Investment pouring into downtown Spokane is transforming the city that serves as the hub for the Inland Northwest.  More than 450 new and proposed public and private construction projects valued at over $1 billion since 1999 are bringing new vitality and vigor to downtown Spokane.

About $243 million in commercial projects include a plethora of new and expanded businesses, restaurants, hotels, stores, arts, culture and entertainment venues, and more.  The River Park Square shopping, dining and entertainment center and the historic Davenport Hotel are two key developments that sparked the $1 billion transformation of downtown Spokane.  

These projects are featured on a poster sized map produced by the Downtown Spokane Partnership and River Park Square and unveiled during a forum about downtown’s renaissance at LaunchPad v5.0 on June 12.   

“River Park Square was built with a vision to revitalize downtown and it’s working,” said Betsy Cowles, developer of River Park Square. 

The Davenport Arts District, a ten-block area near the Davenport Hotel features a number of new and proposed art galleries, restaurants, and performance venues including The Big Easy entertainment venue, Heroes and Legends, a high-tech sports bar and Amici, Spokane’s first upscale jazz club.  

Over $14.5 million in residential projects include the introduction of major market rate housing developments such as the Blue Chip Lofts, Kempis Condos, and Montvale Hotel, all renovated historic buildings.  

Over $125 million in mixed-use projects consist of office, retail, dining and residential elements.  The Steam Plant Square is an office and dining complex located in the city’s former steam plant.  City Terminal is a new shopping, dining and arts district, and the Odd Girls Hall is being renovated into retail and office space by a group of Seattle-area women. 

Over $233 million in public K-12 school and higher education projects include a renovated high school and major expansions of Washington State University and Gonzaga University.  

Nearly $100 million in government projects include a voter approved $70 million facility expansion of the Spokane Convention Center and Opera House, remodel of the Spokane Arena, and major improvements to Riverfront Park, site of the 1974 World’s Fair.  

Over $37 million in infrastructure includes a broadband network, expansion of Centennial Trail, 37 miles of paved trail along the Spokane River, and pedestrian enhancements to Post Street in the heart of downtown. 

Nearly $180 million in health care related projects enhance Spokane’s role as the major medical hub between Seattle and Minneapolis.  Projects include an extensive expansion of hospital facilities, addition of several new medical offices and a new regional Inland Northwest Blood Center.

Nearly $105 million in non-profit projects include the expanded Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, renovation of the historic Fox Theatre, a proposed science center, and building upgrades of many local churches and other non-profit agencies.  

“The diversity and quantity of recent downtown investment has created an exciting and vibrant urban center that is full of activity,” said Mike Edwards, president of the Downtown Spokane Partnership.

To view the map electronically, log onto http://www.downtown.spokane.net.  To obtain a copy, email a request to rps@rockey-spokane.com.