scott Walker of Pacific Continental Realty said coming changes include the former JCPenney housing two entertainment spaces, Playtime Pickleball Club and the Slingshot Adventure & Play Zone. In addition, he said the old Macy’s Men’s, Children’s and Housewares spot will become the new home of Christ the King Hope Church. Walker said all are expected to open in 2025 and eventually the interior of the mall structure — closed in June 2020 — will reopen.
Meanwhile, nearby Burlington Plaza, which shares an owner with Burlington Gallery after the former outlet store center was sold in March 2022, continues to add tenants following its own earlier renaming and renovations. Walker said recent new stores include JB Nail Salon, Bows & Biscuits pet grooming, Unique Technique Dance Studio and Martha’s Bridal & Formal Wear. A news release said a day care is also planned “for the benefit of business owners, employees and the community.”
Cargill closes Ferndale plant
Global food and farm giant Cargill is permanently closing its Ferndale Animal Nutrition facility on Friday, Nov. 15, according to company representatives. The 88-year-old production site at 5744 3rd Ave. is being shuttered due to what the company said is “the number of upgrades and investments needed to modernize the facility.” Cargill said the dairy animal feed plant will be demolished and Burlington Northern Railway will continue to own the land beneath it. In a statement, the company said that it has been working to find new employment for the 12 Ferndale employees.
Sadighi’s to become vet clinic
The long-shuttered Sadighi’s steakhouse and restaurant building at 921 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham is expected to reopen as the new Lakeway Veterinarian Clinic. The City of Bellingham issued a permit in October to convert the restaurant by remodeling the main floor to hold three exam rooms, two treatment rooms and a procedure room, plus reception and waiting areas. Approved plans filed with the city said no modification of the building’s exterior footprint is expected except for the removal of two outside doors. No opening date for the clinic is given in the plans or the permit.
Alaska Airlines adds Bellingham flight
Alaska Airlines is adding a fourth near-daily flight between Bellingham and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport starting in early January. An airline spokesman said the additional flight “is about increasing connectivity for our guests who are flying in and out of SEA.” According to Alaska’s currently posted flight schedules for mid-January, the extra flight operates in both directions every day except Saturday, providing BLI departures in the 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. hours Sunday through Friday. Saturday flights in January will continue to leave Bellingham up to three times per day. Aircraft on all flights are Embraer 175 jets.
Skagit Acres to open new tulip field
Skagit Acres in Mount Vernon will become home to Skagit Valley’s newest festival-friendly tulip spot in spring 2025. Spinach Bus Ventures, which also owns Tulip Town, announced that it’s planting “the first-ever tulip farm in south Mount Vernon.” Skagit Acres’ Rachael Sparwasser said the new 3-acre tulip field doesn’t replace anything that was previously planted and provides an additional seasonal attraction. Skagit Acres will also continue to operate its nursery, garden center and gift shop at 18923 Peter Johnson Road next to I-5.
Frank Catalano writes about business and related topics for CDN; reach him at frankcatalano@cascadiadaily.com.
