Parkside: A Model for Efficiency and Quality in Multi-Unit Residential Construction

Parkside at Aurora Court — a 36-unit rental community in North Bellingham, delivered by Janicki General Contracting with a focus on disciplined sequencing, durable construction, and long-term performance.

• Location

  Bellingham, WA

• Industry/Use

  Residential: Single Family Attached

• Client

  The RJ Group: Silver Springs, LLC

• Scope

  Eight 4-plex buildings and two duplex buildings, totaling 36 new 2-bedroom townhomes alongside Northern Lights Park.

• Status

  Completed in 2024

Located in Bellingham’s growing Cordata neighborhood, Parkside is a new townhome rental community that demonstrates how disciplined project management, consistent material standards, and quality construction can deliver long-term value for both residents and owners. Developed by The RJ Group and built by Janicki General Contracting (JGC), the project includes 36 two-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome-style residences across eight buildings—eight fourplexes and two duplexes—on a shared private drive.

With its clean lines and natural materials, Parkside fits comfortably into the surrounding greenbelt environment while offering residents a modern, efficient, and comfortable living experience. Construction began in December 2023 and was completed in November 2024—under budget and ahead of schedule.

Built for Repeatable Success

Parkside was designed from the start as a long-term hold asset, shared by multiple private investors. This sharpened the focus on schedule, cost control, and durability—hallmarks of JGC’s multi-unit residential expertise. The entire project was completed for $8.33M, with less than 2% in total change orders from the original contract. The uniform unit plan streamlined permitting, framing, and inspections across the site, while still offering tenants diverse finish palettes.

To ensure neighborhood visual diversity, JGC executed three exterior color schemes and two interior finish packages. All homes include:

• Quartz countertops with full-height quartz backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms

• Custom slab-door cabinetry with soft-close drawers, matte-black hardware, and a thermally fused woodgrain finish

• Premium Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, including smooth-top double oven range, microwave/hood, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and washer/dryer

• Nine-foot ceilings on the main floor, painted Craftsman trim, and two-panel doors with matte black hardware

• Laminate flooring on the main level and Shaw “Loop De Loop” stain-resistant carpeting upstairs

• LED lighting, designer wallpaper in powder rooms, and cordless faux wood blinds in most windows

Standardized kitchens across all homes feature durable cabinetry, quartz surfaces, and full appliance packages—selected to balance everyday usability with long-term performance.

Parkside - standard features

Parkside’s exterior construction choices balance durability, low maintenance, and aesthetics:

• HardiPlank® siding (30-year warranty)

• Premium composition roofing shingles (lifetime warranty)

• Full landscaping with native plantings maintained by the HOA

• Broomed concrete porches, patios, and walkways

All units are equipped with high-efficiency ductless mini-split heating and air conditioning systems, energy-efficient insulation packages, and 50-gallon heat pump electric water heaters. CAT-5 cabling and pre-wired TV locations support modern connectivity.

Building on Lessons Learned

While the winter start posed risks—particularly for trenching and foundation work—an unusually mild season helped maintain momentum. An early design issue with the roofline of the first building was identified and resolved without recurring, thanks to proactive communication between JGC and the architect.

The project also served as a proving ground for JGC’s improved handoff and warranty process. The field team developed a refined punch list protocol that included real-time inspections, clear owner sign-off, and efficient documentation. This workflow is now used as a model on other JGC multi-unit projects.

A Capable Team, A Satisfied Client

The field team, led by Site Supervisor Riley Fulton, brought strong execution to what was his first large-scale assignment. Finish Carpenter Mike Sylvia (left the company) earned internal praise for his quality and attention to detail.

Feedback from The RJ Group’s ownership team has been uniformly positive. Parkside’s finish quality, adherence to schedule, and cost containment all contributed to a successful outcome. With durable systems in place and tenant-ready units throughout, Parkside sets a high bar for future developments in the region.

 

Parkside is located at 4227 Traverse Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226