Historic district, modern twist: Fairhaven’s development as an urban village

Fairhaven is more than the quaint, historic district where welcome visitors peruse cafes and shops. The City of Bellingham also identifies Fairhaven as an urban village, describing it as such in its most recent neighborhood plan. So how does the incoming Rocket Donuts structure fit into the style of this urban design?
According to the City’s working definition, “connectivity” is a key principle of the urban village concept, as is “mixed-use and diversity.” As seen in the illustration (courtesy of the architect), the building will hold three businesses: Rocket Donuts, Fat Pie Pizza, and A Lot of Flowers. Rocket Donuts spokesperson Teri Treat said that that the outdoor setup will be an upgrade of the currently disorganized situation. This could enhance the pedestrian’s experience on the corner.
Some controversy can be expected, though, over the way the building will fit into the neighborhood. Historical continuity is highly emphasized in the neighborhood plan, as well as in Fairhaven’s recently updated design standards.

Both Treat and Penny Ferguson, owner of A Lot of Flowers, said that change, especially when it comes to a well-loved place like the garden shop, is difficult at first, but both have high hopes for the community’s acceptance of this new structure.

What do you think? Will the construction bring a building that fits in with Fairhaven’s urban village? How will the architecture blend in with the rest of the neighborhood?