[bgriff4]

Jensen-Byrd building has been sold to a Texas firm who plans to renovate it for student housing and possible commercial space: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/dec/14/jensen-byrd-building-sold-to-texas-firm/

[bgriff4]

Jensen-Byrd will be demolished and a new student housing building will be built on site. The Texas company plans on using the brick and old beams of the original warehouse on the new building. Not every old building can be renovated. It should be a nice addition to our growing university district.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/dec/14/jensen-byrd-building-slated-demolition/

[ghost22]

I agree griff, not everything can be saved. I do hope that this company goes through with the building part though and doesn't just tear the Jenson down to only sit on the property. That Caterpillar building is huge. Definately a great addition to the growing airport surroundings. Spokane is slowly waking up if you ask me. Commercial additions are springing up all over, expansions to larger spaces are getting harder for companies with space filling up. Lets start something Spokane/CDA!

[James Bond Agent 007]

Wow, that sucks. :( T'was a neat old building. :(

[FireFighter74]

http://www.kendallyards.com/?/commercial/retail/ :banana:

These 2 buildings were presented to the city for approval.

[FireFighter74]

http://www.firstwind.com/projects/palouse-wind

http://www.firstwind.com/sites/default/files/Palouse%20Financing%20Release%20FINAL_121911.pdf

[FireFighter74]

http://www.kendallyards.com/?/commercial/office/

[grayproduct]

The building seems a little squat...and the parking, so much parking! It seems so suburban for such a prime location.

I guess something is better than nothing.

[ghost22]

Even if it isn't ideal as long as construction is happening in the area I am happy. We need a pick-me-up even if it comes 3 stories at a time

[bgriff4]

Crazy details about the Ridpath Hotel's troubled history of owners, and some ideas of how to save it. I really hope someone brings it back and re-establishes the complex as an anchor for Downtown Spokane's hotel and entertainment scene.

http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-17482-a-path-unknown.html

[ghost22]

Wow that is a lot of famous people staying there. It seems that this building is not just important but historically relevant to our connection with the rest of the nation.

[ghost22]

Ok so since we are in an economic lull (although it seems to be doing better the last 8 months) lets do something to keep it lively in here. Here is the imaginary proposal what would you like to see in architecture, possible tenants, purpose, location, etc.

John Smith has proposed a 36 story mid-rise in spokane with an 11 story parking structure adjacent.

[ghost22]

while 36 stories is far from a sky scraper, an observation deck would kind of cool. I beleive at the estimated height from the roof you could see over the south hill. What do you guys think?

[Contrarian]

Have a link to that story, ghost?

[ghost22]

it isn't a real proposal contrarion, I am just trying to keep moods up in here by starting an imaginary project we can all contribute on. Name something you would like to see in the building and we can all discuss it. Nothing more than the 5 story WSU building is under construction at the moment so I thought I would liven it up in here.

[bgriff4]

I would begin with a decently tall building already standing; The Park Tower apartments. There has to be a way to give that concrete monstrosity a face lift. Modernize the appeal by adding on some architectural lines and details using steel, glass and brick. What a difference that would make. Also, a project that Spokane could potentially see as a reality would be a high rise condo/apt/ tower (>300') with mixed use retail on the ground floor. Building site could be on any one of the downtown core parking lots currently sprawling out their barren footprints. Something like this would be nice:

http://www.capitolhillseattle.com/media/news/2012/1/31/hH5jDTzUUBLPtRJ5I8NgcS3s-large.jpg

Of course I still would love to see the Vox Tower come to life again:

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=129245

Remember these projects?

*Riverview Condominiums - http://www.stevenmeekarchitects.com/riverview.htm
*Broadway Towers (SRM) - http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/media/broadwaytower02.jpg
*Gateway Office Building - http://metrospokane.typepad.com/index/2007/04/gateway_office_.html

And a cool pedestrian Bridge that will most likely be built in the up and coming U-District. It should provide a nice landmark and sense of place:
http://udbridgestudy.blogspot.com/

[ghost22]

I thought the Gateway was still happening and is just fighting over height restrictions in the area? Is this a dead project as well?

[revrw]

I would love to see that gateway project come back to life.

[Hub for an Empire]

I think the Gateway project would really mix well with the older architecture of Spokane. It looks like Spokane, with a modern feel! The other two projects are nice, also.

Since the Bank of America building is 20 stories, I think the next highrise downtown should be in the central area of downtown and more in the 25 - 28 story area, to give a gradual increase in height. I would like a taller highrise in the above 30 story area on the Rookery Block. The smaller 25 story building, I could see as a mixed use, with retail on the first two stories, with commercial above and with Condo's on the higher floors and a restaurant on the top floor.

I still would like to see the Jensen Byrd building restored with new housing adjacent. New architecture isn't going to work well, unless they really put some money in the project. Modern architecture looks cheap otherwise. Highly unlikely they will put some money in Spokane with current economic situation. Spokane is fortunate to have older architecture......this will become even more apparent, when cities like Seattle that got rid of older buildings during their growth period and the building replacements will become dated. This will be apparent in about 25 years. Older architecture will become treasured. What would you rather have, a restored Jensen Byrd or stale new architecture that has no detail and will be dated in 15 years? The American West building in nice, when they put money in the project. This should be the example of newer buildings in the downtown core!

[ghost22]

The biggest project that needs to get underway is the completion of the Best Western (or please anything else) on division and 3rd. They tore down that gothic architectured church and replaced it with foundation and rebar. Now weeds nearly have taken over the concrete at one of the busiest exits in town. What a way to make a crappy impression on visitors in the town.

[bgriff4]

I'm all for this project. It's a good start of what our city needs to highlight the river running through the downtown core. Right now it's just there. A great city capitalizes on a natural water source like a river. Beautifies it's banks, allows access, provides a river walk with shops, cafes, etc. along the way. This isn't that, but a good start nonetheless:

http://www.spokanepfd.org/completion/index.php

[ghost22]

Wow the picture showing the exibition space accross the street shows a building 2x the size of the current convention center. That is massive.

[FireFighter74]

http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=7984

http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=7983

[ghost22]

250,000 square feet isn't anything to scoff at. The housing project looks like a nice building. Where on sprague is this at?

[FireFighter74]

14 blocks east of Division on Sprague just east of Hamilton. I believe the property was a farmers market at one point.

[ghost22]

there was a peice about a 5 story 82 unit housing project going up on 4th street in CDA. I am not subscribed online so can't get it but looks nice at least.

[bgriff4]

This is the 2009 Spokane Riverpoint Campus Master Plan Overview (u-district). It's impressive, and seems like things are definitely moving forward with the bio-sciences building and mlk jr avennue. The long term plan is a ways out, but looks great. Some of the renderings are out of date like the pedestrian bridge design (updated design here: udbridgestudy.blogspot.com) but it's exciting to see whats to come.

http://spokane.wsu.edu/aboutWSUSpokane/development/AcademicMasterPlansJan112010_Web.pdf

[ghost22]

Looks good but some of the stuff they have as done in 2010 looks much different than what is really there. That pedestrian bridge would be great since Rockwoods main campus is right on the other side and has planned an expansion. Perhaps they can work some of the medicine and residency setup with them.

[FireFighter74]

Kendall Yards Progress

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0571.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0570.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0569.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0568.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0566.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0564.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0562.jpg

Gonzaga Area

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0560.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0559.jpg

DT

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0558.jpg

http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x459/searlezachary/IMG_0556.jpg

[bgriff4]

Looks good! I drive down Hamilton quite a bit and was excited to see the progress over the last six months. I did notice on the condo/lofts, the sheet metal siding looks a little wrinkled. Can't decide if it's modern wavy metal, or wavy metal. In any case, the Kendall Yards and Gonzaga district are improving curb appeal for the city. Keep the projects coming!

[chepe]

Worthy's propose a 700 room 15 story hotel across from the opera house. No renderings yet but, if built, it will be a really big project of 550,000 square feet and a 900 space parking garage. The articles mention a U shape, which would at least mean that it won't be yet another square for Spokane. Hoping for an exterior finish incorporating more glass than Spokane's other taller buildings.

September 13, 2012 in Business
Worthys announce plans to build headquarters hotel
Site by Convention Center would include 700 rooms, meeting space, skywalk
Tom Sowa The Spokesman-Review
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/sep/13/worthys-announce-plans-to-build-headquarters-hotel/

In the span of four weeks Walt and Karen Worthy pieced together ambitious plans to build the city’s largest hotel: a 700-room, 15-story showpiece connected to the Spokane Convention Center.

The hotel and an adjoining parking garage would fill an entire block, with plans to compete for the status of headquarters for conventions. Groundbreaking is expected in first quarter 2013, with completion the following year.

[revrw]

I agree chepe.....I hope it has a more modern and sleek design to it. Hopefully someone will be able to post some renderings soon.

In addition, Ron wells announced his proposal for the ridpath redevelopment.

This is good news for Spokane. Possibly eliminating a surface parking lot and some good redevelopment in the core.

What I'm also excited about is once this project takes off, then there should be some trickle down effect and smaller developments in and around that hotel. Lord knows there are plenty of surface parking lots around there...lol

[FireFighter74]

If it ends up looking anything like the Davenport Tower, I will cry. Ugliest building EVER!!! We need a sleek oval building with no balconies or visible concrete, with lots of glass and some usable green space. :whip:

[revrw]

If it ends up looking anything like the Davenport Tower, I will cry. Ugliest building EVER!!! We need a sleek oval building with no balconies or visible concrete, with lots of glass and some usable green space. :whip:

Agreed....I do think something that favors/demands a much higher quality of design and construction will be the fact that in order for this to work they will need buy-in from a high-end hotel franchise and they are very particular about protecting their brand and image.

[Contrarian]

Agree, Firefighter. Hope Worthy hires a different architect from the one he used for the Davenport Tower.

[grayproduct]

As long as he doesn't opt for pre-cast concrete construction like the Davenport Tower, it will be a fair bit better on the eyes.

[boisecynic]

Hey Spokane;

Boisean here. I'm seeking input. Boise is considering a new downtown transit center and it seems it will be similar to your Plaza. Do you guys have any input? I haven't been to Spokane in years but some of the googling I've done seems to point to your bus Plaza having some problems.

Nice pics of Kendall Yards, firefighter.

[Contrarian]

Hey Spokane;

. . . but some of the googling I've done seems to point to your bus Plaza having some problems.

Yes, it is a problem. It has become an "attractive nuisance" --- a magnet for transients and idlers looking for a place to hang out. Much to the displeasure of nearby merchants who believe the riffraff it attracts repels would-be customers.

It was a boondoggle hoked up by the transit bureaucrats to blow a pile of tax money it had amassed over the years from a license tab fee and other subsidies. The tab fee has since been repealed.

[bgriff4]

It would be nice to get the ball rolling on cleaning up the other side of the tracks. Might as well start with the Trade Winds...http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/jan/10/remodel-or-demolish/

[bgriff4]

A bit of news on the Ridpath:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2013/jan/25/historic-ridpath-will-have-a-future-if-wells/

http://wellsandcompany.biz/projects/ridpath-club-apartments/

[seattlefoo1]

I was reading the February 14th edition of Journal of Business and there is an article about the proposed convention center hotel with a conceptual drawing (sorry, not good at posting links, but you can look it up). I was quite excited about this project when the original announcement came out, however, I am a little less excited after seeing the rendering. Don't get me wrong, this thing is better than a parking lot, but its another boring box. I was hoping there would be more glass, or a splashy entrance....something that would really stand out. Anybody else share the same opinion?

[bgriff4]

My initial reaction was disappointment as well. Although, that rendering is not very detailed so it's hard to say what its overall aesthetic will be. After looking at it a little more I could see a sophisticated building (brick?), but still have some worry that it will be a boring box. I would love to see it with a real presence both on street level and from a skyline perspective. I'm hopeful, but worried that Worthy will put up another paper box.

Speaking of...the Davenport Tower could have been a LOT more than what it is. And African safari theme? Kind of out of left field for Spokane. I think a river theme, or something to do with the Inland NW would have been more appropriate. Maybe instead of the 'Safari room', we could be going to the 'River room' for some drinks and dinner. I can think of many cool design ideas using this region as inspiration. Ok, done with that.

I don't remember if I posted this link or not but I think this would be GREAT for the north bank of the park, or somewhere along the north bank of downtown, a multi-use fieldhouse:

http://www.spokanesports.org/project-sports.html

[FireFighter74]

Kendall Yards Progress

http://www.spokanejournal.com/upload_content/import_images/8997_image.jpg

Looks like CDA is heading in the right direction. Why cant' Spokane?

http://www.spokanejournal.com/upload_content/import_images/9034_image.jpg

[Theseanzee]

So does anyone know if we're actually getting this new hotel? It was suppose to be started in march. Every new high rise proposal has unfortunately fallen through and I'm hoping that's not the case with this one and the proposal for the new high rise for Coeur 'dAlene as well.

[ghost22]

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSpC3MPjw4J3Hs1woj72uOc4BVPZjPluQksJOebw-QkP4WaUnA3ktCwYc9n
here is a rendering of the proposed 15 sorry hotel it looks bland

[FireFighter74]

My god! Looks like a 15 story Walmart.

[mattlovescda]

My god! Looks like a 15 story Walmart.

HA! Yes, I think "bland" is putting it nicely. Hopefully the building that actually gets built looks nothing like that render.

[James Bond Agent 007]

Hey guess what? I'm probably going to Spokane in July, first time I've been there since '07!

When I was there last time, I took photos of 1) downtown/Browne's Addition, and 2) South Hill. I had wanted to also take some pics of the north side but didn't have time. So when I go there in July I'll finally do the 3rd set. :D

[FireFighter74]

Apartments currently under construction.

http://image1.apartmentguide.com/imgr/93585eb4bc9a7f9d6e3607d87f70560e/525-

http://image1.apartmentguide.com/imgr/b578868075bfe1e523ebbda40b92fa3c/525-

[FireFighter74]

Well if you do come to Spokane, skip the north-side all together and walk Kendall Yards and the U-District. There is much more to see there. You can walk MLK Wy which is half way completed. There is a nice path around the Spokane river that you can take which is between the Monroe street bridge and Gonzaga.

[James Bond Agent 007]

^
Having lived there a few years, I'm familiar with those areas. I will be checking out those two area, as I'm thinking there's been new stuff going on there since I was last there in '07 (especially Kendall Yards). But I'm mostly interested in taking pics of the part of town I missed when I was there last time.

[bgriff4]

If you're headed to the north side, I would check out Audubon park. The neighborhood is walkable and you can stop in at the Flying Goat for a beer and fantastic fired pizza, or an equally delicious sandwich. Downriver Grill is across the street if you're feeling a little fancy.

Websites:
http://www.theflyinggoat.com/food.html
http://www.downrivergrillspokane.com/

Audubon Park:
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzuk5vlC331qambjg.jpg


You could also head North on Francis to Nine Mile where you can access Riverside State Park for a good hike. It would put you near the Bowl and Pitcher:
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_kzuiv58ijp1qambjg.jpg

Of course you have the Garland district:
https://www.facebook.com/GarlandDistrict

Green Bluff for some great scenery, local farms, and rural flavor:
http://www.greenbluffgrowers.com/

Corbin Park is cool. It used to be a horse racing track back in the day. And many old Victorian style homes to boot:
http://properties.historicspokane.org/district/?DistrictID=16

Hillyard is an old neighborhood which used to be a rail yard (Hill's Yard). Now it has a business district, old buildings and a funky vibe. Does have some crime, but hey, it's Spokane. We're working on that. It's definitely worth driving through and catching some photos:

Info about Hillyard's history:
http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=8406

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSFqenTBnBev0xYdypuOVmd4tSH-kbiHj8VKNlJp0FbjK4kGIIUQQ


This is a helpful website to give you ideas of where else to go:
http://www.spokesman.com/guides/

[James Bond Agent 007]

^
Thanks. But having lived there before, I pretty much know where I want to go. Corbin Park was already on my list. In fact it was #1 on my list.

[asher519]

Hello Spokane! I will be moving out to your fair city at the end of July to attend grad school at Eastern Washington's Riverpoint campus. I was just notified today so I'm still in crazy excited mode. I'm presently in Columbus, Ohio. I lived in Portland for several years before the recession hit, so I'm very much looking forward to returning to the Northwest. This will, however, be my first time in Spokane so I may be hitting you up for housing info and whatnot as my cross-country trek gets closer. Just wanted to say hi to my soon to be home base forumers :D

[FireFighter74]

Gonzaga

Tennis Center $6 Million
http://news.gonzaga.edu/2013/gonzaga-university-begins-construction

http://news.gonzaga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Tennis-Golf-Center-web.jpg

University Center $60 Million
http://news.gonzaga.edu/2013/gonzaga-trustees-approve-60-million-university

http://news.gonzaga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/University-Center_ne_view.jpg

Retail Center (under construction) $14 Million
http://news.gonzaga.edu/2012/gonzaga-break-ground-spring-14

http://news.gonzaga.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Parking_Retail-Facility-New_Cropped1.jpg

WSU

Biomedical Building DT (under construction) $78 Million
http://www.cpd.wsu.edu/CapitalProjects/Projects/project.aspx?Value=29

Spokane Convention Center Expansion $77 Million
http://www.spokanepfd.org/completion/

http://www.spokanepfd.org/completion/images/slideshow/steps.jpg

http://www.spokanepfd.org/completion/images/view1sm.jpg

Martin Luther King Jr. Way (phase 1 completed) $3.77 MIllion
http://www.spokaneengineering.org/mlk_way

http://www.spokaneengineering.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/MartinLutherKingDrawing2.jpg

And welcome to Spokane asher!

[FireFighter74]

Student services building addition $5.5 Million
http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=9208

http://www.spokanejournal.com/upload_content/import_images/9208_image.jpg

[FireFighter74]

http://www.spokanejournal.com/article.php?id=9236

[FireFighter74]

Here is what I'd like to see

http://www.yohyoh.com/img_upload/server/php//files/1177b02bd5d4eb8460c59164b28bd001f6ff.jpeg

But 15 stories tall. Maybe make it 25 just to be the tallest.