Barkley Village Continues to Expand as the Talbot Group Begins Construction on a New Apartment Development in Bellingham

Whatcom County’s modern urban village expands after new entitlements and property tax policies spur development into one of Washington’s most desirable markets.

BELLINGHAM, WA, UNITED STATES, December 2, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As housing production in Whatcom County continues to lag behind demand, the Talbot Group is advancing new projects aligned with the City of Bellingham’s growth agenda. Today’s groundbreaking of The Manning—a 142-unit market-rate rental community featuring studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes designed with underground parking designed by MG2—marks the newest residential addition to Barkley Village. Construction will be managed by Exxel Pacific and financed by the Goldman Sachs Private Bank. Leasing will begin early in 2027.

“Today’s groundbreaking caps a banner year for us at Barkley Village,” said Stowe Talbot, co-owner of the Talbot Group. “The Manning is the result of three years of planning, design, and financial analysis. It follows on the city’s recent approval of our urban village entitlements and expansion of the city’s MFTE program, setting Barkley Village on a new growth trajectory. We credit the City of Bellingham’s leadership and our partnership for what we’re seeing today.”

The City of Bellingham expanded its 8-Year Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) to include Barkley Village on June 9th, and the City Council approved a Development Agreement, Planned Action Ordinance, and updated Subarea Plan for the urban village on August 25th.

"The Manning demonstrates the power of tools like the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program to incentivize the development of additional housing Bellingham needs in the places where we want growth to occur," said City of Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund.

The region’s diversified job base, international trade access, outdoor recreation, and rich cultural environment continue to attract world-class contractors and institutional capital.

“We are pleased to support the Talbot Group on this significant milestone that will bring a contemporary mixed-use residential community to Barkley Village to support new levels of density and activity in the growing Bellingham market,” said Liana Perrault, Senior Lending Advisor in the Goldman Sachs Private Bank. “This groundbreaking represents an exciting new phase in the development of this next-generation urban community, and we are proud to support the Talbot Group as their visionary plan for Barkley Village unfolds.”

Business and community leaders within Barkley Village are also expressing optimism about the district’s trajectory.

“Having started for Haggen in 1995 when the Barkley Haggen opened, it has been very endearing to see the growth of the village over the years,” said Trevor Cowin, Store Manager of Haggen. “The Talbot Group’s vision for the village has created a place where residents can get their needs taken care of without ever having to leave the community.”

A New Era for Barkley Village

With the City of Bellingham’s adoption of the Barkley Urban Village Plan, the 255-acre district has formally entered a transformative chapter—positioning itself as a premier destination for sustainable growth, innovation, and next-generation living. The plan unlocks opportunities for new housing, business expansion, and mixed-use development within one of the Northwest’s most thoughtfully designed emerging communities.

“MG2 is honored and excited to break ground on The Manning, the gateway project of the Barkley Village master plan,” said MG2 Principal Jooyeol Oh. “This building has been designed to show resiliency and timelessness, reflecting the Talbot Group's own roots and commitment to Bellingham and the Barkley Village community.”

Located just 90 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, BC, Barkley Village offers walkable urbanism, mixed-use vibrancy, and long-term value—essential attributes for Washington’s evolving economy. Its designation as an official urban village places it at the center of Bellingham’s strategy for accommodating population and employment growth while enhancing affordability, livability, and environmental stewardship.

“This groundbreaking is a sign of big things to come for Barkley Village,” said Ben Besley, CEO of the Talbot Group. “Our new entitlements allow more than 2,400 additional housing units, and MFTE benefits will make these homes easier to finance. In fact, we are starting to design for-sale townhomes that should deliver at the same time as The Manning,” Besley continued.

The Manning: A Catalyst Project

As the first project under the district’s new entitlements, The Manning exemplifies Barkley Village’s next phase of growth. The community reinforces a commitment to mid-rise rental housing with structured underground parking. Five large for-sale townhomes are also planned in a parallel phase, bringing true urban form to the district. Funding from global institutions underscores strong confidence in both market fundamentals and Barkley Village’s role as a rising center of gravity for regional housing.

“We're excited for the smart development we expect to see in Barkley Village in the coming years as it grows into a more walkable and bikeable neighborhood with a wide range of housing types, amenities, and activities,” said Blake Lyon, City of Bellingham Director of Planning and Community Development. “Barkley Village represents a model for urban village development as a sustainable, mixed-use district designed for the future where people want to live, connect, and shop.”

Market Momentum and Regional Appeal

As Seattle faces escalating costs and regulatory friction, many investors and residents are looking north. Barkley Village has emerged as an attractive alternative, offering:
• Predictable entitlements through the city’s planned-action designation
• Progressive yet practical political leadership that prioritizes housing production
• Strong population and employment growth
• A walkable, mixed-use environment with exceptional lifestyle amenities
• Greater affordability and long-term value
• A master plan with substantial development capacity and clear civic alignment

“Barkley Village is defining its own urban center outside a primary city as a next-generation hub of growth—but even better: more urban, more sustainable, more integrated,” said Dean Jones, President & CEO of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty (RSIR) and Founder of The Futurecast Forum. “The Manning stands as a signature example of the vision, vitality, and investment energy transforming the district into the region’s newest urban center of gravity.”

About Barkley Village

Barkley Village is a 255-acre master-planned urban district in Bellingham, Washington, offering a vibrant mix of housing, employment, retail, parks, and open spaces. As one of Bellingham’s officially designated urban villages, Barkley Village is a cornerstone of the city’s long-term strategy for sustainable growth, livability, and economic opportunity.

For more information, visit www.BarkleyVillage.com.

Dean Jones
Realogics Sotheby's International Realty
+1 206-390-1826
dean.jones@rsir.com
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