Salon Bellissima Ferndale Tenant Improvement

Commercial Design-Build: Salon Bellissima Expands to Ferndale, WA

Nothing validates a commercial contractor quite like a client returning a decade later to build their next milestone. Almost ten years ago, Highline partnered with Salon Bellissima on their flagship salon remodel in Bellingham, WA. Since then, both companies have scaled, refined their teams, and earned industry accolades. 

When Salon Bellissima identified a growing demand from clients commuting from north Whatcom County, they knew it was time to expand. To bring their vision to life, they turned back to Highline’s design-build team to spearhead a 1,756-square-foot interior commercial tenant remodel in downtown Ferndale. 

Seamless Remote Collaboration for Out-of-State Commercial Clients

Managing a commercial construction project is demanding enough—doing it from another state introduces entirely new complexities. When Salon Bellissima’s founder and CEO, Nicci Lyn Troupe, relocated to Idaho prior to construction, Highline stepped in to bridge the distance throughout the salon buildout.

Over the last decade, Highline has perfected remote commercial construction management for out-of-state stakeholders. Leveraging cloud-based project management software, we provided: 

• Real-time field data: Daily progress logs and site photography accessible from any device. 
• Proactive communication: Structured weekly updates detailing schedule milestones and budget tracking. 
• Live virtual site walks: On-the-job video consultations to review architectural details and finishes in real time. 

Historic Building Preservation Meets Modern Commercial Tenant Improvement

The salon renovation took place in a historic brick building at the prominent corner of Main Street and Third Avenue in Ferndale, WA. Originally built as a bank before serving as a local 1960s soda shop and a series of other businesses in the past half century, the vacant space required a complete transformation that respected its structural heritage while delivering a luxury retail experience. 

The design-build brief required a meticulous balance: integrating high-end, modern salon amenities while preserving the building's historic architectural character. With respect to the original wood finishes, towering windows, and vintage radiators, Highline seamlessly blended them with chic modern elements like custom illuminated mirrors and retractable, ceiling-mounted blow dryers. 

Navigating Existing Building Constraints in a Historic Remodel

Renovating a historic building for modern use requires thoughtful solutions that work within the existing construction. For this tenant improvement, Highline’s field team and subcontractors adapted the space to meet the functional needs of a modern hair salon while working within the building’s existing concrete construction and unique architectural character.

• Plumbing Integration: To accommodate a centrally located walk-behind shampoo station designed for stylist efficiency and comfort, the team carefully trenched into the building’s existing concrete slab to install new plumbing infrastructure.
• Acoustic Comfort: While the historic high ceilings created an elegant, airy volume, they threatened to echo sound. Highline installed acoustic ceiling tiles to dampen the noise of blow dryers and foot traffic on the concrete floors. 

Building the Spaces that Shape Whatcom County

Commercial construction is about more than square footage and finishes; it is about building the infrastructure where local economies thrive. The revival of this historic Main Street corner brings new energy, foot traffic, and economic vitality to Ferndale. 

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