Spokane/ CDA development discussions [Archive] - Page 6

James Bond Agent 007

Jan 10, 2007, 3:55 AM

Here's some Spokane news.

http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=2999

N-S freeway cost now $3.3 billion
North Spokane Corridor’s estimated price tag jumps by $1.1 billion, or one-half
By Rocky Wilson

Results of the Washington state Department of Transportation’s latest cost estimate to finish constructing the North Spokane Corridor won’t be published until January, but DOT officials here say that report will project a more than $1 billion cost increase above the agency’s last published estimate in 2004.

The inflation-adjusted estimate to build over the next 20 years what’s commonly called the north-south freeway has jumped 50 percent to $3.3 billion from a $2.2 billion estimate made two years ago, says Larry Larson, DOT’s project engineer for the partially completed freeway.

Although DOT maintains an ongoing cost estimate for the North Spokane Corridor project, at least every two years it brings together industry and DOT experts to check the accuracy of those calculations.

Employing what’s called the cost estimation validation process, a total of about 16 private-industry and DOT experts met here in November, and DOT plans to publish its findings next month, Larson says.

Jerry Lenzi, DOT’s regional director here says, “I think $3.3 billion isn’t a bad number. The point is, it won’t get any cheaper.”

He says he’s confident that the final cost of the 10.2-mile freeway and a 3.5- mile access collector-distribution system along Interstate 90 will be less than $4 billion at the maximum.

Larson says the report also will include an estimate of the cost to build the freeway at today’s construction prices, without inflation added into the equation, although that method provides “unrealistic” figures.

He says January’s report will estimate the cost to complete the project at today’s prices at $2.2 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2004.

Increasing prices for building materials such as concrete, steel, and asphalt, due partly to higher demand for those products caused by continuing restoration work following Hurricane Katrina as well as several big transportation projects in Oregon, Idaho, and Utah, have bumped up projected costs for the North Spokane Corridor project, he says.

Yet, Larson says, “We are already seeing signs of stabilization in those markets.”

The north-south freeway is designed to carry eight lanes of traffic from I-90 to Francis Avenue, six lanes of traffic from Francis to U.S. 2, and four lanes of traffic from U.S. 2 to U.S. 395, Lenzi says.

Both Larson and Lenzi are confident that the overall project, which Lenzi says dates as far back as 1946 when the north-south freeway concept first was proposed, will be completed within the next 20 years.

Lenzi says, “I think it will be constructed and finished by 2025. Twenty more years is a pretty leisurely pace for us. Yet, my biggest concern is that we have adequate cash flow for construction.”

To date, DOT has received $221 million of state money from the nickel gas tax fund for the project, and it has been promised another $70 million next year by the Legislature from a state funding source that’s still to be determined, says Lenzi.

That $291 million primarily is for work on initial phases of the project north of Francis that are scheduled for completion in 2011, he says.

Yet, the $291 million is still $17 million shy of the latest projected cost to complete the work from Francis to U.S. 395, at Wandermere, he says. Figures in the report to be released next month put that cost at $308 million. In 2003, the Legislature gave the DOT $189 million in nickel gas tax funds with the thought that it would be enough to complete the project from Francis to Wandermere, says Lenzi.

In 2005, the Legislature allocated $152 million in state Transportation Partnership Act money for the project. That money, however, is earmarked mostly for land acquisition and design work, and will be doled out over a 16-year period, Lenzi says. Plans are to use those dollars primarily south of Francis, and they’re not included in the $291 million allocated for work between Francis and Wandermere, he says.

Federal participation small

Larson says the federal government has contributed a little less than $20 million for the corridor, and that money has been used mostly for the purchase of right of way and environmental work.

Larson says the freeway project is broken into eight stages. The first two stages include work north of Francis, and money for most of that work has been appropriated. Where money will come from to complete the other six stages isn’t known yet, he says.

“That’s a function of the Legislature,” Larson says. “We have to rely on them to secure our funding.”

Lenzi says the North Spokane Corridor “will have more of a voice than in the past” when transportation dollars are distributed by state lawmakers next year. He says Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown lives here, as do members of both the House and Senate transportation committees. “That will put us at the table,” he says.

Lenzi says there are general priorities for the work ahead.

“Our strategy is multi-pronged, but our first goal is to build what we said we’d build north of Francis by 2011,” he says. Major efforts after that work is completed, in order, will include constructing the freeway from Francis south to the Spokane River, building the collector-distribution system along I-90, then finally connecting the freeway from the Spokane River to the collector-distribution system, he says.

Larson says a 3.5-mile stretch of improvements will be done for the collector-distribution system along or near I-90 between Hamilton Street and Sprague Avenue near Fancher Way and “is a very expensive part of the project.”

Larson says the North Spokane Corridor will be designated as U.S. 395, while Division Street north of I-90, currently designated as U.S. 395 and U.S. 2, will be designated solely as U.S. 2.

Elevated on and off ramps connecting the new freeway with I-90 will extend for up to a half-mile both east and west of the Thor-Freya interchange, he says. Plus, Second and Third avenues, which parallel I-90 on either side of that stretch, will be expanded from two lanes to three lanes, and both will be parts of the collector system. They will continue to be one-way streets, says Larson. The current Altamont exit on that stretch of I-90 will be eliminated, he says.

Larson and Lenzi say they’re in the preliminary stages of developing a strategy on how to ask the Legislature for additional corridor funding next year.

Larson says he doesn’t know if they’ll ask for money “to make a push from Francis to Wellesley Avenue,” or try another approach.

Still, he says, “I believe the Legislature will continue to fund money for the project in various degrees depending on their priorities.”

http://www.spokanejournal.com/photos/nsfreeway.jpg
The north end of the North Spokane Corridor will connect with what's now U.S. 395, near Wandermere Golf Couse.

der Reisender

Jan 10, 2007, 6:22 AM

for 1/3 the cost of that $3.3 billion freeway they could probably build light rail to the airport, Liberty Lake, and north along Division with all the bells and whistles. wonder how long those freeway lanes will take to fill up with cars

mSeattle

Jan 10, 2007, 6:45 AM

Why aren't we Europe already up in here??? We want rail dang-it!! :)

urbanlife

Jan 11, 2007, 12:31 AM

I have nothing wrong with the NS Expressway because it will take most of the semi traffic that is clogging Spokane's streets. I am just not happy with the southern end of the expressway where it connects to I90. It will completely destroy that area to the point of no return.

James Bond Agent 007

Jan 11, 2007, 4:12 AM

^
Maybe they'll build a big, huge highrise corridor all the way from downtown Spokane to the new I-90 N-S freeway interchange. :D

urbanlife

Jan 11, 2007, 6:25 PM

^
Maybe they'll build a big, huge highrise corridor all the way from downtown Spokane to the new I-90 N-S freeway interchange. :D

haha, we are talking about Spokane. With this new freeway cutting through that neighborhood, the only thing that will go up in population there is the number of wife beater tshirts.:haha:

Hub for an Empire

Jan 12, 2007, 10:34 AM

Economy growing: New Spokane Route and flights on Horizon Air from Spokane! FLY GEG!

As stated in yesterday's Spokesman Review Business section, Horizon will add a route Non-stop from Spokane to Sacramento and supplement another flight with Alaska's Non-Stop route to Los Angeles!

The only thing I could find on the web, besides the Alaska Airline's Newsroom website, was this on the "The Cranky Flier" Blog. It also mentions new Alaska Airline flights from Portland. Alaska's Newsroom information follows with flight times and information:

Summer Schedule Buildup in Full Swing

It's that time of year when the airlines start announcing changes for their summer schedules. I won't mention all of them, but I will mention the ones that seem notable.

Horizon Air will operate daily nonstop regional jet flights between Spokane and both Sacramento and Los Angeles on July 1. These flights, which will operate under Alaska Airlines' code, show Horizon's further commitment to building up regional flying to airports in California. They've built up a heck of an operation at LAX these days. Take a look at their route map here (red lines are Horizon flights).

Meanwhile, Horizon partner Alaska Airlines will start daily nonstop flights between Portland (Oregon) and both Boston and Orlando on September 9. Until now, most of Alaska's long haul flying had been done out of Seattle and none of it when from Portland. This tells me that their service is doing well enough out of Seattle and Portland's economy is strong enough right now that they think this can work.
_________

Horizon Air Adding Nonstop Jet Service from Spokane to Sacramento and Los Angeles
1/10/2007 12:56 pm (PT)

SPOKANE, WASH. – On July 1, Horizon Air will launch new nonstop jet service between Spokane and Sacramento, and add nonstop jet service between Spokane and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Horizon will offer one daily flight to and from Sacramento, a market not currently served nonstop from Spokane. Horizon's daily flight to and from LAX will complement the once-daily nonstop service from Spokane by the airline's sister carrier, Alaska Airlines. Both of Horizon's new flights will be operated with 70-seat CRJ-700 jets.

"Our new nonstop jet service will strengthen the growing business and leisure ties between Spokane and Sacramento, both vital metropolitan areas," said Patrick Zachwieja, Horizon vice president of marketing and planning. "And Horizon's new jet flight between Spokane and LAX, in combination with Alaska Airlines' current service, will make same-day business trips a whole lot easier."

The flight time from Spokane will be two hours and 10 minutes to Sacramento and two hours and 40 minutes to Los Angeles. Horizon's inflight service includes complimentary snacks and beverages, Starbucks coffee, and Northwest wines and microbrews at no extra charge.

Depart Spokane Arrive Sacramento Frequency
12:55 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Daily

Depart Sacramento Arrive Spokane Frequency
3:35 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Daily

Depart Spokane Arrive Los Angeles Frequency
6:15 p.m. 8:55 p.m. Daily

Depart Los Angeles Arrive Spokane Frequency
9:20 a.m. 11:55 a.m. Daily

Horizon and Alaska first began serving Spokane in 1983. Together, the two airlines offer more daily flights from Spokane than any other carrier, providing nonstop service to Boise, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle.

Horizon served Sacramento from 1985 through 1988, and has served it continually since 1994. Alaska has served Sacramento since 1993. Together, the two airlines offer 12 flights from Sacramento, providing nonstop service to Boise, Palm Springs, Portland, and Seattle.

Los Angeles has been served by Horizon since 1999 and by Alaska since 1985. Together, the two airlines offer nonstop service from LAX to 25 cities throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Founded in 1981, Horizon today serves 46 cities throughout California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and British Columbia and Alberta. In 2006, Horizon flew 6.9 million passengers. Together, Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines serve 89 cities and are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).

For more information and downloadable photos of the CRJ-700, visit the Horizon Air Newsroom at http://newsroom.horizonair.com.

jimthemanincda

Jan 12, 2007, 8:59 PM

i am not sure if it is the old pines motel site but i seriously cannot find any info on this project whatsoever. for the size it seems it will be they should have a site or at least list it on the black rock projects on their site. I have looked everywhere. i wish i had a digital camera to get some photos of it. happy thanksgiving everyone and good luck with the crowds this weekend. i am going snowboarding on sunday and cant wait.

Here's the only info I have about Northwest Place courtesy of the Spokesman Review. I'm kind of disappointed with the project. Two 3-story buildings. I'm surprised the buildings aren't 6 or 8 stories. The land is one of the best locations in town (Hwy. 95 & Northwest Blvd.). Oh well. At least you know with Beutler & Chesrown working on the project, it will be high-quality.

Nils Rosdahl
The Spokesman Review
January 4, 2007

For a while, the "Northwest Place" sign has been in the corner where Northwest Boulevard meets the Highway 95 offramp in Coeur d'Alene. So here are some of the details on what Northwest Place is.

Currently, two three-level commercial buildings are planned on the 4.1-acre site along Northwest Boulevard. Construction should begin soon on the northern, 36,345-square-foot building, and should be complete by the end of November. The second, 23,160-square-foot building will be finished six to 12 months later.

Two buildings, the Pines Motel and the I Dunno night club, were demolished on the site. The I Dunno building began as a Smitty's Pancakes and was later the Pines Restaurant and Mad Mary's Restaurant.

Constructed primarily of brick, metal and glass, the new buildings will be flat-roofed with verandas and views of the Spokane River. Builder is Polin & Young Construction.

Probable occupants of the north building include Countrywide Home Loans and North Idaho Title.

With 8,000 square feet on the third level, Countrywide will move from its current location in Riverstone with about 25 employees. Under the umbrella of Countrywide Financial, the company began in 1969, and its headquarters are in Pasadena, Calif. North Idaho Title plans to have 10,000 square feet on the second level. The 12-year-old company, a subsidiary of Mother Lode Holding Co., has three locations in Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls and will have about 50 employees in Northwest Place. The Coeur d'Alene office administers business for the company's Idaho and Wyoming outlets. Northwest Place will be 20 percent retail (on the first floor) and 80 percent office and service companies. Spaces can range from 1,200 to 20,000 square feet. Owners are John and Ann Beutler of Century 21 Beutler & Associates Real Estate and Marshall Chesrown of Black Rock Development. For information, contact John Beutler or Trevor Young at (208) 765-5554.

Smentek

Jan 16, 2007, 11:39 PM

InlandEmpire

Jan 17, 2007, 4:53 PM

-I remember growing up in PF; there were about 5,000 people in the city when my family moved there in the early 90s. From 24,000 to almost 100,000 in 20 years will make for an interesting situation there. If they could create an actual downtown in Post Falls I could see it being an attractive place to live again. Maybe I will make that my mission in life :yes:

State of the city is one to behold
Posted: Tuesday, Jan 16, 2007 - 11:52:29 pm PST

So many people showed up for Mayor Clay Larkin's enthusiastic State of the City address Tuesday morning in Post Falls that they had to shuttle in extra tables and chairs to accommodate the overflow crowd.

It was an apt metaphor for the city itself.

After Mayor Larkin had cited a long list of municipal issues and accomplishments during the past year, he unleashed some stunning numbers.

24,000 -- Post Falls has passed that population mark.

44 percent -- How much the Post Falls job market has grown since the year 2000 (7,306 jobs then, 10,600 now).

35 percent -- How much the Post Falls business community has grown in that same span (685 businesses in 2000, 930 today).

947 -- The number of building permits issued in Post Falls last year.

And based upon the latest data from J.P. Stravens, the snowball is only expected to gain speed.

65,000 -- J.P. Stravens' projected population in Post Falls' existing city limits by the year 2028.

94,000 -- J.P. Stravens' projected Post Falls population by 2028 with expected expansion beyond existing boundaries.

With all those good tidings come challenges. But ask any city in the country what they'd rather have -- challenges dealing with growth or challenges dealing with decline -- and you'd find every single one of them choosing the former. Well, every single one without a death wish, anyway.

Post Falls' challenges, then, are going to require continued hard work, foresight and cooperation unlike the city has ever experienced. Mayor Larkin urged city leaders to strengthen their relationship with the North Idaho Chamber of Commerce, for instance. It's also clear that with the community's pressing transportation needs, recent momentum with the Idaho Transportation Board will need to be maintained.

Other infrastructure essentials, like sewer and water, must be constant objects on leaders' radar screens. An updated annexation plan is essential. Air quality, recreational opportunities, affordable housing and other quality-of-life basics help frame the agenda for adequately addressing future needs.

We looked around the crowded banquet room Tuesday morning and recognized a great many people who clearly are up to today's challenges and tomorrow's. We also believe partners throughout the region, like Jobs Plus, Panhandle Coalition, the cities of Coeur d'Alene and Hayden, and many others, will do their best to help their neighbors because, in essence, they'll also be helping themselves.

But most of all, we hope the general Post Falls citizenry is committed to staying informed and active. They're part of something terribly exciting and their manifest talents will be needed for the Post Falls of 2028 to be at least as great a place to live and work as it is today.

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urbanlife

Jan 17, 2007, 9:36 PM

yeah, I too and curious if the Mohawk is still standing or not.

Trebor of Spokane

Jan 17, 2007, 10:09 PM

I have a few questions about what's going on...
1. Has 153 Wall started construction yet?
2. What's going on with the flour mill condo building that was proposed? and
3. Has Mohawk been demolished yet? (Not that I want that or anything)
sorry, I'm just really curious...:D

1. (153 Wall St.)Has not started yet.

This is just a gut feeling, but I get the feeling that this project has at the very least been put on hold. Signs that were posted in the parking lot that stated the parking lot would be closed Nov. 4, 2006 for develpopment have been taken down, and cars continue to use the lot for parking. Diamond parking still is collecting parking fees.

2. (Upper Falls East Condos) This one is a bit confusing. Spokane city planning website is still showing a planning summary sheet (http://www.spokaneplanning.org/Current%20Planning/pend_cur_apps/Active%20Applications/Z2006-066-SL%20(Upper%20Falls%20East).pdf), but nothing has changed since Nov. 27, 2006.
I also ran across this information a few weeks back:
Spokane City-County Historic Preservation Office
Monthly Update

November 15, 2006
Property Updates
Spokane Flour Mill: Presidio Development is pursuing alternative design options for the Upper Falls East Condo development after receiving a denial from the Landmarks Commission to remove portions of the Flour Mill. The developers are working with the City’s Design Review Committee to revise their plans so that there won’t be an impact to the historic structure.

But to confuse matters, I was down at the Flower Mill during the first week of Jan. 2007 and notices that there was a For Sale sign out front of the property where this condo is planned.

Kinda have a gut feeling this one has at the very least stalled also.

3. (Mohawak/rookery site) Driving home last Night (Jan. 16th) i detoured through downtown. Noticed that the ground floor of the Mohawk had some demolition proceeding. Storefronts and interiors had been gutted but no structural walls had been removed.

Some personal opinion about this site/block; I was impressed with the look of not having the rookery building there. I liked the openess that it created. Was thinking that it would make a nice city square/plaza. Imagining the block, I see the western 1/3 being used as a plaza. the central 1/3 used for a new mixed use highrise (preferably - Spokanes tallest) and I imagine the side butting up against the plaza as being concave (sort of like the building is hugging the plaza). Northern 1/3 of eastern portion used by existing building and the southern 1/3 used as parking garage for the new mixed use highrise with the top floor being an open air balcony/garden (green roof)

Just some observationa and some thoughts.

Hope this helps Smentek.

urbanlife

Jan 17, 2007, 10:49 PM

I agree, that would be a perfect location for a square, kind of like Pioneer Courthouse Square is like here in Portland.

Smentek

Jan 18, 2007, 1:04 AM

Thanks, I kinda had that same feeling about the Wall St. Condos. I was eating around that area a week before Christmas and didn't see any activity, I just hoped that it would have changed in a month...
Sad to see Mohawk go down like that, I really liked that building, even though it may seem ugly. I thought it was pretty unique...but maybe you should be a developer, that sounded look a good idea!:yes:

revrw

Jan 19, 2007, 1:05 AM

Has anyone heard anything about this project? I don't know if it is dead in the water, or something on the drawing board.

http://www.alscarchitects.com/portfolio/Housing.pdf

look on page 4 "the Lincoln Tower"

If this is something that is going to happen, it would be a nice tower!

InlandEmpire

Jan 19, 2007, 3:22 AM

woah, that's a really nice looking tower! So it's positioned right behind that West 809 Main condo project? I'll keep my fingers crossed for ya Spokane!

sirsimon

Jan 19, 2007, 7:43 AM

Not bad at all! Does anyone know if it is close to getting built?

SPOKANITE

Jan 19, 2007, 8:08 AM

Not bad at all! Does anyone know if it is close to getting built?

Doubt it. It was probably a concept. The place is for sale as can be seen here:
http://metrospokane.typepad.com/index/2006/11/for_sale_lincol.html

Hub for an Empire

Jan 20, 2007, 2:39 PM

To follow up on Trebor's comments about the Rookery Block. I think whatever they do with the block they need to think about the future of downtown and do it with style. To me, it's the last prime location in the immediate downtown area for development and should draw from the retail area of downtown (Main Ave.) and also from the Hotel/Condo areas (Davenport Hotel(s) and One Fifty-Three building areas). It could really pull downtown altogether and give it a flow! Yes, it would be great to have a public meeting place/urban garden, but it can't be like the Parkade Plaza where people don't use it.
I think it would be great if Howard Street from Main to Riverside was closed and to put more retail kiosks in the Parkade Plaza and maybe adding a ramp down the street to give direct access to the skywalk across Main Ave. Give the place a meeting/activity feeling. The problem with the Skywalk system, here and other cities, is that it never intregrated the street level to the second level without using steps or elevators.
Also, I wish Walt or someone would turn the downtown EWU building into an Art Gallery! It would be a great location!

It's ONLY been a few months since the surprise announcement of the One-Fifty Three building, and it's winter, so I think 2007 will see lots of new starts for Spokane!

revrw

Jan 20, 2007, 5:45 PM

Very true Hub......If just 50% of the condo projects that have been announced get started, then downtown Spokane will have a busy 2007.

I agree with you about the EWU downtown building becoming an art gallery or maybe even a museum. Would be a nice addition to downtown!

Something that has me excited about downtown is the strong possiblity of steetcars. I think this has a real shot of happening in the not to distant future.

sirsimon

Jan 20, 2007, 6:14 PM

Is the EWU building DT currently vacant?

revrw

Jan 21, 2007, 1:44 AM

^ no, but it will be vacated after this year I believe. They are planning on moving all of the classes currently in that building over to the riverpoint campus.

Hub for an Empire

Jan 21, 2007, 3:42 PM

^^^^ Having taken classes at the EWU downtown building, IMO it would be nice to have it as a Art Gallery. Cafeteria in the basement with a mini-sculptor park in the Courtyard in the basement.

I agree, having Streetcars coming back to downtown would bring it full circle to Spokane's past and reverse the mistake they made in the 1930's.

Even if only 50 percent of the announced projects for downtown Spokane gets built, it will be a major push for Spokane. I think after 25 years of little growth, has caused the Spokane public to get cynical of talk of projects/advocates for Spokane, but I think we are beyond the point of no return where we will see growth, in a major way. It is nice for people, from Spokane and beyond, taking notice! It's Spokane's time in the Sun, finally!

sirsimon

Jan 21, 2007, 5:37 PM

Things definitely sound promising.

I have not been to Spokane in 2+ years. Will have to take a trip (prolly Spring) to see what's changed. :)

Trebor of Spokane

Jan 25, 2007, 11:43 PM

This is just rumor mill stuff so dont take this as the truth.

I went downtown this morning with my boss today for a Microsoft Vista Launch Seminar. My boss is the owner of a buisness in the east sprague neighborhood, and is on the steering committee for that neighborhood. We were talking about condos on the way back to the buinsness and at the point we were driving down sprague by the WSU and Gonzaga campus my boss told me that. Coverbond had bought the propertys at the corner of trent and Hamilton (habitat for humanity lot and the one across the street that is park like). He told me that he has seen plans that coverbond is develpoping for condominiums on those properties and that the buildings were up to 50 floors. (not sure if he meant that all building combined would equal 50 floors or if just one of the building was 50 floors, but the way he stated it is sounded like he meant that at least one of the building was 50 stories.

again this is just rumor mill

would be cool though if, but also seems out of place for the area.

Trebor.

Smentek

Jan 26, 2007, 4:39 AM

Wow that sounds interesting, but isn't there a height limit down on Trent and Hamilton?...I'm just saying, it is right off the Hamilton freeway exit, (I hope I'm thinking of the right building). It will be interesting to see if that turns out to be more than just rumors...

sustainable

Jan 26, 2007, 7:45 PM

I can't imagine how there could possibly be a 50 story building off of the corner of trent and hamilton. sure, the land is coming up in value, but per square foot is still nowhere close to downtown prices and it still makes sense for people in downtown to build 3, 4, or 5 story buildings which means land prices aren't high enough to warrant a 50 story building. It is just too expensive when you go that hight to justify the cost per story once you start going above six or seven stories.

Hub for an Empire

Jan 27, 2007, 4:30 AM

It was on the news tonight about the property site and development company, but no statement of the number of floors. My, that would stand out big time, but I'm sure it will be on a shorter level. Sounds like Habitat for Humanity has a lease to 2011, but they plan to look for another site shortly.

IMO it wouldn't be a good site for a 50 story building. Even a 50 Story building downtown would stand out compared to the 20 story B of A building!

Anyway, it's great to see people thinking differently in Spokalu! It's definitely not the Old Spokane of a few years ago! ...stay tuned!

Hub for an Empire

Feb 4, 2007, 1:24 AM

How did everyone like the 2007 U.S. Figure Skating Championship? It was nice to see the region get some exposure!
It will be re-broadcast tomorrow (02/04) on ABC at 2:30pm and ESPN at 5pm, if you want to tape it (SuperBowl Sunday).

You might of saw this article in last week's Spokesman Review, but I got it out of the San Diego Business Journal's Website.
NEW AIRLINE SERVICE FROM SPOKANE TO CALIFORNIA!
Airline Representatives will be in Spokane to make an announcement of flights on Monday, but their website is already active at:

www.xjet.com

Here's the article:

San Diego Business News

Spokane Airline Service to Get Boost: ExpressJet to Introduce Seven Daily Nonstop Flights to L.A., San Diego
Saturday, January 27, 2007

By

By Tom Sowa, The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Jan. 27--A Houston aviation company will debut a new passenger airline service this spring, adding brand new flights to 24 cities, including seven daily flights from Spokane to California.

Starting in April, ExpressJet Airlines will introduce seven daily nonstop flights between Spokane and three California cities, said an aviation analyst covering the publicly traded company.

The new routes will be formally announced by ExpressJet officials in early February. Officials from the publicly traded company will visit Spokane's airport Feb.5 to describe the new service.

The new flights will be the first nonstops between Spokane and two popular Southern California destinations -- Los Angeles Ontario International Airport and San Diego.

The third California destination has not been identified, but, based on job postings on ExpressJet's Web site, could be Sacramento. In total, Spokane will likely see seven flights to California daily and seven arrivals, said Spokane International Airport Spokesman Todd Woodard.

Spokane fliers today can reach Los Angeles's LAX airport with one daily nonstop from Alaska Airlines. Other passengers flying to that city switch flights first in Seattle or Portland.

No airline currently offers nonstops to San Diego or Sacramento from Spokane. Los Angeles is the seventh most-frequent destination from Spokane; San Diego is the 11th, while Sacramento is eighth.

An ExpressJet spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the company's plans for Spokane.

Airline analyst Helane Becker, managing partner with The Benchmark Company of New York, said it's obvious when visiting ExpressJet's Web site that Spokane, Fresno, Boise and other Western and Southwestern cities are new destinations for the airline.

Becker, however, is skeptical that ExpressJet's plan will succeed. She and other analysts quizzed ExpressJet officials during an earnings conference call over details of the new plan.

ExpressJet CEO Jim Ream told them the airline will use 44 of its 50-seat jets to launch the service and expects the plan to be successful over time.

"This is the right aircraft, these are the right markets and we think we are the right company to prove these aircraft can operate out of a network," Ream said, in response to pointed questions from the analysts, including Becker.

Until now, ExpressJet has used about 279 of its aircraft as contracted planes for Continental Airlines, flying as Continental Express in midsized markets.

Continental has told ExpressJet it won't need about 70 of those aircraft as it reduces costs. That frees up aircraft for the new routes.

Analyst Becker said it's not an easy time for a contract company to start a new airline from scratch.

Another airline, Independence Air, tried to do the same thing in 2003, relying on similar 50-seat jets to build a following. But Independence Air failed and was liquidated in 2005, she said.

"I don't know if demand (for those routes) is high enough, especially in cities like Spokane where you have carriers like Southwest and Alaska already in the market, offering hub service in some cases and with good frequent flier programs."

Added Becker: "Others have tried and failed. But maybe ExpressJet has a better mousetrap."

Spokane economist Randy Barcus, who works for Avista Corp., said the additional flights "are fabulous for the air-traveling public in this area."

Spokane flights to California have been popular in the past and the added option of nonstop service will appeal to travelers, he said.

Barcus has planned a February family trip to Los Angeles and said he's flying to Seattle, sitting for an hour then flying to LA/Ontario. If ExpressJet had been available, he would have bought a ticket and saved two hours in travel time. "People would be willing to pay a little extra to save those two hours, not to mention not having to worry about missing a connecting flight to where they're headed," Barcus said.

ExpressJet officials have not disclosed ticket prices yet. But Ream, in the conference call, said the airline will not start by offering discount fares.

An added benefit will be having more aviation jobs in Spokane, Barcus said. Even if the new service takes away passengers from other airlines, the result will be lower prices overall, he said.

-----

oilcan

Feb 8, 2007, 1:21 AM

50 floors in Spokane huh? Now that would be a sight to see..

Smentek

Feb 8, 2007, 1:32 AM

Yeah, that does sound really cool, but Trent and Hamilton just seems way too far away from the CBD for that type of building...i mean it's right across the street from GU, but it's across the river and through the U-District to get downtown...

urbanlife

Feb 8, 2007, 2:31 AM

is the mohawk building still standing?

revrw

Feb 8, 2007, 8:41 AM

^ just the skeleton. Its been gutted. Looks like it is ready to come down!

urbanlife

Feb 8, 2007, 8:11 PM

such a sad thought. Good thing I am not there to watch this happen.

I wonder how much he wants for the block now that there will be no buildings on it. I am sure he can't be asking for the 5mil anymore. That land is worth 2 mil if he is lucky as a surface lot. The big lot just east of there, closer to the train station is about 1.2 mil.

oilcan

Feb 9, 2007, 12:40 AM

yep

oilcan

Feb 9, 2007, 12:42 AM

urbanlife

Feb 9, 2007, 10:34 AM

my guess is he is asking 5+ mil for the land now because he had to pay to have the buildings torn down in the first place. the man was never much of a visionary for the city....more like a blood sucking vulture....sound probably wikipedia that to see where those types of birds come from.

oilcan

Feb 17, 2007, 9:56 AM

Possibly a little buzz starting to happen with riverfalls.. pics courtesy from MetroSpokane. http://metrospokane.typepad.com/

http://metrospokane.typepad.com/./photos/uncategorized/riverfallsbro_1.jpg

http://metrospokane.typepad.com/index/images/heylmanriverfalls.jpg

Hub for an Empire

Feb 17, 2007, 3:33 PM

^^^^ I like the rendering....and it looks like they are progressing to the next step (Wonder when the VOX will actually start construction?). Nothing on Emporis yet for this project.

I hope.....and it looks like the City Council will take some kind of action to limit construction along the river and protect access by the public. Hopefully they do the same to the viewpoints along Riverside and the Kendall Yard area. Not total restriction but to give the Public some viewing areas.

I don't know about you others, but I'm getting anxious for some construction to get going in downtown.....all the talk of new projects.......anxious for the actual advancement. Hopefully this Spring!

Hub for an Empire

Feb 17, 2007, 4:33 PM

Another website I found on the One Fifty-Three Wall Street Condo. Click on box for enlargement. Nice enlargement of Howard Street streetscape:

http://www.omsarch.com/portfolio_details.php?cid=8&id=96

oilcan

Feb 18, 2007, 2:05 AM

Great link Hub thanks One fifty looks decent.. what an addition it would be..

About the Vox.. I am thinking this is yet another Brewster flop to be honest with you. (All hype no action) Based on his past with projects Havermale etc.. I have a suspision this one might fade in time as well.. I know there is a lot of red tape involved, planning however, CB's site linked to the Vox site does not even have it listed... many of those projects are "pipe dreams" anyway.. If you try to submit wanting to get info from the Vox site it is inop.. just seems stretched.. Believe me I want notihing more than to see the tower go up, but I just have a bad feeling about this one.... hopefully I am wrong but based on Brewster's past... I remain skeptical to say the least..

revrw

Feb 18, 2007, 7:12 AM

^ yeah....I agree. There is alot of talk right now, but not alot of action. At least the cityplace condos will start there remodel soon. I talked to someone close to the project and he said the remodel will start in a month or so. He also told me that the major tenent for the 1st floor will be a gym. He said it would be a nice upscale gym. time will tell.

sirsimon

Feb 18, 2007, 6:42 PM

Is Riverfalls built over above-ground parking (that's what it looks like)?

Hub for an Empire

Feb 18, 2007, 11:36 PM

^^^^ Looks like it is built above a parking garage. Looks like it will be off Main Avenue and not off Riverside like the other Apartment building. Wonder how Peaceful Valley residents will feel about this project!

Hope you are wrong OilCan about the VOX. Spokane is soooooo ready for some new construction downtown! You are right, Brewster seems to get involved in too many projects at the same time. I think it would be best for him to finish one and then move on. Guess he is a dreamer.

Even if a fraction of the proposed projects move forward, it will be a nice push for the city and region!

oilcan

Feb 19, 2007, 1:24 AM

Indeed Hub as I said I would love to be wrong, not to bring negativity it is just that Brewster unvailed Havermale back in earlier 2003? No progress, and that was around the same time they released what was to be a Rookery Tower. Worthy had local hype with Davenport tower, and other condo's were announced so comes up with this huge announcement all over the news for face time etc.. I think he is a classic showman in ways as far as attention goes.. Time for him to put his money where his mouth is. Nothing to take away from the second largest city in Washington... it's got a great downtown already considering it's size, people are moving downtown, great history archtecture already..... just sit back it will be fun to watch

North bank/Arena area: attached Upper Falls Condo's recently built (center).. on the ballet/proposed: Condo next to the FlowerMill to the East, and two 15 floor towers at the old Y site.
Pic from Flickr

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/167/394662275_05570e1802_o.jpg

Smentek

Feb 23, 2007, 2:42 AM

oilcan

Feb 23, 2007, 12:33 PM

yes oilcan, but the question is if these are going to happen...
obviously i really want these to happen, but news about upper falls east has become rare, and since the YWCA has its lease until 2010 (i think) those buildings will be a long way off...
I'm enthusiastic for all of these projects, but I'm getting impatient (and nervous) about some of the ones coming through the woodwork...I just hope it all happens :yes:

I don't think it is a matter of if but when.. The two towers proposed by SRM back in November offered 4 mill for the location.. You will see a new combined YMCA/YWCA eventually just because of the state of conditions currently not too far off so the project time line stretched to 3 years but I believe all issues will be resolved and you will see development sooner.. especially with competition further down the river in Kendall Yards very very..slowly... going in motion.. As far as Upper Falls LLC.. I was reading not to long ago Don B. and LLC had gone back to the drawing table to re evaluate the design for this proposal. I believe this one obviously had more eye brows raised because of it's proximity to the Flour Mill.. I too was very very skeptical about the design below because of the lack of space just is an option and not to sound NIMBY I too would hate to take anything away from the Flour Mill itself because of its history.. but I have a feeling something will come about.. The North bank property is arguably the hottest property currently because of its local and view... it won't stay idol long.. cherry has already been popped with Upper Falls..

Dream scenario is that SRM take the two 14 floor condo idea use that 4 mil to buy the Rookery site and invest a new commercial / condo 25+ tower there...
http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/view/mb/file?username=astazio&id=188250

Smentek

Feb 24, 2007, 3:32 AM

oilcan

Feb 24, 2007, 6:00 AM

Great link Smentek..

BOA purched.. expected millions of dollars for renovations..

In todays: SpokBJ..

Unico buys downtown high-rise Printer-Friendly Version
Concern paid $36 million for Bank of America building, records show

By Kim Crompton

Unico Properties LLC, a Seattle-based real estate investment and operating company, says it has bought the 20-story Bank of America Financial Center in downtown Spokane, and plans to spend millions of dollars on improvements to it.

Unico didn’t disclose the purchase price, but a real estate excise-tax affidavit filed with Spokane County indicates that it paid $36 million for the 330,000-square-foot building, located at 601 W. Riverside. The high-rise was built in 1981.

Allstate Real Estate Investment Group, of Northbrook, Ill., said it provided a $28 million loan to Unico to buy the building, which currently is 82 percent leased. It said Unico plans to invest more than $2.7 million to upgrade and enhance the property.

Unico says it owns and operates properties in the western U.S. that total 6 million square feet of space, but this is its first acquisition in the Spokane market.

“Investing in the Spokane market and diversifying our assets to include the Inland Empire has been both a professional and personal objective for me,” says Unico President and CEO Dale Sperling, who grew up in Spokane.

Jonas Sylvester, vice president of investments at Unico, says, “Our investment strategy has always been to purchase the best building in any market. We are very confident in the long-term strength of the Spokane office market, and we are pleased to make our first entry here with the purchase of downtown Spokane’s premier building.”

Sperling says, “We’ve been wanting to get into Spokane for a long time, but just never found the right alternative.”

Unico “began diversifying out in concentric circles” from Seattle seven or eight years ago, grabbing up high-profile properties in Tacoma, Boise, Portland, Denver, and San Francisco, he says.

Of Spokane, Sperling says, “It’s sort of a classic, less volatile market where, if you can own good high-quality real estate in the best location in town, and operate it well, you can make it work.”

Unico is an investment company, so it’s going to hang onto the Bank of America building rather than “flip” it in two or three years as some investment groups might do, he says. Also, he says, “We don’t intend to do just one deal (in Spokane). We would like to expand it.”

Unico says it bought the building here from American Financial Realty Trust (AFR), a publicly traded real estate investment trust that bought the structure in 2003 as part of a large portfolio of Bank of America assets. Bank of America, with 48,000 square feet of floor space, continues to be the largest tenant in the building. Unico says it will make “significant” upgrades to the building’s lobby entry, common areas, and elevators.

Mike Livingston and Craig Soehren, both associate brokers with Kiemle & Hagood Co., of Spokane, provided brokerage services throughout the acquisition process, with Livingston representing Unico and Soehren representing AFR.

“The Bank of America building is a key part of the downtown office landscape. Based on Unico’s excellent reputation within the Seattle marketplace, we are pleased they will be owning and operating this important asset,” says Tom Quigley, president and CEO of Kiemle & Hagood.

Contact Kim Crompton at (509) 344-1263 or via e-mail at kimc@spokanejournal.com.

oilcan

Feb 24, 2007, 6:26 AM

I don't know how many of you read the inlander...I usually don't do so often, but the cover story definately grabbed my attention...it basically covers all the condo projects that are proposed or are in development, including an interesting bit on 153 Wall St. I just thought this was relatively interesting...

Here's The Link:
http://www.inlander.com/topstory/288264871205113.php

I like living in a city of 1.6 and look at it from the outside.. you have those like me who support growth and proper planning.. I wish the people of Spokane would try harder an open their eyes to innovation/development for the future's sake.. NIMBYs, papers looking for any opportunity to raise eye browes about growth, difficult city officals to work with, big hypes like Brewsters who don't step up to proposals. Typical Spokane pant leg getting caught trying to jump over the fence as the rest of the state/nation passes right on by... Time for people in that area to look outside in and realize the poputlation/investors will be there with the cost of living go out west coast/go further inland.... strut. That is invevidable and needs of those people moving in will push the market.. pick your weapon..condo's downtown, suburban homes, trailers in airway heights etc... but c'mon Spokane time to get with the program..

sirsimon

Feb 24, 2007, 5:33 PM

The Upper Falls Condos look like they crowd out the Flour Mill a bit. In the photo above, the condo building just dominates the Mill, diminishing it a bit. What do you think about putting another building on the other side of the Flour Mill?

Is the visual impact less obtrusive in person?

Hub for an Empire

Feb 24, 2007, 6:25 PM

^^^^ Design wise I agree. Too bad they didn't have the Condo building a little shorter closer to the Floor Mill! It's a historic building, it should be a focal point. Let's hope they put some thought in the other Condo building, if it goes on the other side! IMO.

Regarding the INLANDER article......what Spokane doesn't need is negativity! The boom just started.....and it barely materialized yet....besides the Davenport Tower, Convention Center expansion and other smaller projects. The biggest problem with Spokane since the early 80's is the negativity from it's citizens! If that is projected to others, it reinforces an image. I still believe Spokane needs to form bonds with other cities outside the Northwest, other Northwest Cities (besides the smaller cities) will ALWAYS represent their best interests.

I for one, hope the citizens of Spokane take pride in their community and appreciate advances (however small......paint on a older home or beautification of streets), and realize that Spokane is on the move forward!

I, like most other people on this website and in this community, am just as anxious to see new highrises and developments move forward! I just hope certain developers aren't just stringing the community along with new talk, just to make themselves seem more important.....that would be an injustice for this region! Let's not cloud Spokane's future with the negativity of the past! SPOKANE IS ON THE MOVE! Spokane did itself proud with the Skating Championship....let's move on to the next project!

Off my soapbox now. :)

oilcan

Feb 24, 2007, 8:14 PM

Good words Hub a true Spokanite you are..

On another note I also read this week that the EWU building located between the Davenport Tower and the Wells Fargo building was going up for sale as EWU prepares to move to the Riverside Campus.

Hub for an Empire

Feb 24, 2007, 10:22 PM

^^^^ Thanks!

I heard on T.V. that Worthy passed the opportunity for the EWU Center.
As I stated in the past, IMO it would be a great Art Gallery for downtown Spokane.
They also stated it could be torn down .....for a bank, etc..... It was orginally built for the Farm Credit banks before they built the current Wells Fargo bank tower in the 1970's. That doesn't make much sense to me. If a bank builds, I hope it's on the Rookery Block with Spokane's tallest!
Spokane needs a new icon in it's center!

Smentek

Feb 24, 2007, 10:42 PM

I completely agree about the inlander article...it just left me with a bad taste in my mouth...it made any downtown construction seem like a pipe dream, but whatever...it's a good thing that the inlander doesn't make Spokane's decisions, or we wouldn't have building downtown for twenty more years, so they could write articles every month about Spokane's declining downtown...
just my 2 cents

oilcan

Feb 28, 2007, 7:56 PM

Just Spoke with someone from C-bond inquiring about the status of the Vox Tower she confirmed that the tower was currently going through its "review" stages (go figure typical trained Brewster answer) but that was all she could offer me. She directed me to another department where I left a message (as an investor from Arizona), so hopefully I can get a little scoop on what is going on.

Dazzeetrader

Mar 1, 2007, 9:17 AM

Unless and until new financial support ( ie job) appears in SPokane, it's doubtful any developers would chance putting tens of millions into risky condos in Spokane. Seriously, where would the new job and the new faces come from. Youth goes elsewhere and the aging population just might be happy with their yards and houses that are paid for.

I've done my own bit of research on proposed housing in Spokane and it honestly looks bleak. New jobs aren't here. The Chamber/EDC has become a promotional tool for the annointed ones on Riverside. The Inlander article, while not cheerful, is closest to the truth. Lots of talk......lots of self promotion.....but no much activity. Sabey might have been right when he left. For a group that has enough money, Spokane simply offers too much obstruction to justify risking millions of dollars.

I'm not one bit happy about wondering why this beautiful city just can't wake up. It's not allowed...that's why. Oh sure, the Barbs can mayyyyyyybe get away with an Upper Falls project but doing the 2nd one offers risk and problems too. Big ones. Small wonder the bigger successes will be confined to the newer things out in the Valley/Liberty Lake and CDA regions. And you know what? I hate it! Just hate it when such a potentially fine city is so inundated with debt from a silly parking garage, potentially Kendall yards ( nice though it may be) debt, and a host of other issues not yet made clear.

I'd love to see some gorgeous growth. I'd love to new high paying jobs generated by highly successful companies go forward in Spokane. With the present situation, tell anyone how it can happen in the next 5 to 10 years. Mining, timber, distribution, factories are gone now. Railroads have been ripped out of the heart of the city. Think it just happened by accident? Something serious is going to have to happen in Spokane before a return to widespread properity occurs. The key word is "widespread". WIDESPREAD....as in not congealed in the hands of just a few. I don't know how it'll happen. Diversification is the lifeblood of a thriving, growing city.

Pray for the diversification on the Inland Northwest. I don't live in Spokane anymore. It just hurt too much to watch it crumble. But from thousands of miles away, I still look back and wonder.....and I suppose I always will. We all have hopes......things that'll make lives better and more complete. Here , on this Board...I can tell everyone has hope for good things to be completed in Spokane. It's like a piece of beautiful art this city. Everone knows it, but nobody knows how to make it blossom. I wish I knew. I do know this though.....nothing changes if nothing changes. Best wishes.....Dazzee...ps sorry if I sound bummed.

citymouse

Mar 1, 2007, 3:05 PM

"watch it cumble"??? That's a little strong. Growth is slow but it is happening and it is inevitable.

Property values, natural beauty, temperate climate and relative proximity to more metropolitan areas will continue to attract a growing population. Who doesn't know someone who just moved from California or Seattle? I work with someone who sold their home in CA and moved here - please note, this person has a job - in Spokane. But even without a job, they brought plenty of money with them. They are 30 somethings, not retirees. This will continue to happen despite the job market and resistance to growth. As these people come in, they will require housing, eductional opportunities, financial services, etc that will spur job growth.

Resistance, indifference and a slow job market can slow the process but it won't stop it from happening. Hang in there Dazzee.

oilcan

Mar 1, 2007, 4:29 PM

^ While I too express some of the same feelings as I look back an into Spokane from a city that has well over a million within it's city limits however, theatrics and negative views have cursed the Inland Empire for years, my thought is you must seek opportunity instead of sitting back waiting for it or complaining.. about it..
I think in order to be attractive you have to take that risk, and people are not willing to take that risk, or are throwing up doubt.. while realistically the outlook is not bad at all.. Also keep in mind about 70% of those condos invisioned just came forth last year (the other 30% Brewsters:) )... Spokane is so anxious/hungry (I am guilty as well) where if we don't see ground being broke in a month or so we start throwing around negativity (Indlander Article)... and one could make a strong case based on the cites past that is a justified reaction.. However, tide is turning and I believe new developers stepping up should not be so lashed at because of a poor few in the past and a stingy city council. Point the finger at a few and hold them accountable, but make sure you take note of all the positive developments that have occured over the years.

How is the opportunity there?

Here is a little part of the SBJ about last years job growth:

In 2006, more than 10,000 jobs were created in Spokane County, an increase of about 4.5 percent.

In terms of percentage gain, “Spokane County is experiencing the fastest job growth of any county in the state—faster even than Clark, Pierce, Kitsap, and all other counties that have bursts in job growth,” Barcus says.

He’s predicting significant continued job growth, in the range of 5,000 to 8,000 jobs, here this year, and says that’s in a market in which there already is an estimated 2,500-plus unfilled positions.

“If businesses hire all they say they are going to in 2007, we should have about 7,500 people entering the work force,” he says. “I can see job growth is going to be strong, and we haven’t even heard all of the job announcements yet.”

Housing prices/investment opportunity alone will spur growth and business

Just one blurp I found I know it was in several publications but from an investor magazine housing predictor

http://azrealestate.files.wordpress.com/2007/01/top-25-housing-markets-2007.png

Just a few comments as far as business opportunities go, the Health Technology is taking off in Spokane, local small tech companies such as AMI, ISR, Itron and Telect for example are comming off some of their best years and are expanding, Riverside campus and education opportunities are increasing/advancing and local construction had one of it's most productive years in decades, and will remain to do so with a strong housing market, retail saw a 10% increase.

Some of the problem is peoples willingness to move forward, new blood brings new life, Spokane needs not the backward thinkers and skeptist who think they are still good from the days of 1974 and are willing to point out every fault when it comes to growth opportunities, but needs people who are willing to advance/support new ideas on the table.. Just a few positive cases largest building in Spokane BOA was purchased by an outside investor who has been waited to seize this opportunity for sometime, he wants to put millions into it does not have a plant to "flip it" (as all investors say :) ) but wants to generate potential long term profit because he sees this as the right time in Spokane.. ... The investment of the new Spokane Shock AFL2 franchise that in their first season won the championship and hammered the league with cities such as Memphis, OKC, Louisville, in attendance by attracting nearly 10,000 people per game, any idea what that does for jobs and business downtown in the community?.. How about Walt Worthy?.. takes the time... puts his money into the Davenport and look at the success sparking a district with businesses, promoting tourism, and one could argue helped Spokane land the National Figure Skating Championships that aired nationally giving "exposure".. Was not visually thrilled with the outcome of the new Davenport tower but, it was another risk spawned by the initial success and it will provide jobs and add to the commerce of downtown. Upper Falls... nearly sold out, look at the success in condos that are built downtown are having.. If you do build it, they will come.. Spokane has had its problems with a difficult city council unwilling to work with developers and developers like Brewster who in my opinion are in it for status quo and while making his "urban invisions" known quite successfully in the media more times than not they appear to be nothing but a pipe dream; throwing yet another log on Spokane's ever so growing fire of "what ifs?" leading to the publics view that advancement can not be done.

All though not a resident of Spokane/Washington State anymore I will always stand by Spokane of course with realism and optimism. As long as I have been keeping an eye on it... I would say now than ever before Spokane is on the verge of something really fantastic over the next 10 to 20 years...

sustainable

Mar 1, 2007, 4:46 PM

Unless and until new financial support ( ie job) appears in SPokane, it's doubtful any developers would chance putting tens of millions into risky condos in Spokane. Seriously, where would the new job and the new faces come from. Youth goes elsewhere and the aging population just might be happy with their yards and houses that are paid for.

I've done my own bit of research on proposed housing in Spokane and it honestly looks bleak. New jobs aren't here....

This is just plain wrong about job growth and proposed housing. I don't want
to sound harsh, but this sounds like somebody that has either not been in Spokane recently, or not read many of the numbers - maybe neither. Last year Spokane County had the best job growth in the state, beating King, Clark and Snohomish counties. If you want to find out more than read something from Randy Barcus, an economist from Avista. And something good - the job growth went across all sectors - industrial, managerial, service, professional and medical. Yes, Spokane is largely service based along with much of the nation, but for a city that serves such a large geographic region that has to come here for what they need basing its economy on services just might work really well.

As far as your research on housing you might want to see some numbers that have recently come out. In 2006 Spokane had the third highest housing price increase in the entire nation - 17.7%. Only Virginia Beach and Salem, OR were higher. I've been doing a bit of research myself, and putting my money where my mouth is and it is paying off.

Just hate it when such a potentially fine city is so inundated with debt from a silly parking garage, potentially Kendall yards (nice though it may be) debt, and a host of other issues not yet made clear.

Railroads have been ripped out of the heart of the city. Think it just happened by accident? Something serious is going to have to happen in Spokane before a return to widespread properity occurs. The key word is "widespread". WIDESPREAD....as in not congealed in the hands of just a few. I don't know how it'll happen. Diversification is the lifeblood of a thriving, growing city.

First off - the city and the parking garage issue has already been settled, I don't know why you'd any longer call that "inundated" with debt, and secondly regarding Kendall Yards debt that is going to be paid back to investors using tax increment financing from the benefit area so the city is not on the hook (check the Spokesman this morning, they have a good article).

One last thing: the railroads that were "ripped" out of the middle of city were consolidated to the railroad viaduct. Do you know what we got instead? Riverpoint, Riverfront Park, an expanded Gonzaga University, the Centennial Trail, and soon Kendall Yards, not bad. They moved the train yards out of downtown to the east where they made more sense. If you are talking about streetcars - than sure, I'll give that to you, but what city didn't make that mistake.

Anyway folks - let's look at the facts here and see that Spokane doesn't need to beat itself up - there is a lot of great stuff going on, and that's not just propaganda from the EDC, these are statistical realities.

urbanlife

Mar 1, 2007, 9:31 PM

actually something to point out, Spokane is an attractive market to retired people. So the job growth market doesn't really matter to them. If the housing market is lower than where they are currently living, then chances are the housing market in Spokane will be just fine.

oilcan

Mar 1, 2007, 9:52 PM

^Very true along with ever increasing presence of military retirees settling from Fairchild AFB.. This is evident from the growth at West plains and Airway heights.

Hub for an Empire

Mar 2, 2007, 2:11 AM

I heard Spokane was like in the top five (actually #3) in the nation for the third or last quarter of 2006 in house appreciation! (I think Norfolk Va Area and Salem were the only ones higher).

My, the negativity! Where are the Spokanites from 1974 when Spokane was known as the Can-Do city? In 2006, we added more jobs in Spokane County than ANY YEAR in it's history! (True, low paying compared to the way we want them, but still a good indication of growth). Sure was nice to hear the positive impressions on ABC Sports or ESPN during national broadcasting about Spokane during the Skating Championships! New air routes are being added out of GEG. Things are happening in the region! I've never heard of so many "proposed" projects in the City of Spokane in my life since Expo.
Even if a fraction are only built....it will give Spokane a big push!

I'm a Realist. Things are changing in Spokane and it might not happen as fast as we like, but sit back and watch it grow!

Hub for an Empire

Mar 2, 2007, 3:09 AM

On a different note, I noticed that on the Spokane International Airport Website they list the top markets from Spokane in 2005! Remember the old phase.....If they build it, they will come?......well, it looks like if they start Nonstop Service from Spokane, people will use it! Bring on the new air routes from SIA:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Todd Woodard
February 5, 2007
EXPRESSJET TO SERVE 3 CALIFORNIA
MARKETS NONSTOP
(Spokane, WA) – Spokane International Airport (GEG) announced today that Houston, Texas based ExpressJet will provide 7 daily departures to 3 major California markets that will be phased in over time from April 2 through June 4, 2007. Spokane’s new city pairs include Sacramento (3 daily departures), Ontario (2) and San Diego (2). ExpressJet will operate the new Spokane service with 50-seat Embraer-145 Regional Jets from the airport’s Concourse C using Gate 32. Year-end 2005 top 20 passenger markets from Spokane (bold indicates existing nonstop service):

Destination
Total Passengers
Growth Rate vs. 2004

Seattle
529,810
4.3%

Portland
236,580
6.1%

Boise
147,940
6.3%

Phoenix
122,060
9.1%

Las Vegas
119,590
5.0%

Los Angeles
105,460
3.3%

Oakland
102,930
3.9%

Salt Lake City

91,290
-13.4%

Sacramento
91,170
7.1%

Denver
78,130

5.7%

San Diego
78,050
7.8%

San Jose
53,740
14.5%

Chicago
53,560
0.5%

Reno
52,170
6.3%

Ontario
49,680

7.4%

Orange County

39,280
-5.3%

Minneapolis

37,320
-3.3%

Dallas/Ft. Worth
36,990

22.6%

Anchorage
35,440
2.3%

New York
35,100
7.4%

oilcan

Mar 2, 2007, 6:45 AM

Anyone have any word on Riverstone?.. I know it was scalled down some, and it appears there are two different designs posted on Miller Sta site? or are these two different towers?

http://www.millerstauffer.com/images/projects/on_boards/cda_mud/cda_mud04.jpg

http://www.millerstauffer.com/images/projects/on_boards/cda_mud/cda_mud01.jpg

revrw

Mar 2, 2007, 6:35 PM

Any word on the one-fifty-one condos in downtown. I heard they were supose to make a decision on Thursday as to wheather they are going to move forward as scheduled. If anyone hears anything, please let us know.

InlandEmpire

Mar 2, 2007, 8:42 PM

oilcan-

that design is more than likely related to Riverstone. I may have posted this before, but I am too lazy to look. The developers of Riverstone appeared on the CDA city channel 19 before the city council and proposed (4) 165' residential towers in the development. This proposal you show looks like it could be in the 165' range. Two of them would go by the new Hampton Inn construction site, and two would go by the retirement community building that fronts Seltice. The parking garage for Riverstone is finished so they can start pulling up the existing parking lot to build the 'main street' style condos- so the four towers may not be too far behind..

oilcan

Mar 2, 2007, 10:17 PM

^ Inland.. Thank you for the info... kind of hard to keep track this far away... I was unaware there was four? wow and top that off with the new Parkside tower under construction... go C'dA go......

As much as I have traveled around C'dA still ranks as one of my favorite places..

revrw: I contacted OMS and left a message a few minutes ago...

Found two exact sites for OMS for 153... all exact wording on each except the date:

Date: Spring 2008

Date: Under Construction

Hopefully I can get some insight with a return call if this got the nod.

As far as my calls to Brewster's office... what a joke... 3 messages one per day since Wed...You call one number it says "we are not in we are moving"... reception is clueless (if she answers) and then you bring up the moving and she says "what? no one is moving?" You try the "request info" on the website for the Vox tower it is inop.. You try the contact number on the webpage it has been taken off the hook and gives you a busy signal. No wonder Brewster can't get a tower going, he can't even controll his own office :) God forbid I ever invest in any of his "pipe dream" properties just from my experience this week alone..

Hub for an Empire

Mar 4, 2007, 10:05 PM

^^^^Let's hope the One Fifty Three Condo starts construction OilCan this Spring! Too bad Brewster isn't into reality for Spokane's sake! Anyone here about the supposed big announcement on that Thursday the INLANDER stated in their Condo bashing article? No one answered that question from the above post.

oilcan

Mar 5, 2007, 11:45 AM

City of Spokane Valley looking to start a "City Center".

From KXLY:

SPOKANE VALLEY -- As the city of Spokane Valley continues to grow, so does the need for a city center, and one way to do that would be to turn Sprague Avenue into a two-way road.

The idea is to create a place that neighbors can spend time riding their bikes, shopping, and eating.

The plan calls for the city center to be placed near the Appleway area which would mean big changes to Sprague Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Under the plan, the consultant recommends the city make Sprague Avenue into a two way road between Argonne and University.

It also recommends that Sprague should be reduced from seven to five lanes between Bowdish and University.

As for Appleway, the plans call for extending it as a two way road to up Evergreen, instead of Dishman-Mica.

Other possible changes include creating a neighborhood feeling with trees lining the streets and mixed use housing.

The city of Spokane Valley hopes that the changes will boost economic activity, as well as attract businesses in the retail corridor. They also want to create a place that will be more pedestrian friendly.

“I think it's going to be a great idea, because I know a lot of people don’t like fighting traffic” said local business owner Matt Barney. “I think it takes away a lot also, I mean, a lot of people don’t even know our business is even here.”

The city budgeted $400,000 for this report, and it was based off of several meetings with the community over the past year.

The report is just a recommendation, and no official changes have been confirmed.

The Deputy Mayor says the city council will need some time to review the 140 page report before the city makes any changes.

There will also be several more public meetings about these proposed changes before any construction begins.

urbanlife

Mar 5, 2007, 7:52 PM

lets hope in that need for a city center plan that they create an open ended one that can expand on whatever street grid they begin with.

I actually think this is probably one of the smarter things I have heard come out of Spokane Valley.

oilcan

Mar 6, 2007, 3:39 AM

^ I was hoping the same... The preliminary scetches that were available on line and views via the light rail page really appeared promising residential/business wise.. of course not much for the "burbs" never have been because they are on the second stage.. but since the City of Spokane Valley is one of the larger cities in Washington and growing, so it would be nice if it could have some kind of indentity tied to it..

Still to this date scratching at the choice of the name for the city however..

urbanlife

Mar 6, 2007, 4:01 AM

yeah I will never get the no longer living in the shadows of Spokane slogan, then picking the name Spokane Valley.

Hub for an Empire

Mar 7, 2007, 2:12 AM

oilcan

Mar 7, 2007, 12:28 PM

Here's a neat map I found on the internet showing how population movement goes from County to County! Interesting to look at from a region to State to Interstate population movements. You can get a lot of information on how Spokane plays as a regional center!
I hope someone finds it interesting besides me!

Here's the website:

http://enterprise.star-telegram.com/ARCIms/Maps/clt/2007/irsmig.asp

Very interesting Hub...

I see that Maricopa County (Phoenix Metro) is on almost every single one of those counties... Contributing factor to the 10,000 people that move to Maricopa monthly..

Hub for an Empire

Mar 8, 2007, 5:51 PM

Symi81

Mar 8, 2007, 10:17 PM

Hi guys, this is my first ever post in the entire Skyscraper forum! I'm a born and raised Seattleite, went to college at GU in good old Spokane, and am hoping to begin class at UW in fall with their Urban Planning program.

Anyway, I think Spokane is potentially a fantastic city. Over the course of my 5 years at GU, I was never real hot on Spokane for all the usual reasons. My last summer there (about the time I began to become interested in planning and real estate) I changed my mind. Being a GU student, I had the opportunity to live on Sharp Ave across from GU and near downtown. I used the Centennial Trail daily and fell in love with downtown and adjacent neighborhoods. Here are some of the things I "discovered" while living in this location that made me realize Spokane is a great place.

1. Outdoor recreation opportunities. There are some amazing parks, natural areas, and golf courses in Spokane! Even better, many of them are just a couple minutes from downtown!!! To name a few: Indian Canyon, Riverside State Park, the Hangman Creek area, Palisades, Riverfront Park & Spokane Falls, plus the Centennial Trail. These are AMAZING assets that the city should leverage to the fullest degree possible. With the right planning and economic conditions, Spokane could be like a smaller Portland. Portland should serve as a blueprint for Spokane.

2. Historic building stock, especially downtown. You all know what I'm talking about, nuf said.

3. A 20th Century street grid. This is a major advantage over non-grid cities. Spokane should improve the grid by adding more street trees, sidewalks, crosswalks, curb bulbs, traffic calming measures, improved bus stops and signage.

4. Historic neighborhoods. Specifically, Brown's Addition & West Central, are really amazing neighborhoods. I love the historic homes, street trees and location of these 'hoods. Both are close to downtown and at the same time on the edge of the city. Its like you live in the city but have super easy access to the country, especially the recreational opportunities I mentioned above.

5. Colleges near downtown. GU and WSU/EWU Riverpoint are major assets. College kids come primarily from other cities, and spend dollars in Spokane. They also help attract artists, bands, etc to create a hip culture that places like Seattle and Portland are known for.

There's more, but thats all I'll list for now.

Other random thoughts I have regarding Spokane:

- Sprawl will help destroy the things that make Spokane great.

- Davenport Tower is butt ugly and probably wont to anything to help the Davenports brand equity. I cant believe they built something so ugly, it already looks like its been there for decades. Whats the deal with the LACK OF WINDOWS?!?!

- Spokane needs to try to develop better neighborhood character. This starts with decent neighborhood business districts. If you look at the zoning in Seattle, every single neighborhood, big or small, has its own business district (and I'm not talking about big national stores or large parking lots, I mean small business along the sidewalk with street parking and pedestrian activity). The only neighborhood I can think of in Spokane that has any resemblance of this is Garland. Not coincidently, Garland is one of the few streets in Spokane where there is only 1 lane each way plus parallel parking.

- Growth needs to be oriented toward infill and adding density where appropriate. Not in the Valley, not on the north side. Not sprawl.

- Spokane is talking about building new street cars. Talk needs to end and turn into IMMEDIATE action. Streetcars are a great way to circulate people around neighborhoods or to adjacent neighborhoods. They are good for small business, get folks out of their cars, attract more riders than the bus, and generally create more interesting neighborhoods and cities. The first new street cars should connect Gonzaga, Riverpoint, Arena/North Bank with downtown.

- Reevaluate the necessity of the North-South freeway. Freeways are a great way to kill and destroy neighborhoods. I understand the need to more freight more efficiently, but fail to see why a large freeway is needed to accomplish this. I guarantee the N-S freeway is going to encourage sprawl in North Spokane/Mead, etc. Obviously, it will make the poor East Central neighborhood even worse than it is now. So sad.

Those are my thoughts for now. I look forward to continued discussion in the future!

peace, paul

James Bond Agent 007

Mar 9, 2007, 12:40 AM

^
Welcome to the forum!

oilcan

Mar 9, 2007, 1:36 AM

^^^^ But did you see the number of people moving back from that county? :)

Noticed KREM 2 using the above map for information about Northern Idaho last night on their broadcast. I think they check this website, remember last summer when they used Oilcan's rendering of elevations of new highrises for Spokane?

So Krem 2 News, do an investigation report of when the VOX tower will actually start construction , seems we haven't heard any solid news lately. Is Brewster really serious about the project? Lots of hype with little action. What about One Fifty-Three Wall Street? I like Krem 2 News the best. Nadine and Charles are great!

First of all welcome Paul, Hub alway nice to hear from you... it is always nice to see some interest from the West Side when it comes to Spokane, 007 and Urban seem to take interest and that is great you both stay in touch..

As far as the news KXLY used my pics, but the Vox story was broke on KHQ, and you are right KREM as well Brewster made sure it was known... odd enough right about the same time Davenport T started to evolve so knowing Brewster's past I think it was more of a "remember me I am the savior, big planner here in Spokane" speel.... I do have confidence in 153 however, and it should be announced any time.. Journal comes out tmrw so it will be interesting if it is mentioned there.. but my local far away from Spokane kinda destroys any insight for me. I have tried numerous times (included in prior posts) to speak with andyone at CB about the fate of the Vox.. I am at the point where I think it is a pipe dream like Havermale Tower, and don't think it is going to happen myself... if it does.. great but I am not holding my breath..

Smentek

Mar 9, 2007, 2:56 AM

Hey I have confirmation:
Spokane Journal of Business just said in today's edition that:

"In downtown Spokane, Prium Companies LLC, of Tacoma, plans to build a 15-story, 126-unit condo tower at a cost of roughly $30 million. Construction is expected to start this month."

Here's The Link: http://www.spokanejournal.com/index.php?id=article&sub=3103&keyword=a

oilcan

Mar 9, 2007, 1:12 PM

^ There it is thank you!.... figured it would pop up this week somewhere... That is good news I noticed the site says "Under Construction" as a status...

Great news for downtown, starts this month.

http://www.omsarch.com/upload/portfolio/R-HOWARD-Large_1.jpg

sirsimon

Mar 9, 2007, 2:54 PM

Welcome to our little discussion group, Paul! :)

Hub for an Empire

Mar 9, 2007, 5:07 PM

Welcome Paul to the forum. I agree with your thoughts. One thing I also think makes Spokane unique from other regional cities is the protection of mountains on all four sides to define a territory to serve. It really protects the area from other cities to encroach on the area. With technology and ease of travel today, physical boundaries, such as mountains, are hard to get around. To me, that makes Spokane unique, at least in the United States. I think if they weren't there, Spokane would have to be a whole lot larger population wise to benefit from what we have today.

I also think Spokane benefits from it's history. How it was formed even before incorporation, there was history in the area...Spokane House......Steptoe ......even geological, how the landscape was created during the ice age is unique, even on the world level.

True, bring on the Streetcars! Spokane's past is it's future. Let's go back to the 1930's Spokane, before the mistake of the 1950's Spokane, Spokane Valley. Can you imagine a larger Spokane today with the farms in the Spokane Valley of yesterday intact for quick enjoyment? All gone......just sprawl and lack of planning!

Glad to see in the Inlander about One Fifty Three starting this month. I didn't have a doubt with this project. It would be a blow to the start of the highrise boom, if it didn't start. Did you notice no mention of then Vox Tower? I agree with you Oilcan. Brewster's rep will sure suffer, if he doesn't follow through. Paul, at least the One Fifty Three project will hide a portion of the Davenport Tower! I still think the hotel benefits downtown by increased activity. I don't have a problem with the tower on the North elevation, but the south-freeway side sure could have been improved! Especially, since it give a impression of Spokane. I hope a bronze glass highrise pops up in front of it! :)

Hub for an Empire

Mar 10, 2007, 4:06 PM

Did anyone notice the article on page 5 of the Journal of Business on the Doctor wanting a variance on the height restriction 1 1/2 blocks away from the County courthouse? Looks like he wants to put a 10 story office building up to 150' tall there.

oilcan

Mar 10, 2007, 5:48 PM

Did not catch that one hub.. I can see the Monroe corridor/vicinity taking off... especially with Kendall Yards turning..

sirsimon

Mar 10, 2007, 8:04 PM

Way to go, Spokane! :)

The area around the courthouse was always so desolate when I lived there.

oilcan

Mar 10, 2007, 9:56 PM

Thought I would post this... Good to see the Ridpath come alive again..

http://images.traveltoday.net/ImageServlet?resize=449&isMaxSize=true&imageURL=http://image.pegs.com/images/WC/SPPATH/sppath_b8.jpg

Ankeny’s space in Ridpath to get restaurant Printer-Friendly Version
Owners of Bluefish earn contract to operate food and beverage at Ridpath

By Emily Brandler

The owners of the Bluefish restaurant and bar in downtown Spokane say they plan to open a new restaurant this spring in the space formerly occupied by Ankeny’s Rooftop Restaurant on the top floor of the historic Ridpath Hotel.

The new restaurant is part of a contract that Cuisine Northwest LLC, of Spokane, has secured from Douglas Da Silva, the Las Vegas hotelier who bought the Ridpath last fall, to operate all food and beverage services within the hotel, located at 515 W. Sprague, says Eric Nagano, a principal in Cuisine Northwest.

The new restaurant in the former Ankeny’s spot will be called Soleil, and is expected to open by May, Nagano says. Remodeling work on the 7,000-square-foot space likely will start this month. Soleil will be a fine dining restaurant that will offer table-side dinner service for items such as beef Wellington and Northwest regional dishes, at prices that range from moderate to expensive, he says. It also will offer lunch and Sunday brunch and will operate a late-night lounge and club.

Also, the company plans to open on March 12 a restaurant called the Artisan Room in the 5,000-square-foot space on the Ridpath’s ground floor formerly occupied by the Silver Bar & Grill, Nagano says. Initially, the Artisan Room will serve breakfast and lunch, and in late March or early April its dinner lounge will open. The restaurant will serve contemporary Northwest regional cuisine, at prices that will range from inexpensive to moderately expensive, he says.

The two restaurants will employ a combined total of about 75 people, Nagano says. Cuisine Northwest also plans to open a gourmet food shop near the building’s First Avenue entrance that will offer some breakfast items and espresso and will sell wines and cheeses, he says. As part of the company’s contract, it also will be in charge of catering and room service for the hotel.

Gonzalo Carrillo, who worked with Nagano at the Davenport Hotel several years ago, will be the hotel’s corporate culinary director. Noel Macapagal, owner of Raw Sushi & Island Grill, located one block south of the Ridapth, is teaming up with Cuisine Northwest on promotion and marketing for Soleil’s late-night activities, Nagano says. Macapagal declines for now to disclose further details about his involvement with the new restaurant.

Nagano says he and one other investor are partners in Cuisine Northwest. Ian Wingate, owner of the Moxie restaurant downtown, also had been a partner in Cuisine Northwest, but cut his ties with the limited-liability company to focus solely on Moxie, Nagano says.

Dazzeetrader

Mar 11, 2007, 11:21 PM

oilcan

Mar 11, 2007, 11:37 PM

Hey Dazzeetrader.... Would like the fit there,^Yes the county is growing... as far as primaries not sure Hub may have something... sounds like it is a business man/Dr. so probably not for the county sounds like he just made mention of the idea and of course zoning so I would not be too excited yet, sure there is a market there is a twelve story building by Northtown that does fine so I can see it work why not especially if it caters to medical offices with all the residential around up north of there....I would not suspect it would be designed after the courthouse... that would be expensive and hopefully people learned their lesson after the Pub Saftey building mistake.. what a disaster copy plan that was for a castle looking building.. lol.. . I would not call that area remote by any means has residential, business, bars etc, Courthouse is great, I like Monroe to the East.. Pub saftey building blows and sits alone along the banks amongst parking lots to the south but the rest of the area is not too bad... .. You can get a vague picture of Kendall at their website, but no have not seen anything else..

Would like to see it just W. of pub saftey building along the banks..

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/148602102_6c53262734_o.jpg

Hub for an Empire

Mar 12, 2007, 4:05 AM

I can see there being a market for office space for Lawyers and Accountants in the Courthouse area. When Kendall Yards gets started, it will make it convenient for those living in the area to work in the area. I know people are buying houses in the area to flip them when the area takes off.

Here are the latest figures from the State of Washington for Spokane County as of July,2006 for their April 1, 2006 estimates:

Spokane County:
2000-2006 Increase: 25,861 or 6.19%
04-01-06: 443,800
04-01-00: 417,800

Spokane City Population estimate on 04-01-06: 201,600
Spokane Valley City Poplulation estimate 04-01-06: 87,000

SPOKANITE

Mar 12, 2007, 4:37 AM

:) Is the County growing? Is there a market for a new building near the courthouse? I remember that area being pretty drab. I thought the County owned all that land. Parking garage will be necessary.....no.paramount!

Is the building being built for the county? Any details? Renderings? You guys should know I'm a stickler for architecture! I wonder if it'll match the County
architecture. It's ambitious and seems to be an odd place since everyone seems to be building down town or close to it. Think it'll happen or is this just an add for some excitement? Is there a bank supporting this idea yet?

I hope it's a grand building! Love to see it. Kendall Yards put out any building renderings yet? Dazzee

I've seen the renderings and they're nothing special I'm sorry to say. Think similar profile of the Courthouse tower, but wider with glass, and I believe a solid surface (concrete?). Not nearly as nice as the newer County building. The guy owns 2/3s of the block and seems to think that a 150' tower is necessary. Based on the concept & siteplan I've seen I'm not buying it. I really feel what this area needs is more lowrise (3-5 story) structures, well fronted on Broadway to fill in the gaps. The siteplan showed the entire structure to sit on the back 1/2 of the block, behind the Kirtland Cutter rowhouses. In my opinion I don't want a hokey tower competing visually with the courthouse.

ghost22

Mar 12, 2007, 6:15 AM

hello all i got a new digital camera and im sure all of us will love it as i work all over the spokane, cda area and can take lots of photos anyone wants one of let me know( i will not take ones of dav tower, i just got the camera dont want big ugly to break the lense lol jk). here are some cda projects. (by the way it hit me how many were going on when i started taking pics.)

1 of many buildings rising out of riverstone
http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/10976/2003723376830760111_rs.jpg

7 story apartment building accross from parkside
http://aycu08.webshots.com/image/12327/2003701369753540821_rs.jpg

7 story condos on cda lake east of golf course
http://aycu19.webshots.com/image/11738/2003738250599419227_rs.jpg

course condos closeup of material used
http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/13100/2003709878484886874_rs.jpg

Coeur d' Alene chamber of commerce
http://aycu07.webshots.com/image/13406/2003781673169033269_rs.jpg

Hub for an Empire

Mar 12, 2007, 7:30 PM

I wish all the Developers in the area would put more emphasis on design and style! Especially in Spokane putting these blah modern buildings next to historic buildings! Get with the program! No thought whats-so-ever, IMO.

oilcan

Mar 13, 2007, 3:29 AM

I've seen the renderings and they're nothing special I'm sorry to say. Think similar profile of the Courthouse tower, but wider with glass, and I believe a solid surface (concrete?). Not nearly as nice as the newer County building. The guy owns 2/3s of the block and seems to think that a 150' tower is necessary. Based on the concept & siteplan I've seen I'm not buying it. I really feel what this area needs is more lowrise (3-5 story) structures, well fronted on Broadway to fill in the gaps. The siteplan showed the entire structure to sit on the back 1/2 of the block, behind the Kirtland Cutter rowhouses. In my opinion I don't want a hokey tower competing visually with the courthouse.

Ghost thanks for the pics of Riverstone.. Nice to see the Lake City sprouting...

Not as nice as the County Building? in that location?... oh yeah... put the breaks on.... love the Courthouse... what a gem that is.. something shamefull rising would not do it justice.....
I am in agreement with Hub...... one hokey tower in the last 6 months is enough... last thing I want to see is quick concrete communist pieces rising... Spokane has some great gems, that need complimenting... One Fifty Three though yet another box in addition to "box row" looks good however....
Saw a pic of the Rookery fiasco... that gap looks horrible... something has got to rise there sooner or later...mid sized spire... would look great.. lol.. Hey.. one can always dream..

Dazzeetrader

Mar 13, 2007, 3:35 AM

SPOKANITE

Mar 13, 2007, 5:38 AM

Spokanite...last time I was over there , I saw some old birck apts on Broadway that the Fire dept had condemned and boy were those ugly. I hope you're not referring to those. As far as I could see, the best solution was that of the Fire Dept...close em and scrape them down to the ground. Cutter made some nice buildings.....but those apts I saw needed to be part of history .......something to be remembered.

I didn't know there was a new CO building over there. Is it new? ANy pictures of it? Thanx in advance...Dazzee

Those are the ones-The Gables (http://www.rencorpllc.com/Development/gables/gables.html). You're correct. RenCorp completely restored them and they look great. The County building (http://216.109.125.130/search/cache?toggle=1&ei=UTF-8&p=alsc+spokane+county+building&fr=yfp-t-501&u=www.alscarchitects.com/portfolio/municipal3.asp&w=alsc+spokane+county+building+buildings&d=YshLLBIeORk9&icp=1&.intl=us) is a few years old. I think ALSC designed it. It reminds me of a office building in downtown Bellvue that I can't recall the name.

The renderings I saw were preliminary, but the tower and the overall development didn't seem to compliment the surrounding buildings. We'll see how the project design evolves - fingers crossed.

Hub for an Empire

Mar 13, 2007, 12:21 PM

I can see an office building in the Courthouse area if it's quality matches say the AmericanWest Building. Still needs to compliment the Courthouse in color.

Have you noticed....we are approaching 20,000 views on the Spokane/CDA Discussion Forum!!!!!!!!!!

oilcan

Mar 14, 2007, 1:29 AM

A little off the path but i will have to say it was nice to hear Spokane's name time and time again all over nationally on CBS last Sunday for the selection show of the NCAA tourney.

Spokane has had real success with sporting events, from Spokane Shock's leading league attendance of 10'000 average, National Figure Skating Championships which broke a record for attendance and was televised nationally on ABC, and now another spotlight nationally hosting teams such as Oregon, Texas, USC, Notre Dame hitting the hardwood for the NCAA tourney in the Lilac City.... good news for business and exposure.. way to represent the NW and the Indland Empire..

Spokane Arena preparing for NCAA Tournament

Janet O / KXLY4 Reporter
Last updated: Tuesday, March 13th, 2007 10:03:03 AM

KXLY Staff
Lilac City hosts 8 teams

Related Videos:

NCAA Tournament In Spokane

SPOKANE -- The city of Spokane is preparing to host the NCAA Tournament for the second time. Eight teams will be here on Wednesday and a total of six games will be played at the Spokane Arena.

Crews at the arena are working are hard to make sure everything runs smoothly. They're actually a day ahead of schedule but there's still work to be done. The backboards have to go up and the end seat risers pulled out. They are also waiting for the final inspection by the NCAA.

Teams from all over the country will be in Spokane. Notre Dame has already made plans to eat dinner at the Irish pub O'Doherty's in downtown Spokane.

Tickets are sold out but officials say more tickets could be available by late Thursday. If you still want to watch some basketball, team practices are free to the public on Thursday at noon.