[chepe]

[BTW: I'm creating threads based on the discussion in the Spokane/CDA thread about how to re-structure this area. I'm basically making it up as I go so if someone has comments/changes/critiques feel free to swap things around or make your thoughts known].

It looks like the PFD wants to tie up the land south of the opera house/convention center for future growth, which makes sense. I remember a number of years back where the property owner proposed two high rises on the property, one of which would have been a new tallest, but I don't think there was anything concrete that ever took place:

Spokane council asked to condemn half block

Melodie Little
Staff writer
October 10, 2007

The board of directors for the Spokane Public Facilities District voted to once again ask the city to initiate eminent domain proceedings on a half block of property south of the Convention Center.

"We've made a significant effort on all different fronts. We've never been close to negotiating a deal," said Kevin Twohig, executive director of the PFD.

It's the second resolution passed by the board, which is hoping that the courts will decide fair market value for the land. The property is directly across from the entrance to the INB Performing Arts Center and is owned by local architect Glen Cloninger.


"I have no intention of being unreasonable and hopefully they don't either," Cloninger said.

The district wants the block for parking and to build additional exhibit space for the Convention Center. The district owns 37,000 square feet of property on the block, Diamond Parking owns about 20,000 square feet, and Cloninger owns 63,000 square feet.

Cloninger said earlier this year the two sides agreed to a "friendly condemnation" when it became obvious they couldn't agree on the price. The architect said a recent appraisal valued the land between $120 and $180 per square foot.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/business/story.asp?ID=213789

[Smentek]

They should just put all the property together and let Cloninger be the architect for the expansion, just like he wanted.

[revrw]

The problem with developers or wannabe developers in Spokane is that most of them like to talk about their proposals rather than actually do them......so frustrating for people like us :(

[James Bond Agent 007]

Hey speaking of Browne's Addition, is that "O.B.O." store in the old house still there? :???:

[Smentek]

Well, from reading all of those articles on that site (which is, in my opinion, probably the best site after the Rookery Block for development), I reached the conclusion that Cloninger had a plan and was willing to work with the Board in order to reach some sort of compromise. However, they seem to have the opinion, "Our way or the highway" and are just going to eminent domain him like there's no tomorrow. I actually think that could have been a feasible project, but I guess we will get another 2 stories of boringness on ultra-prime land. Thanks Convention Board for another forward thinking project, on par with blocking the only really visible part of the river from Spokane Falls Blvd. :koko:

Ok, maybe that's a little harsh, but honestly, I think they would be better to work with a developer to make it a little more vertical and a lot less boring. The block needs life, not empty convention halls.

[urbanlife]

The problem with developers or wannabe developers in Spokane is that most of them like to talk about their proposals rather than actually do them......so frustrating for people like us :(

It is cause they have the money for the land when it was cheaper, but dont have the money for the tower that they are dreaming up. It isnt a bad economy that is hurting downtown, it is no balls developers.

[Smentek]

Agreed Urban, It's time for Brewster to take the VOX off the shelf and build it!

[Chevelle]

Agreed Urban, It's time for Brewster to take the VOX off the shelf and build it!


Now I am not going to slam anyone with a "forward thinking" mind for major urban development in Spokane like Brewster however, lately his major projects have seem to be more about status quoe than anything. Vox came out and was highly promoted (News/Paper etc) by Brewster when Worthy started slapping down the Davenport Tower. Again undestand he wants to do good for the city but actions speak louder than words and understanding the market as it is and the setbacks but he still seems to be mostly talk as of recent when it comes to anything in the core of the city.

[revrw]

^ Hey Chevelle.....what part of Tokyo do you stay in? I go there almost every summer for about a month, but I spend most of the time in Yokohama. When I do go to Tokyo I usually go to Roppongi Hills or Shinjuku.

[chepe]

Article regarding Cloninger's plan for expansion and past plan for high rises:

http://www.spokanejournal.com/index.php?id=article&sub=2829&keyword=cloninger

Some time back there was discussion of a hotel tower atop an expansion to the south. Depending on how long it is before they do something with the land (hopefully they don't just throw up a parking garage) a space topped with a hotel tower could make sense.

[Chevelle]

^ Hey Chevelle.....what part of Tokyo do you stay in? I go there almost every summer for about a month, but I spend most of the time in Yokohama. When I do go to Tokyo I usually go to Roppongi Hills or Shinjuku.

Revrw,

Cool might have to meet up with you sometime if our paths cross up time wise.

I stay out in Hachioji. I like Roppongi and the Hills is def the place... I used to bar tend in Roppongi a few years ago and even did it for a month or two last year, but now I work in Shibuya/Hachioji part of the year. Funny thing is never really go out to Yokohama as close as it is been to a few concerts out there but one of those areas I should probably spend more time in since I have spent so many years living there. I really try to avoid the Shinj as it is nice but dodging " J Yankees/Bozozoka" and the Yakuza pimp out joints just don't add up for me. I would say most of my "off" time off is spent surfing in Chiba/Oiso/Shonan etc.

[revrw]

Revrw,

Cool might have to meet up with you sometime if our paths cross up time wise.

I stay out in Hachioji. I like Roppongi and the Hills is def the place... I used to bar tend in Roppongi a few years ago and even did it for a month or two last year, but now I work in Shibuya/Hachioji part of the year. Funny thing is never really go out to Yokohama as close as it is been to a few concerts out there but one of those areas I should probably spend more time in since I have spent so many years living there. I really try to avoid the Shinj as it is nice but dodging " J Yankees/Bozozoka" and the Yakuza pimp out joints just don't add up for me. I would say most of my "off" time off is spent surfing in Chiba/Oiso/Shonan etc.


Yeah...I never go to clubs in shinji.....it is fun to go to the Takashimiya in Shinji. The club scene is kinda dangerous there....at least for being in Japan.

[Chevelle]

From the Journal: Some occupancy news.

Investors buy stake in Lincoln Bldg. Printer-Friendly Version
Group is affiliated with Moloney+O’Neill, which plans to move there

By Emily Proffitt

A group of investors affiliated with the Moloney+O’Neill insurance brokerage here has bought a stake in the Lincoln Building downtown, and the brokerage plans to start moving its operations there next year.


The investors, through a Spokane company called M+O Lincoln Plaza LLC, bought for an undisclosed sum half of Lincoln Plaza LLC last month. The latter company, owned by Spokane real estate broker and developer Tom Barbieri, bought the Lincoln Building and nearby Grant Building, located on Riverside Avenue between Lincoln Street and Post Street, from Red Lion Hotels Corp. a few months ago.


Moloney+O’Neill plans to occupy about 25,000 square feet of space on three floors of the eight-story Lincoln Building, says Dave Werme, COO of the insurance brokerage and managing partner of M+O Lincoln Plaza. The insurance brokerage, which employs about 100 people, expects to start moving there this spring and complete the move by the spring of 2009, Werme says.


Moloney+O’Neill currently is located in a 20,000-square-foot building at 1206 N. Lincoln, a few blocks north of downtown.


Associated Industries of the Inland Northwest bought that structure from Moloney+O’Neill this spring, and the company subsequently signed a 30-month lease, which is partly why it’s moving downtown in stages, Werme says. The brokerage also has offices in Coeur d’Alene and Boise.


“We’re completely out of space in our current building,” Werme says. “We’re so excited about the progress and development downtown, that we wanted to be part of it.”


Meanwhile, Goodale & Barbieri Co., which is the development and management agent for Lincoln Plaza, plans to move by November into about 6,000 square feet of space in the Lincoln Building, says Tom Barbieri, its president. That company, which employs about 30 people, currently is located in Red Lion Hotels Corp.’s headquarters building, at 201 W. North River Drive.


Also, the Associated Press recently leased about 7,000 square feet of space in the Lincoln Building, and has moved its regional office and a data coordination center there, Barbieri says.


Lincoln Plaza recently underwent a renovation, and tenant improvements are being done as leases are signed, he says. The building will be more than 90 percent occupied after Goodale & Barbieri and Moloney+O’Neill move there.


“It’s an area that is continuing to grow and this fills what has been an underutilized portion of downtown,” Barbieri says.

[chepe]

Another JOB article about space being updated and occupied next to the Lincoln Building. This is good news because I believe this is the last property fronting Post street from the Davenport to RPS that has not been renovated/occupied since those two anchors came online and the city improved the street. Hopefully something nice will fill that retail corner, it is a great location:

A company formed jointly by SRM Development LLC, of Spokane, and the founders of a prominent law firm here has bought the Grant Building downtown, which it plans to remodel as office and retail space.

SRM Development and FM Marketing LLC, owned by Robert Dunn and John Black, the founders of Dunn & Black PS, formed Grant Building LLC to buy the structure, at 806 W. Riverside, for $3.9 million from Lincoln Plaza LLC, also of Spokane, Dunn says. SRM and Dunn & Black both plan to move their offices there next June.

The building, originally called the Whitten Block, is more than a century old and has undergone several ownership changes over the years.

It is perhaps best known as the Hamer’s Building, named after the men’s clothing store it once housed. Red Lion Hotels Corp., of Spokane, sold the building to Lincoln Plaza LLC a few months ago.

Grant Building LLC hopes to start remodeling the roughly 42,000-square-foot, three-story building, which also has one level of underground parking, this December and wrap up that work by June, Dunn says.

Among other improvements, plans call for skylights on the third floor, windows on the upper floors along the sides of the building that face Riverside and Post, and possibly a sports court on the roof, he says.

“It’s a great building that was in need of some tender, loving care,” Dunn says. “It’s a great opportunity to be in the middle of the downtown core that’s the springboard of what the revitalization of Spokane is all about.”

Nystrom Olson Collins Inc., of Spokane, is the architect for the project and SRM will oversee construction, he says. An estimated cost for the remodeling work isn’t ready to release yet, he says.

Dunn & Black, which employs 18 people, plans to occupy about 6,000 square feet of space on the third floor of the building, Dunn says.

The firm currently is leasing space in the Peyton Building, at 10 N. Post downtown.

SRM Development, which employs about 30, plans to occupy about 10,000 square feet of space on the second floor, Dunn says.

http://www.spokanejournal.com/spokane_id=article&sub=3339

[Hub for an Empire]

Too bad they didn't go through with the Lincoln Tower that was on the Metro Spokane website this past summer! That would have really added something to the skyline!

[Smentek]

^^^^^ That was actually a really old project Brewster wanted to start like 5 or 6 years ago, because he was thinking about buying the land, not recent. But I completely agree, that would have been one of the coolest tower projects.

[urbanlife]

You know if these "all talk" developers were to actually build most of these buildings that have been proposed over the last 20 years, Spokane really would look like a mini Seattle right now. And it would seriously be the metropolis of the Inland Empire and have Boise saying "how do we be more like Spokane."

Kind of an annoying thought I guess.

[chepe]

The sad, sad current state of the Rookery Block is well documented (and photographed) here: http://www.remi1000.com/2007/10/15/the-rookery-parking-lot/

[Smentek]

I took pictures of some of the happenings on the westside/davenport district, and I will post them tomorrow or so. I will be taking pictures of the Eastside at some point.

[chepe]

I agree about the need for action. I truly believe that had a developer taken a chance on something like the Lincoln Tower or the Rookery Tower it would have paid off for them. At the same time, unless you have access to lots of your own funds it can be difficult to fund a big project without pre-leases, etc. I hope though that someone will step to the plate and really get something done (Cheserown excluded, the guy seems on his way to creating the biggest urban project in the history of the city so kudos to him). Once someone takes a chance and has success it will lead to more success. Nothing against the proposed gateway office building but 11 floors just doesn't count as a deal changer. I understand you have to build to the market but the Fox tower in Portland was built on spec and turned out to be a great, successful project.

[Smentek]

Yeah, but you have to remember that Rookery was very close to being built, but they couldn't fill as much of the space as they needed to break even/turn a profit. Combined with market factors, and the sharp rise in steel/concrete/glass prices over that period of time (1999-2002ish), and it made for a tough risk, much more though than say a Vox Tower or 151 S. Wall, because, at the time, Spokane really was dead, we really have to remember that.

I mean, in no way am I defending Reugh. Honestly I think he is a "terrorist" (thanks urban) but it was a tough situation.

I can't say the same for Lincoln, all I know was that there was a blaring of trumpets. It seems to be the norm with that developer's projects (who shall remain nameless). I guess that's unfair, the blaring of horns I hear is necessary for any project to go forward in Spokane.

A question I would pose to all of you: where do you think the next activity center will arise. I mean, the davenport district is starting to take off with the Fox Theater and the renovation projects, but what area do you think will start to get more proposals/attention?

[urbanlife]

near KY would be my guess. I have a feeling you might see a few projects that go along with that. Plus Chesrown has mentioned that there isn't enough residential as he had wanted. I think we will see a few residential towers rise on the east side.

I honestly think there will have to be an act of god to happen for the area between the westside and the U district to take off with any new development. Seriously, some big companies would have to take root there or some developer pent on condo construction through that part.

[chepe]

In response to the Best Western post on the projects rundown thread (trying to keep that thread for project status and updates rather than general discussion): I hope they build something like the proposed BW in NY but I doubt it. I just hope it is a quality building that interacts well with the street and intersection. That intersection/off ramp badly needs improvement. A few years ago the WSU design students did plans for a gateway from the off ramp all the way to the river that featured some cool ideas. As it stands, there isn't even a nice sign or anything to welcome people getting off I-90, just Dick's a U-haul/rental car parking lot, gas station, and church (soon to be BW). Hopefully the city steps up and spruces up that intersection as it does make a less than favorable first impression.

On a bigger picture level, I hope Spokane implements some design standards soon. I know there are some basic rules and I don't advocate for anything over the top but too many projects are still allowed to go forward without any real thought to pedestrian impact, continuity of design, parking, etc.

[chepe]

Speaking of poor design, metro(spokane) has this recent post about a new condo building in Browne's Addition. I honestly did not believe this was new construction but the MLS listing says it was built in 2007. I'm not even sure what to say. Image taken from the link below.

http://metrospokane.typepad.com/index/2007/10/the-grizzly-con.html

http://metrospokane.typepad.com/index/images/2007/10/23/grizzly_condos.gif

[chepe]

Small update on McDowell's proposed condo tower, still grinding through the courts it looks like:

Angry Peaceful Valley residents, saying they didn't want to live next to, look at or be left in the potential shadow of a high-rise, sued the city and McDowell, and the project is now working its way through the legal system. It's a second round of legal debate over the issue. McDowell had sued the city earlier, winning a settlement that enabled him to proceed with the tower.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=12121

[James Bond Agent 007]

^
Is that the tower they've been planning to build for years near where that little staircase thing is?

When I was there over the weekend I couldn't believe they hadn't started building that yet. I think they first proposed it shortly after I left Spokane . . . 7 years ago.

[urbanlife]

man, this is turning out to be quite a dirty tower.

Oh and that condo for Browne's is a great example of why there needs to be a historic design review board for Spokane. Sometimes those things can be a bitch to have when it comes to modern architecture, but at least they tend to prevent crap like that.

[chepe]

Yep, that is the same tower. Goes to show what happens when a project goes through multiple lawsuits. A good render showing how it will look in the neighborhood:

http://www.stevenmeekarchitects.com/images/Riverview%20Condos/Riverview03.jpg

Render taken from: http://www.stevenmeekarchitects.com/riverview.htm

[James Bond Agent 007]

My pics of Browne's Addition and Peaceful Valley:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=140601

[mSeattle]

Yep, that is the same tower. Goes to show what happens when a project goes through multiple lawsuits. A good render showing how it will look in the neighborhood:

http://www.stevenmeekarchitects.com/images/Riverview%20Condos/Riverview03.jpg

Render taken from: http://www.stevenmeekarchitects.com/riverview.htm

How far away is downtown from this proposed tower? Seems significantly out of place in that area by size and style.

[chepe]

The render is somewhat misleading in terms of where the building would sit in proximity to similar buildings. If the picture would pan a little to the left you would see a 10-12 story apartment building and the west edge of downtown. Bond's recent picture didn't quite get around the corner but the apartment tower and condo tower would be down this street another few blocks:

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/8684/spokanedowntown23rc1.jpg

Photo credit to Bond from his recent Spokane series.

The tower is controversial because it sits right on the edge where downtown type buildings stop and lower density residential starts.

[chepe]

First the good news for downtown: The renovated Fox theater is re-opening and looks to be a first class venue. Another big piece in making downtown into a vibrant and interesting place.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=12318

[chepe]

And the bad news: The condo tower a few pictures up is now a member of the long list of 'formerly proposed' towers in Spokane. The article makes reference to an office building proposed by the developer on the east end of downtown but hopefully it is something more than what was earlier proposed (a fairly squat 11 story building).

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/business/story.asp?ID=218929

[Smentek]

doubt it chepe, with Sheehan complaining and Verner being one of his renters, i bet that building either won't get built, or it will be 3 stories so it doesn't block his precious solar panels.......
This city confuses me

[chepe]

Yeah, it sounds like a doomed site from the get-go. Hopefully they can work something out but the idea of a solar right is interesting. It seems akin to a view or 'light' right in that if you don't own the corridor or don't have the right to the properties that could block your view, it is hard to say you have a right to something you don't own. At the same time, the Sarnac is a progressive building and a positive example of environmentally friendly re-use so I'm not disparaging that project at all. We'll see what happens but it looks like there is no tower of any kind in Spokane's future at this point, which is too bad.

[Smentek]

The problem with the Saranac's panels, is that they are on a short building. Solar panels are really only worthwhile either on tall buildings or in open fields. Also, the actual energy one can yield from them is minimal. Honestly, I like that there are solar panels, and a LEED Platinum building in Spokane, but the point of LEED is to encourage green building and development in urban areas, not hinder further development. This building may turn into a development-killing building, especially because McDowell seems willing to put solar panels on his own building.

What it will come down to is how corrupt Verner is (she rents from Sheehan) and how radical Bob Apple is when it comes to this issue. My bet is that Verner will block this development because there isn't an objective bone in her body on this issue.

Now to my rant about the Peaceful Valley Tower:
This city has got to be absolutely crazy. This is a development that needs to happen to help Spokane boost its condo market and add more volume Downtown. The design is nice, and McDowell was willing to work with the city. Peaceful Valley is probably my least favorite neighborhood in all of town for a few reasons:
1. Half the houses are in poor condition and most lawns look more like the Car Junkyard in the Valley than an actual lawn. Car Junkyards are good and fine, just not in residential neighborhoods.
2. The people that are blocking this in Peacful Valley are regressive thinkers. Peaceful Valley is downtown, and people there are honestly just fighting reality and inevitability from coming into existence. THIS IS A DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD. At this rate, development will never happen there, and we will be face with a small scale East Central within 10-15 years, after the junkyard proliferates.
3. The city just doesn't get it. This area is prime real estate. Eventually, a city council, mayor, and hearing examiner will come to power that will allow nearly every project near that area to be built. These projects will have less forward thinking, and more neighborhood issues than this tower. By destroying this project, a new form of development will rise in that area. Honestly though, that area seems like a great spot for a number of nice high rises in the future.

The City, citizens, and soon to be developers are trying to run McDowell out of the city. This is a guy who really wants to get things done and make his city a better place. To fight him is to fight much of the forward and progressive-thinking projects this city has a chance to call their own.

I guess we will just have to get used to travelodges and best western's being our only development downtown for another 20 years......

Just my honest 2 cents

[RemiO]

Whatever I may or may not think about the proposed tower, and whatever I may or may not have said about Peaceful Valley in the past...

1) I can only assume you have never visited Peaceful Valley if you think the neighborhood looks like a "Car Junkyard." It's quite a lovely spot, and the majority of the houses look good and well kept to me.

2) While I'm sure there are some "regressive thinkers" there, there are also inhabitants who have presented a good urban alternative for the area. I had the chance to look at the type of development they proposed, and it looked good to me.

3) "The City, citizens, and soon to be developers are trying to run McDowell out of the city." So everybody are trying to run him out of the city? If that was the case, and it isn't, wouldn't that mean he'd probably be better off just leaving? That'd mean everybody was against him after all... Not so sure what McDowell has done that is so "progressive" thinking either; building tall buildings isn't exactly cutting edge, even in Spokane.

[Smentek]

Remio, while you bring up some valid and good points,
1. There are rusted cars in at least some of the lots that border the bluff. That's still not the reason this makes me mad anyway. I admit, there was a large amount of hyperbole in what i was saying, but oh well, maybe writing after one of your favorite pro football teams loses isn't the be idea.

2.The fact that there are regressive thinkers in Peaceful Valley is bad enough. The reason i consider this regressive is because these specific people blocking this project were willing to uphold a zoning change that was illegitimate. It is subjective for the sake of their own will. Honestly, if I were truly worried about development coming to the bluff area, I would live on the South Hill, just because I wouldn't be near buildings that are going to be 200+ feet tall.

3. I would say that the city is running McDowell out of town to an extent. If you look at Kendall Yards, the opposition never really gained a foothold because it was a small group that received little serious coverage. In this case, however, not only the Spokesman, but specific city council members and developers are looking to their own interests, or in this case, the interest of the people seen as disenfranchised which is, in turn running him out of the city. If you read the Spokesman article from Saturday or Sunday, it now seems as though developers and possibly a mayor-elect may be forcing him out of a zone that he should be entitled to due to the zoning problem. Also I would say McDowell is progressive in the sense that he said he would be willing to work with Peaceful Valley residents, and even put solar panels on his new building. Most developers don't even consider that, even in Spokane.

4. Also you must realize that future projects will not be as flexible. By creating flexibility and allowing this project to be built, it sets a precedent that provides for smarter and better building. Destroying this doesn't allow for any precedent to be set, which could be troubling 20 years down the line.

Maybe it's Benny and Joon that causes my resentment for Peacful Valley:shrug:

[Hub for an Empire]

I hope the Gateway Building gets the go ahead in the East side of downtown.

I think the best opportunity for a new highrise for downtown would be for a bank like Banner Bank, since they want to have more visability in Spokane since they took over Farmers and Merchants Bank. I think for now, we won't see many Condo highrises in the immediate downtown area until the Real Estate market improves nationally. I think Kendall Yards will advance slowly.

[CrimsonW]

It certainly seems as though local governing has steered toward the regressives...

I went to the Greater Spokane, Inc. Economic Forecast breakfast last week.

Mayor-Elect Verner finds the economic health and growth of Spokane and the INW so important that she was 40 minutes late showing up, sat at the back of the room and then left about 10 minutes after sitting down. She didn't bother to even stick around to listen to Dr. Forsythe's economic analysis of the past year and projections for the coming year.

If this is the importance she places on commerce, jobs, economic growth and business...then the progress the region has made in the last 5-7 years could be short-lived.

[chepe]

Looks like the PDF is going to finally take the block across from the Opera House. I noticed the current owner rencently put up large signs on the property advertising it as a 'hotel site' in a fairly transparent move to up the condemnation value. It sounds like the block will remain surface parking for quite some time (bad) but at least the current patchwork lot will be improved (good).
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=221355

City wants to make single parking lot

Jonathan Brunt
Staff writer
November 27, 2007

A downtown block appears headed for condemnation after a Spokane City Council decision Monday night.

The council voted 6-1 to give the Spokane Public Facilities District the authority to condemn most of a downtown city block so that it can take over private parking lots.

The city has made periodic efforts to get the property for about 25 years.

The largest property owner on the block, Glen Cloninger, says he's willing to sell the land but that the district hasn't offered a fair price. Kevin Twohig, the district's executive director, said Cloninger was offered a fair amount based on appraisals.

"We have been at a stalemate for some time," Twohig said. "We've just been miles apart on the property value."

Councilman Al French said he supported the decision only because Cloninger has expressed a desire to resolve the dispute through condemnation.

He noted that condemnation would take the land off tax rolls and suggested that if the PFD takes control of the land, public improvements should be made soon.

"I personally believe it is an inappropriate use," French said. "To me it smacks of land speculation."

Councilwoman Nancy McLaughlin said she supported the action because Cloninger preferred condemnation to a binding arbitration process.

The City Council's vote gives the decision to condemn properties owned by Cloninger and Diamond Parking to the PFD's board. The earliest that could happen is January. If the land is condemned, the matter would move to Spokane Superior Court.

With the exception of the Boulevard restaurant and bar, all of the land, which is just south of the INBD Performing Arts Center, is parking. The Public Facilities District, which owns some of the parcels in the block, wants to repave the block as one lot. In the long-run, the PFD may use it to build a parking garage and to expand the convention center.

[Smentek]

I can't express how excited I am about another parking garage and more convention center...................

I guess that's supposed to be better than a parking lot :shrug:

[chepe]

Looks like the proposed tower near the courthouse is a no-go for now. It will be intereting to see if the developers challenge the ruling given that Kendall Yards is only a few blocks away and will have multiple towers over 10 stories.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/tools/story_pf.asp?ID=222471

Hearing examiner says Courthouse area not suited for dense retail space

By Mike Prager
Staff writer
December 6, 2007

Spokane's city hearing examiner has rejected a request for a rezone to allow for a 100-foot office and retail tower on property just west of the county Courthouse.

Hearing Examiner Greg Smith said in a decision last week that the rezone request was not consistent with the city's comprehensive land-use plan, which calls for putting high-rise buildings in designated centers and corridors.

Areas outside the commercial centers should be used as transition to residential properties, according to the comprehensive plan.

West Central Development LLC sought a zone change from office-retail with a 35-foot building height limit to office-retail with a 150-foot height limit.

The proposed L-shaped building would be in the block bounded by Broadway and Mallon avenues and Adams and Cedar streets.

A historic apartment building at Broadway and Adams would not be affected.

The development company is operated by Luann Padgham and her husband, Dr. Marcus DeWood.

Smith said in his decision, "There is considerable difference between office uses that are limited to 35 feet in height versus office towers that can be constructed up to 150 feet in height."

The hearing examiner ruled that the city's land-use plan requires that more intense office uses be located in designated commercial centers.

At a hearing last month, DeWood testified that he wanted to include a 20,000-square-foot grocery, daycare center and other retail uses in the proposed building.

City planners had pointed out that the city code restricts the size of retail uses within office buildings in office zones.

Smith in his decision noted that retail uses in office zones are appropriate only in higher-intensity office areas downtown, along the north river bank or medical districts south of downtown.

The rezone sought by DeWood and Padgham is closer to a lower-intensity neighborhood business district on West Broadway Avenue.

Smith said the proposed change in land use should be taken to the Plan Commission and City Council for thorough public review under an amendment to the comprehensive land-use plan rather than through a rezone that he rejected.

[sustainable]

Looks like the proposed tower near the courthouse is a no-go for now. It will be intereting to see if the developers challenge the ruling given that Kendall Yards is only a few blocks away and will have multiple towers over 10 stories...

I would seriously doubt that we could see a good challenge to the hearing examiner's decision on this. In the first place the hearing examiner is no dummy and if you take a look at public records in Spokane City and Spokane County you'll see that the hearing examiners hardly ever say no anyway. Secondly though - Chepe is right that Kendall Yards is only a few blocks away and that is exactly why a challenge on the ruling should fail if it is attempted. This is supposed to be a transitional zone so that people who live in that neighborhood won't have a giant tower next to them. If you allow a rezone here then you end up having somebody else come in later saying, well - I'm only a few blocks further north of the tower by the courthouse. You have to have a strong transition zone or else you will have a creeping development of sparse towers in an area that isn't meant for them. If we were to allow this rezone it would seriously undercut our long range planning which is trying to concentrate areas of intensive development (like Kendall Yards, Monroe Street, Centers and Corridors, etc) and allow residential areas to stay as cohesive neighborhoods.

Just my thoughts coming from a planner...

[chepe]

I'm in favor of planning that concentrates development and think that 'random' towers are generally not attractive on many levels. The transitional area makes complete sense from a planning perspective. I wast just wondering if there would be a challenge that the area for more density and height should be extended a few blocks north of Kendall Yards because of other relatively tall buildings already there (courthouse, jail, county health building). Beyond that it pretty much falls off in terms of height. Personally, I like view protection for the courthouse.

I found it interesting the developers felt there was enough demand there for a bigger building. It should be interesting to see where they go from here.

[revrw]

It would sure be nice to see that development happen downtown. I know the land is more expensive, but not by much. How nice it would be to see some of those surface parking lots be removed from the downtown core!!!

[urbanlife]

It would sure be nice to see that development happen downtown. I know the land is more expensive, but not by much. How nice it would be to see some of those surface parking lots be removed from the downtown core!!!

That has more to do with difficult land owners than it does for cost for Spokane.

[chepe]

That and the fact that many of the surface parking lots generate a nice steady flow of cash with little to no operational expense. The problem is you need to find a price for the lot that makes it worth it for the owner to sell without the developer having to pay a price too high to recoup through development, given condo prices/office/retail rental rates in Spokane are on the lower side but construction costs are not that much cheaper than anywhere else. Hopefully something or someone makes something happen soon, I'd like to see some innovation where a lot owner works as a co-developer on his or her own lot with an experienced developer.

[sustainable]

I'm sure that you've already read this already in the Spokesman, but pretty interesting to see that Cloninger is suing the city regarding his condemnation.

You can read a copy of the lawsuit here: http://spokesmanreview.com/media/pdf/20071210_suitagainstcity.pdf

The basic idea is that he is suing the city for not being able to use his property how he would have like to over the years and reducing its value by repeatedly stating that they would buy/would not buy it/would codemn it etc. It seems that at this point the city of Spokane must be getting some bad legal advice. They have set precedent that they are willing to be overly flexible to folks when they are being sued by recently reaching a settlement with Mick McDowell that both gets rid of a residential tower and sells McDowell land that already had a good lease deal that made the city a lot of money in a perpetual lease.

Cloninger can now go forward and at least keep his property from condemnation by suing the city and PFD (which ironically has McDowell on its board). Although I'd love to see Cloninger's property developed I don't believe that using eminent domain for economic development when the only concrete plans at this point are to keep it as a parking lot. Incidentally, a portion of the property is owned by a company that has Cloninger and some fella named Reugh, sound familiar to anybody? They'll probably hold onto it for a long time considering how much they want unless they develop the property themselves.

Verdict in my opinion: would love to see Cloninger and Reugh out of the equation, but condemnation is the wrong way to do it and so I hope just out of principal the condemnation will not go through. By suing the city and PFD he has probably at least gotten a bargaining chip that will allow the property to no longer be threatened to be hostilely purchased or even condemned so that if in the odd chance that he is actually going to do something with the property now he can.

[sg2]

I don't understand why the city is so ready to use the power of condemnation for a parking garage. Why wouldn't they do this in the Rookery situation? Is it political?

[sustainable]

I don't understand why the city is so ready to use the power of condemnation for a parking garage. Why wouldn't they do this in the Rookery situation? Is it political?

I would personally feel more comfortable if the city was going to use eminent domain to build a parking garage than the current plan on the table which is to leave the lot as a surface parking lot until at some point in the undetermined future the PFD will probably build a parking garage. I would say don't condemn unless they absolutely HAVE to and then only when you're ready to build.

[chepe]

But don't forget the city is worried that if something actually gets developed on that land they will either lose it as future expansion space or have to pay significantly more if they want it down the road. The idea of taking it to keep it as surface parking is not ideal but it has just been sitting there as a crummy patchwork parking lot for so long it makes it less sympathetic. Other than taking the suburban style chili's and its parking lot (how can such a use be allowed in the downtown core?) there isn't much other space available for future convention center expansion. No doubt that statements from city officials that they can start the condemnation process and then just walk away if they don't like the price won't help the city's case. I'd rather have a quality development there than a parking lot so hopefully that will come true. Given the history of the property, however, this really seems to be just positioning over what the payout will be.

[sustainable]

Chepe,

I agree that this is probably just posturing on Cloninger's part. I disagree in principal to eminent domain takings for economic development. Although I'm not a fan of Cloninger's you have to wonder if it had not been for the city repeatedly telling Cloninger that they were going to take his property over the last 25 years if he would not have been able to come up with better brick and mortar development or at least been able to sell it. How many serious buyers do you think have been scared away by the fact that it might be condemned at any moment?

Good point that it will be much more expensive to develop it later if they don't condemn now. Although that doesn't make it right to take somebody's land because at some point in the future they will probably build a parking garage. If they are ready to build a mixed use garage and retail space or hotel there now I say lease the land from Cloninger or something or let him partner in it somehow. I don't like the guy, but think it's horrible to take it for possible future usage.

[urbanlife]

my question is how big does Spokane expect their convention center to get? It isn't like the city is going to become this massive city in our life time. I would figure the current building and the new building would be enough for the city. I mean, what kind of market are they competing in that would require that much space.

I would like the city to go after that lot to build a parking garage and a mixed use transition building to help blend the convention center in with downtown better.


I could never understand why Spokane Falls Blvd wasn't lined with towers and buildings, seeing it should be the city's highest market rate street.

[chepe]

I agree that taking it for future use as a parking garage is a stretch. At the same time, if you're on the side of the PFD you pretty much have to lock up that land before it gets developed or you're essentially landlocked from future expansion (without spending major money on acquisition costs). I'm not sure I buy the argument that the threat of condemnation was a deal killer for any development. Any deal would have a bailout clause if condemnation was started before development. After any significant development the land would be too expensive for the PFD to take.

In terms of actual space I would think the last expansion will serve the area for quite some time. Any bigger at this point and the space would start to compete with centers in signifcantly larger cities, which would put Spokane at a big disadvantage. When they chose the current expansion site instead of the block across the opera house one of the major drawbacks was lack of parking. Even if they don't develop the block for convention purposes, they need parking as of right now.

Hopefully, however, they will do more than just a parking garage and put a nice mixed use development on the site with parking, retail, maybe a hotel, etc. Let them partner with Cloninger on the design and make it a win/win.

[urbanlife]

I agree that taking it for future use as a parking garage is a stretch. At the same time, if you're on the side of the PFD you pretty much have to lock up that land before it gets developed or you're essentially landlocked from future expansion (without spending major money on acquisition costs). I'm not sure I buy the argument that the threat of condemnation was a deal killer for any development. Any deal would have a bailout clause if condemnation was started before development. After any significant development the land would be too expensive for the PFD to take.

In terms of actual space I would think the last expansion will serve the area for quite some time. Any bigger at this point and the space would start to compete with centers in signifcantly larger cities, which would put Spokane at a big disadvantage. When they chose the current expansion site instead of the block across the opera house one of the major drawbacks was lack of parking. Even if they don't develop the block for convention purposes, they need parking as of right now.

Hopefully, however, they will do more than just a parking garage and put a nice mixed use development on the site with parking, retail, maybe a hotel, etc. Let them partner with Cloninger on the design and make it a win/win.

So basically Spokane has another 30-50 years to actually buy this lot before it is threatened with development and they are screwed on parking...jk, I had to take that stab. It makes sense for them to put together a 10 year plan that includes building a garage on the north half of the lot with something like retail on the first floor. Then have the south side of the lot to work with a developer on a public/private partnership to add more retail, office, and condo/apartment space downtown.


The key to making small city downtowns survive is to add more people living downtown. Office towers are no longer the lifeblood of a downtown, they are just the second effect now.

[chepe]

So basically Spokane has another 30-50 years to actually buy this lot before it is threatened with development and they are screwed on parking...jk
:haha:

[chepe]

An article on the Ridpath. Sounds like the redo of the top floor(s) would be great. That hotel can be successful, I think, as it has a great location and a decent history but it needs some $$ for a fairly significant upgrade. Hopefully that happens.

Local group seeks to buy Ridpath Hotel

By Parker Howell
Staff writer
January 3, 2008

A group of Spokane businesspeople wants to purchase the downtown Ridpath Hotel, which until Tuesday was listed for sale at $8.5 million.

Members of two restaurant groups and an undisclosed investor have quietly secured about $2.2 million to first revamp the historic hotel’s top two floors into a high-end nightclub and restaurant, said Chad Hutson, business development director for Cuisine Northwest, which provides food and beverage service for the hotel.

“The larger goal is to reacquire the entire tower and to bring back the hotel to the grandeur it once had,” Hutson said. “All of us have kind of a passion for the space up there just because of the potential of it.”

A listing for the 200-room hotel, 515 W. Sprague Ave., expired Monday, and the hotel’s owner, Las Vegas hotelier Douglas Da Silva, said he is evaluating options to stem financial losses there, including selling, closing or repurposing the building.

“We’re looking to see how we can correct that, but we’re losing money and we’re tired of it,” he said, adding he didn’t receive any viable offers.

There’s demand for hotel rooms downtown after a “landmark year,” said Harry Sladich, president of the president of the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I need that to be a hotel, because I need the space,” Sladich said.

The businesspeople, from downtown sushi lounge Bluefish operator Cuisine Northwest and Spokane Sushi LLC, which runs Raw sushi across the street from the Ridpath, hope to convert the former Ankeny’s restaurant into Soleil, Hutson said.

They would use $1.2 million from their partner, a local developer, and a $1 million bank loan to buy the floors from another unnamed party who is negotiating with Da Silva, Hutson said. The group already has architectural plans for the restaurant, but some funds still are needed, he said.

“We are very close to having all of the dollars secured for that top project,” Hutson said. “Once that is in place, we figure it could be as early as six months, with the right construction partner, to have the space ready to go.”

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13030

[urbanlife]

thats good to hear, the only reason why the Ridpath is losing money is because a Vegas owner is running it. Spokane isn't Vegas, it needs personal attention to be successful there.

[chepe]

Agreed, I don't know if the new owner rehabed any of the rooms but I would think with a decent, mostly cosmetic remodel, that hotel should be able to turn a profit. I recall an article that rates have been on the rise for the region, which is a sign that something might be wrong with the property if it isn't able to cash in.

[sustainable]

the Ridpath lobby is really nice and the entrance from the north is actually great, BUT the rooms are small and honestly a lot of them feel like a motel six. very below grade finish inside of them. The reason I say that is because my (now) wife and I were looking for a place to have out of town guests stay for our wedding this last summer and went looking at the ridpath and after we went to one of the rooms that they showed us we didn't even think about it. we went red lion at the park. as close to the center of downtown and much nicer for around the same price.

I would love to see the ridpath do well long term as a hotel, but they'll have to do a lot more than make a nice lobby and top floors. People care about the actual room that they're in as well.

[chepe]

I think you're right regarding the rooms needing an update. I was hoping the current owner would remodel the rooms but it sounds like it didn't happen. The Ridpath has good bones and with the lobby, a popular and successful restaurant/nightclub on the lobby floor and a great space on the top floor or two, if you put some money into updating the rooms I think it could be a successful property. It should be interesting to see what happens since the list price reflected quite a premium for such a short turnaround in ownership, coupled with the fact it doesn't sound like much was done to update the rooms.

[chepe]

More redevelopment on west 1st. That area continues to evolve and has so much potential (some already realized). Hopefully, however, everyone keeps an eye out for the loss of so much low income housing. Another post on the same site states the building next door is scheduled to be re-done at the same time, good news. Renders taken from article linked below:
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/archive/?postID=3669#more

Current state: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/media/r_DSCN0853.JPG

Proposed renovation: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/media/r_0707-3D-03-Red%20Brick%20Two%20Tone.jpg

After sitting vacant, another historic West First Avenue building is slated to receive a facelift.

Developers intend to transform the three-story, 23,400-square-foot former Jefferson Hotel, 115 S. Jefferson St., into street-level retail condominiums and upper-level office suites, said Mark McLees, a sales and leasing agent for NAI Black.

Developer Jeff Smith, of EBJ Holdings LLC, and Spokane chiropractor Darcy Kelly are renovating the 99-year-old building. They purchased it as Windows on Jefferson LLC from EBJ Holdings on Jan. 4 for $1.3 million, public records show.

Renovations should cost about $500,000, and owners hope it will be occupied by April, Smith said.

The building is the latest on the block to be renovated. BlueRay Technologies last summer purchased the Commercial Building, 1119 W. Riverside Ave, and turned the basement into a Blu-ray disc manufacturing plant. RenCorp LLC last fall closed the Otis Hotel at First and South Madison Street.

Owners will market “The Jefferson Centre" to boutique retailers, McLees said.

“We really see that neighborhood as attracting your artistic-type of businesses,” McLees said.

At least one art gallery and several restaurants occupy buildings farther east, and the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, situated kitty-corner to the block, recently reopened.

"That entire strip down through First Avenue is really going to take off," Smith said.

Smith said owners considered making residential condos. But, he said, "With the downturn in the market and some other projects coming online, we thought it would be better if we went the office-condo route."

Units are expected to cost $165 to $185 per square foot. Retail condos could be from 1,582-square-feet to 6,870-square-feet, while office condos on the second and third floors could be 1,500- to about 6,700-square-feet, McLees said.

Until 2002, the building housed the low-rent Jefferson Apartments. Then-owner Joe Harwood, who also owned the Saranac Building, said he couldn't afford to continue offering cheap apartments, according to news reports.

Last summer, low-income tenants relocated from the New Madison Apartments, the Otis and the Commercial.

The renovation will keep the building’s brick exterior and floors, but the interior already is being gutted, McLees said.

“It’s the right time for us to get this project up and going and do it while construction costs are still, of course, higher than they were a year ago but still affordable to make the project work,” McLees said.

[urbanlife]

which from what I hear, the Otis wont last much longer as low income. I am all for low income housing, but that part of spokane is nothing but that and it would be nice to see the city start to connect the art district to the little district to the west of it before browne's addition. I think another huge roadblock is he spokesman's distrubuting building. that should be moved to a light industrial site just outside of downtown to allow that site to stimulate new growth for the district.

[chepe]

Good news on downtown office space filling up:

One of downtown Spokane's distinctive office buildings is almost entirely leased after being less than half-full in 2006. The eight-story Lincoln Plaza, at Lincoln Street and Riverside Avenue, is about 95 percent leased, said Tom Barbieri, president of property manager Goodale & Barbieri Co.

Insurance and financial firm Moloney+O'Neill plans to remodel the top two floors, while a branch of discount stock brokerage Charles Schwab is slated to occupy part of the building's street-level space.

Tenants of Lincoln Plaza and the adjacent Grant Building, which is being remodeled, could bring 200 new employees to that part of downtown, Barbieri said.

Full story: http://www.spokesmanreview.com/business/story.asp?ID=231011

[revrw]

It would be nice to see a cafe' on the south end of the building as stated in the article. Also, I would like to see more clubs/lounge type bars on the east end and a less 9-5 offices on the retail floor. "The Coffee Bean" would be a nice coffee shop around there!

[Hub for an Empire]

Good news for downtown! I hope it generates additional traffic on the sidewalks of downtown Spokalu!

Let's hope new projects will be announced this Spring after this snowy Spokane winter! This forum has been a tad bit slow, so come on Spokane Movers and Shakers......announce more new "quality" projects and start building!

**** Remember today is the Caucus in Washington. Get involved! ****

[chepe]

Things have been pretty slow around here but the almost definitive end of the Vox tower seemed worth posting:

Brewster also plans more redevelopment of the Havermale Park project in east downtown Spokane.

The Bickett Building, 225 W. Riverside Ave., and the Richmond Building, 228 W. Sprague Ave., each would become eight high-end apartments above about 4,000 square feet of retail space. The National Building, 17 N. Browne, would have about 8,000 square feet of new office space upstairs. Renovations could cost roughly $2 million to $4 million, he said.

Bordered by Riverside and Sprague avenues and Bernard and Browne streets, the project stalled in 2006 after the completion of apartments in the Hale Building, 227 W. Riverside Ave.

Brewster said he's still evaluating options for the site where his company, ConoverBond Development, had planned the Vox Tower, a high-rise condo tower conceptualized for what's now a parking lot along Riverside.

"There just doesn't seem to be much interest from City Hall," he said, adding it will probably be a four- or five-story apartment building.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/business/story.asp?ID=232954&page=2

I'm just not sure about the stated lack of interest from City Hall. I'm not saying that isn't the case, I'm just wondering how the lack of city interest is the deal killer. Seems odd.

[Hub for an Empire]

Sounds like the Montvale Hotel might be up for sale also.

I wasn't able to view the Spokesman article.

I think it's kind of a strange comment about lack of interest from City Hall. What does he want? I thought from Emporis website the project was approved? Maybe he needs to state what he wants from City Hall?

I'm not sure if the project would have materialized anyway...considering the history.

It would be nice to see some major project in downtown Spokane start up.

[chepe]

Some positive news for the north bank as this project is dusted off. Sounds like they are really just looking to vest their shorline approval at this point but the location is great for condos:

Condo plans moving forward

Parker Howell
Staff writer
March 6, 2008

SRM Development LLC is moving forward with a mixed-use condo tower proposed for the YWCA site near downtown Spokane, more than a year after announcing the project.

The Spokane-based development company has scheduled a public meeting to solicit informal comments on the proposal, which would require a shoreline conditional-use permit because of its proximity to the Spokane River.

The first phase would be a 14-story condo tower over a 2.5-floor parking structure adjacent to Lincoln Street, according to a public announcement. But an SRM manager said whether the company will build a second tower, and the project’s height and parking capacity, have not been finalized.

The tower would be 150 feet tall, the maximum allowed, according to recent information on SRM’s Web site. Preliminary renderings of the project — which were removed Wednesday — depicted two condo towers joined by a shorter, wider building at the corner of Lincoln and Broadway.

The building would include condos and commercial and retail space, offering “unparalleled views of the Spokane River and Riverfront Park,” according to a brochure on SRM’s Web site.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=13985

http://metrospokane.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/03/05/ywcafar_2.gif photo credit to Metro(spokane)

[urbanlife]

I really hate how cheap Sketchup rendering look. It is a tool that should be used for no formal ideas....but that asside, sounds like a good step forward for the city, I hope this one actually happens.

[FireFighter74]

I think this one has a good chance of being built, unlike the YMCA fiasco. Why city parks wants the YMCA building is beyond me. I work there and the building is literally falling apart. The pool will have to be totally redone in a few years. The YMCA/YWCA should be able to move into there new building by next spring. Hopefully this will give enough time for the market to figure itself out.

[James Bond Agent 007]

Kewel. Maybe someday the North Bank will look like Vancouver's West End. :eat:

[urbanlife]

Kewel. Maybe someday the North Bank will look like Vancouver's West End. :eat:

or at least a mini version of it. I still think Spokane is prime to end up being like a mini version of Seattle someday.

[chepe]

or at least a mini version of it. I still think Spokane is prime to end up being like a mini version of Seattle someday.

In theory, if these two towers get built and Kendall Yards is built as planned, that would give the north bank approximately 8-10 residential towers of 10-15 stories each. That is probably a very long way off but that would bring some nice density and scale to the north bank.

[revrw]

http://spokesmanreview.com/breaking/story.asp?ID=14137


Interesting article!!!!!

[urbanlife]

"Wells had planned the Carnegie Square Townhouses, 10 three-story "San Francisco-style" townhouses at First Avenue and Adams Street. They would include two-car garages and rooftop decks and would range from 2,800 square feet, for $525,000, to 3,800 square feet, for $795,000.

But estimates showed that at those prices, building costs would nearly match retail value. Now Wells is considering a nine-story, 90-unit apartment building."


that is good to hear, when I saw the sign for the townhouses, I thought it was such a waste for that location. Townhouses are a great idea for inner city neighborhoods, not in downtown.



"Developer Rob Brewster has said he's evaluating options for the proposed high-rise apartment and luxury condo Vox Tower on Riverside. He'll probably make a four- or five-story building instead, he said."

who wants to take bets that this wont even happen. I think Brewster might have lost a set of balls because he seems to be all talk.

Hopefully this all pans out well.

[Smentek]

I don't know if demand is high enough for that 9-story Wells building either. Wells is a good businessman, and I imagine something will go there, although I think that 9-story building may be scaled down slightly.

Brewster is known for historical renewal, not new building. I think the Vox site isn't feasible for the time being. We are seeing that right now for much of the east side of downtown, namely the Edge has only sold 5 of 19.

Bigger news from that article is in regards to McDowell. So I guess that means Riverview on Riverside is going to built...interesting. I wonder what changes he had to make to the tower height-wise to prevent full-scale rebellion.

[urbanlife]

Wells is just doing pricing right now. Seeing what the cost compared to return would be. He is well aware what the going price for luxury apartments and condos are going for within Spokane and if the numbers dont match, he will probably not build. Basically the townhouse idea did not match the price tag to build them.

Honestly I doubt if it does get built it will be under 10 stories. This is because I dont think this could be built with anything under 90 units within it.


The eastside of downtown is its own monster, the Spokane wishes for that area to grow, it will need to create a masterplan and push it that encompasses all of the eastside of downtown as well as the empty neighborhood to the east that runs all the way to Hamilton.

[urbanlife]

a side note just in case anyone was wondering, the Rookery block is assessed at roughly 2.3 million dollars right now. Well under the 5 million that Reugh probably wants for the site.

He originally was asking 4.5 million for the site with the buildings, I am assuming his asking price went up after having to foot the bill for demolition.

Just thought I would mention that. At that price I seriously doubt any construction will happen there any time soon.

[Hub for an Empire]

^^^^ I imagine you are right with the Rookery Block. Don't know how they are justifying paying taxes for then empty buildings......and now a parking lot. I don't think the parking lot is a big income generator!

I hope no one is supporting this parking lot!

Sad to see a block in the center of the city not used to it's full potential!

I am glad to see Spokane turning around. It is nice to see new projects and peoples attitude about the city changing. Spokane is under appreciated. I'm glad to see interest from developers outside of Spokane taking a note!

[chepe]

That was a nice thorough article. I thought the proposed condo/hotel at the rodeway inn site was interesting. That is a nice location (a little close to the RR and the parcel is kind of an odd shape) but a nice tower there could be successful. Also interestnig to hear the riverview tower is planned to go forward I thought I read something to the contrary. The market is tough but it sounds like several developers are still cautiously optimistic.

[revrw]

I was and have recently often thought about what sort of infrastructure I would like to see in Spokane first; either a streetcar system or a light rail system?

After lots of thought, I decided I would like to see the city push the streetcar system first, and have that up and running in the next 3-5 years, then move to a push for light rail. Seeing both happen at the same time is just wishful thinking in Spokane.

The reason I think the streetcar system would be better first, is because I think it could do so much for infill in the downtown core and become a strong link from the northbank into the core of downtown. The thought of a streetcar system running from the U-district through downtown and up through riverfront park and over to Kendall Yards almost gives me goosebumps!

I also think that people would be able to use the streetcar system more by parking in the U-district, but taking the streetcar in and around downtown to shop, go to events at the area, or just going to events in the downtown core.

What is everyone else's thoughts on this issue?

[Hub for an Empire]

^^^^ My vote would be for at least one line of the streetcar system from the Courthouse to downtown and over to the Convention Center/U District first. I would think downtown interests might help support financing.
I do think Light Rail needs to be started soon in sections. I think from the airport to Brownes Addition to downtown needs to be built first , with other sections to follow. It could link to the other streetcar line. The second streetcar line should be from downtown up to Deaconess and up to SHMC and onto Grand Blvd. next to Manito Park. From there i would hope some routes on the Northside would follow......North Monroe, Gonzaga/Hamilton and North Post. There needs to be another line on the southside going up to 14th and Lincoln or Cedar area.

I do think people choose where they live , so with that being said, they (people living in the suburbs) should be willing to pay for higher fuel costs. I'm for getting back Spokane as the Central city and getting people out of cars here. It will also pull together economic efforts in the recent years.

I really want to see light rail to go to the airport/FAFB/Cheney area. I think it will take time to get out to Post Falls/CDA. (There doesn't seem much collaboration between the two counties at this time, or in the past, if any!)

[urbanlife]

I was and have recently often thought about what sort of infrastructure I would like to see in Spokane first; either a streetcar system or a light rail system?

After lots of thought, I decided I would like to see the city push the streetcar system first, and have that up and running in the next 3-5 years, then move to a push for light rail. Seeing both happen at the same time is just wishful thinking in Spokane.

The reason I think the streetcar system would be better first, is because I think it could do so much for infill in the downtown core and become a strong link from the northbank into the core of downtown. The thought of a streetcar system running from the U-district through downtown and up through riverfront park and over to Kendall Yards almost gives me goosebumps!

I also think that people would be able to use the streetcar system more by parking in the U-district, but taking the streetcar in and around downtown to shop, go to events at the area, or just going to events in the downtown core.

What is everyone else's thoughts on this issue?


Actually if you need a real life example of this, look at Tacoma, they put in their first streetcar line a few years ago and that has been helping the city change. I think a streetcar line would be amazing for the city. They could make it loop through downtown cause it would have to touch the convention center, the transit building, the university area, a stop close to Browne's Addition, as well as a stop on the northbank.

With the money in order for this, they could have this up and running within a year. Streetcar lines are much easier to put in than light rail. Actually the only real costly thing in putting in a streetcar is the cars themselves and the transit stops.

Also to go along with the stops, it would be a good place for the city to hold a design competition for to get some good looking stops that make riding the streetcar that much more of an experience.


I have put alot of thought into this idea for a few years now.

[chepe]

I agree that a streetcar line would be a better first step. A double loop running from downtown to Kendall Yards/courthouse/arena/(perhaps U-district and GU/and convention center into downtown on one end and the other going to the hospitals/medical offices/brownes addition would be a great to move people around the greater downtown area and encourage development along the lines.

[urbanlife]

the reality id that Spokane is not that big of a city or a metro. It doesnt need much beyond a few streetcar lines to help it out. The major need for light rail would be a line out to the airport and even that isnt really that important. Plus the city could do two to three streetcar lines for the price of a light rail line.

[chepe]

Good news on more class A space being taken down. Time to put the Rookery lot to use...

A large Spokane law firm specializing in intellectual property has signed a long-term lease for new offices inside Spokane’s tallest building, the Bank of America Financial Center.

Lee & Hayes PLLC will take 27,097 square feet on the 13th and 14th floors of the building, 601 W. Riverside Ave., nearly doubling its space as it accommodates “rapid growth,” according to a news release.

Representing six of the 20 largest patent filers nationwide, it employs more than 75 in Spokane and Seattle, including 40 attorneys and patent agents specializing in IP. The company also wants to hire at least 12 more IP attorneys and support staff, the release says.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/archive/?postID=4728#more

[James Bond Agent 007]

Check it out:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=ry8qjv56fgz8&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=24757537&encType=1

[urbanlife]

too cool! I found my parents' house, and my dad's truck is parked outside.

[chepe]

Interesting blurb about yet another bar opening near post street downtown but it also mentions a planned tower along first avenue:

A new bar could open in the former 24 Hour Fitness building on West Riverside Avenue this fall, said Mark McLees, a leasing agent with NAI Black.

Owned by commercial appraiser Scot Auble and his father, David, the three-story building, 718 W. Riverside Ave., also will receive a facelift and upstairs expansion, McLees said. It’s sat vacant since 24 Hour Fitness became Oz Fitness and moved to the renovated J.C. Penny building.

NAI Black has listed the building for rent or for sale for $1.45 million (flyer here).

The building went back on the market last winter after being under contract with Spokane developer Jeff Smith, who had planned a 17-story condo tower. The downturn in the residential market affected that project, McLees said. Overlook Spokane LLC purchased the Rodeway Inn, 901 W. 1st Ave., where Smith plans a tower consisting of a roughly 50-room hotel and 40 to 50 condo units, once the market improves.

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/dirt/

[urbanlife]

"once the market improves" so basically it is a nice idea that will never happen.

[chepe]

"once the market improves" so basically it is a nice idea that will never happen.

Well, given the history of mid/highrises in Spokane you're probably correct. Nonetheless, the scale of the proposed project makes it seem more reasonable. 50 hotel rooms and 40/50 condos isn't a crazy number. Given those numbers, it doesn't seem like the proposed building would be all that tall but perhaps someone with more insight could provide more accurate speculation.

[urbanlife]

Well, given the history of mid/highrises in Spokane you're probably correct. Nonetheless, the scale of the proposed project makes it seem more reasonable. 50 hotel rooms and 40/50 condos isn't a crazy number. Given those numbers, it doesn't seem like the proposed building would be all that tall but perhaps someone with more insight could provide more accurate speculation.

it would be about 14-20 stories tall or about 160ft to 220ft tall. Just ball park numbers. The hotel part would be about 4 floors plus a lobby floor. Then the condo part would be about 10 to 16 floors depending on the size of the units. So it would be a tower that would make an impact on its area. It could be an awesome tower if it were to ever happen.


It just gets annoying hearing random idiots that own land in Spokane that propose towers without any real resources to back up their talk.

[chepe]

Thanks for the insight on the ballpark height. I hear you on the frustration of 'proposed' towers never coming to be. On the optimistic side, at least someone is, hypothetically, planning to put a tower project together. Given that it would line up with the Davenport Tower and the Wells Fargo, hopefully it wouldn't be a rectangular box like those two. Still, 14-20 floors would be a nice addition to the skyline. Given the current market, I would think the hotel/condo ratio might change since occupancy rates and average nightly rates have been on the upswing.

[Hub for an Empire]

^^^^ Hopefully, sooner than later, someone will build a highrise in downtown Spokane! It's encouraging to have different developers getting into doing things with Spokane, since it will provide a variety of ideas to the landscape and skyline of Spokane.

I agree, if the bottom of a future building is rectangular, hopefully they add elements with some roundness and curves to it! Also, it's important that future projects blend in with Spokane's historic buildings! (Style, materials, etc.....)

Hopefully, some new projects starts soon! It is nice to take an inventory of new improvements around the CBD, to appreciate how Spokane has changed since 2000!

[urbanlife]

actually it would be nice to see new development in spokane push the design to reflect the region and the environment of the area more. With so much light the city receives, it would be nice to see architecture start to take the shape that uses that to its fullest, which means the architecture wouldnt be rectangle buildings.

[Hub for an Empire]

I know this isn't the best location for this article, but thought this LA TIMES article about Spokane bidding for the 2010 U.S. Figure Skating Championship was really nice and gives Spokane some postive PR!

+++++++++++++++++++++


Figure skating needs a trip to Spokane
The eastern Washington city is the ideal host for the 2010 national championships.
By Philip Hersh, Special to The Times
April 22, 2008
U.S. Figure Skating officials are beginning site inspections on potential host cities for the 2010 national championships, which serve as Olympic trials for that year's Winter Games in Vancouver.

They are wasting time and money on a no-brainer:

The championships belong in Spokane. No need to visit anywhere else.

It is one of four undisclosed candidates for the event, and I have learned Providence, R.I., and Portland, Ore., also are apparently in the running.

(U.S. Figure Skating chief executive David Raith did not answer messages seeking the identity of the mystery city. It may be Detroit.)

Two years ago, Spokane put on the best U.S. Championships of the nearly two dozen I have attended, including Portland (2005) and Providence (1995).

The city was more jazzed to be host than any other I have seen. There were even posters about the championships in bars too funky for even a thirsty sportswriter to patronize.

Spokane's attendance was 154,893. Portland's was 117,000. Providence drew 56,856.

This is what I wrote after the event in 2007:

"Take a city with good facilities, a highly competent organizing committee and no major league professional sports, and it doesn't matter how relatively small or isolated it is.

"Spokane's motto might as well be, 'Gateway to Idaho.' By 2005 estimates, it is the 99th largest city in the country, in the middle of the 108th largest metropolitan area.

"Yet it drew 25% more spectators for the skating nationals than any previous host, a group that includes much larger places such as Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas and Atlanta."

Men's champion Evan Lysacek was impressed too:

"Skating was so big here it made us feel kind of important," Lysacek said.

And SportsTravel magazine also thought the little city in eastern Washington did a bang-up job, giving the 2007 U.S. Championships its sporting event of the year award. Previous winners included things like the Super Bowl.

Figure skating needs a boost. The next two years are critical, with the 2009 worlds in Los Angeles and the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver -- only 410 miles from Spokane, so you could see sellouts in Spokane as the road map to sellouts in Vancouver.

The folks leading Spokane's effort for the 2010 nationals say the interest for the second time around will be even greater.

No reason not to believe them, since they exceeded every expectation for 2007. They should nickname the place Spo-can-do.

I have only one worry about the situation:

That the same U.S. Figure Skating leaders who put last year's Skate America in Reading, Pa., one of the most lugubrious cities in the country, also are making this decision.

Of course, maybe they noticed that Reading's downtown is a perfect metaphor for both the arena during Skate America as well as for the state of the sport.

Empty and dying.

Philip Hersh covers Olympic sports for The Times and Chicago Tribune.

[urbanlife]

who knew Spokane would become such a figure skating mecca. Actually this is really good PR and I hope they get it. The attendance alone is good enough reason.

[James Bond Agent 007]

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I think Spokane should try for the Winter Olympics.