Work is underway at 2 commercial properties in Ferndale

FERNDALE, Wash. — Several readers asked about the recent appearance of earthmoving equipment on the northwest corner of W Smith Road and Barrett Road. According to applications for permits with the City of Ferndale, the work will result in construction of 3 warehouse buildings on the site.

This is a project by the property owner, SYB Holding Co. Inc., according to the permit application. SYB Holding Co. Inc. operates several Starvin’ Sam’s Mini Marts in Whatcom County according to state records.

According to the proposed site plan submitted to the city, the 3 warehouse buildings will be 14,500-, 20,400- and 8,725-square-feet. Parking areas will be provided around each building.

Another commercial property showing recent onsite work is located at 2068 Vista Drive. Work is underway to convert the former chiropractic office in preparation for future use as a dental office according to permit applications.

The property was purchased in April by Drs. Rich and Kelsey Ullsmith. The Ullsmiths are licensed dentists according to state records. Kelsey currently operates a dental office in Bellingham and Rich is employed as a dentist with Unity Care NW. It is not known if either of the owners will be operating from the office after renovations are completed.

As a side note, a business began the process of moving into the building on the northwest corner of Northwest Drive and W Smith Road, formerly the location of Greene’s Corner and Pynor’s Market before that. But, according to the business owner, the move was put on hold. According to county records, the nearly 100-year-old building sits on property zoned for residential use. As a result, a conditional use permit (CUP) is being required for it to be used for commercial purposes according to the prospective tenant. It was not certain whether either the property owner or prospective tenant will pursue the CUP when last contacted.