We're expanding
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center is growing to meet our community's needs
We are deeply committed to being this community’s health partner and are honored to have served this community for over 130 years. As Whatcom County has grown, so have we. It’s time again to expand, allowing us to continue serving the community and its healthcare needs.
Please use the form below to submit any construction-related questions, concerns or comments.
Construction Timeline
The planning, permitting, and construction of new healthcare facilities is a lengthy process and requires numerous state and local approvals. Here is a summary of the work completed to date, along with a timeline for future construction.
Please note that the following dates are tentative and are subject to change.
December 2025:
- Work continues on the Central Utility Plant near the hospital loading dock.
- Emergency vehicle access route at Squalicum Parkway and Ellis closed for trenching work to install electrical ducts and reconstruct ADA ramps.
- Statue of St. Joseph to be removed from former main entrance to be placed in storage until new permanent location found.
- In late December continued trenching outside Emergency Department will reduce parking spaces for patients and visitors.
April 2026: Next community forum on construction progress.
2027: Central Utility Plant upgrades completed to support new pavilion.
TBD: Paulsen Pavilion construction ends.
2028: Paulsen Pavilion opens to the public.
2028: Emergency Department expansion and renovation begins.
Early 2021: PeaceHealth began planning an expansion with an amendment to our Institutional Master Plan (IMP).
June 2022: Amended IMP filed with the city for review.
August 2022: Application for new parking garage filed with the city for review.
September 2023: Bellingham City Council approved IMP amendment.
June 2024: New parking garage opened to the public.
Summer 2024: First phase of Squalicum Parkway improvements completed.
December 2024: Paulsen Pavilion Planned Development Permit application submitted to the City for review.
January 2025: Bellingham City Council approved the Planned Development Permit for the future Paulsen Pavilion.
March 2025: Certificate of need issued by Washington State.
April 2025: Preliminary construction on the Paulsen Pavilion begins.
April 10, 2025: Community forum about construction progress.
July 28, 2025, at 11 p.m.: West Entrance and roundabout close. East Tower becomes main entrance for duration of project.
September 2025: Work begins on the Central Utility Plant near the hospital loading dock.
Sept. 29-Oct. 17, 2025, approximately: Phase 1 of the Emergency Department parking lot integration begins with trenching and walkway reconstruction between the Medical Arts Clinic/Bunker Building and the southeast corner of the hospital.
Oct. 13, 2025: Community forum about construction progress.
November 2025: Squalicum Parkway Improvements completed. Project began in June 2025.
Nov. 21, 2025: Emergency vehicle access route at Squalicum Parkway and Ellis Street fenced off for trenching to install utilities and reconstruct ADA ramps.
Construction Updates
Construction updates will be provided here. Please check back regularly for the latest information.
The images show where work will take place on the PeaceHealth St. Joseph campus and along Squalicum Parkway.
Peter Paulsen Pavilion Construction
- Follow signs to hospital entrance. Park in Central Parking Garage or North Parking Garage for easiest access to hospital entrance.
- November: Construction of the central utility plant (CUP) continues near the helipad and loading dock. Expect one traffic lane and limited pedestrian access.
- Beginning Nov. 17, EV charging stations near the North Annex, close to the loading dock, will be unavailable for several weeks.
Emergency Department Modernization
- Beginning Nov. 21 and continuing through Dec. 12, EMS and other vehicle access to the Emergency Department where Ellis Street ends at Squalicum Parkway will be closed. Emergency vehicles will use the main patient/visitor entrance farther north on Squalicum Parkway.
- Workers will reconstruct ADA ramps and install electrical ducts along the access route, which runs between the hospital and Northwest Medical Center, aka Fountain Building.
- A temporary ADA-accessible pedestrian path will extend from the Central Parking Garage to the Emergency Department and Northwest Medical Center.
Squalicum Parkway
- Two-lane traffic has resumed; improvements are complete.
Please understand that the schedule may change.
Community Forums
April 10, 2025 Community Forum
October 13, 2025 Community Forum
Questions, concerns or comments?
Please use the form below to submit your questions, concerns or comments about construction at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
