Investment pouring into downtown Spokane is transforming our city. Hundreds of new and proposed public and private construction projects have resulted in a one-of-a-kind retail center, a grand hotel, and a plethora of businesses, restaurants, stores, cultural and entertainment venues in the past four years. 

The combined value of these projects is estimated at over $1 billion and includes commercial, office, retail, hospitality, mixed use, residential, commercial, educational and government developments and renovations. 

This new investment is bringing vitality and vigor to downtown, serving as an economic catalyst, and infusing revenue into the local economy through taxes and fees, jobs, business attraction and retention, tourism and more. 

The renaissance began just over four years ago. Like many cities across the country, Spokane was experiencing an exodus of retailers from the downtown core to the suburban areas this trend was shared by many, but a catalyst was required.  It was found in the form of a revitalized shopping center, originally built in the 1970’s. 

Since the summer of 1999, when the renovated River Park Square re-opened, a steady stream of investors and visionaries have continued to foster the renaissance.

The resulting progress is renewing Spokane’s position as an important hub for diverse arts, culture and entertainment.

In the year after River Park Square’s new debut, Walt and Karen Worthy began to realize their vision for the Davenport Hotel. The promise of their project attracted a variety of shops. 

Susan Carmody, a Seattle-area resident at the time, was captivated by the immense energy and opportunity she saw here during a visit to see her son at Gonzaga University. 

“The attitudes downtown were so contagious,” said Susan, owner of the downtown boutique Jigsaw. “I saw bright, sophisticated, well-educated people who were firmly invested in making a transition to a totally new downtown. And guess what? It’s happened.”

From the Northwest Museum of Art and Culture’s $28 million expansion on the west end, to the multi-million dollar plans for the Convention Center and the University District on the east end, our city may be experiencing the most substantial period of growth since the photo was taken!
Developments in the neighborhood surrounding the Spokane Club put us right in the heart of all the action.  And much like the movers and shakers of Spokane’s heyday in the early 1900’s, many of today’s visionaries are also members of our Club community,  Here’s a representative sampling of member individuals and companies whose projects and developments have contributed to Spokane’s renaissance over the past four years: *

Cowles Publishing, Pacific Security Financial, Barton Properties, Downtown Honda, Downtown Toyota, Wells & Co., Metropolitan Mortgage, Walt and Karen Worthy, Janine Vaughn and Revival Lighting, Margaret and Roy Walser and Willow Wind Organic Foods, John Sonneland and the Courtesy Court Building, Terrance Brown and the Pet Emergency Clinic, Dick Edwards and Inland Roofing & Supply, Bill Bartlett and Royal Upholstery, Michael Jensen, The Green Company and Empire Ford, White Runkle Associates, Lorinda Knight Gallery, Jack Saad, Jill and Doug Smith with the Railide Center and the Odd Girls Building, and Steve Schmautz and the Legion Building (the Club’s home prior to 1910)

It’s an exciting time to be in downtown. Spokane!