Twenty years after its opening, few would dispute the value that Bellis Fair's 13 million annual shoppers - many from Canada - and estimated 1,200 permanent jobs bring to the local economy.

Especially if it is the first one in town, as was the case when Bellis Fair opened in Bellingham in 1988.

What stands out about this project however - other than that it stood for years as one of the nation's most profitable regional shopping centers - is the way in which Trillium conducted itself during a divisive and prolonged entitlement process.

Detractors and supports alike consistently characterize Trillium's dealings as fair, honest and flexible throughout the eight-year trip from land purchase to site-ready sale to General Growth Properties. This included a period during which Trillium stood aside to let downtown boosters forge a different mall deal downtown.

When their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, Trillium moved forward with its plans to secure a regional retail center before a competing mall was built in the next county.