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A DECLINING DOWNTOWN IN NEED OF A VISION

The early 1990s was a pivotal time for the City of Spokane.  Its downtown -- the heart of this community and the Inland Northwest region -- was on the brink of serious decline.  If the area was to be revitalized, a bold vision for its future and decisive, immediate action by public and private parties was needed.  

By 1993, the situation downtown was grim.  Empty storefronts dotted the retail core.  JC Penney moved to a suburban shopping mall.  Frederick and Nelson closed its doors permanently, leaving nearly two entire blocks of vacant space.  Nordstrom's lease was due to expire in March of 1999, and the large national retailer did not intend to renew its lease unless dramatic efforts were undertaken to revive downtown.  Retail industry experts predicted that if Nordstrom left, it was nearly certain the The Bon Marche would follow, leaving downtown Spokane without major retail anchors.  The absence of these critical components to overall urban core, would have a negative impact of smaller local businesses, entrepreneurs and merchants, leading to job loss, declining visitor and convention industry, declining property values and decreased sales tax revenues for the City of Spokane.

Without a plan to reverse the downward slide of Spokane's urban core, the City would need to fine alternative revenue sources -- increased property taxes, cut services, or both -- spreading the impact of downtown's decline through the greater Spokane area and to all of its citizens.  In addition, if Spokane was to follow the trend of other cities which have lost a thriving downtown, it faced an increase in criminal activity throughout the downtown core.  

In 1994, a concept to revitalize downtown and ensure the retention of Nordstrom and The Bon Marche was developed.  Anchored by Nordstrom, the original River Park Square retail center was built in the early 1970s and featured several local, regional and national retailers.  The plan was to spur downtown revitalization by redeveloping the existing retail center into a modern shopping, dining and retail center.

THE CITY'S VISION 

Through a process spearheaded by Spokane Horizons in the mid 1990s, the City developed a comprehensive vision and values statement that was unanimously adopted by the City Council.  The statement reads, "The citizens of Spokane have helped form a vision for the future.  The see a thriving city and strong community.  They value actions that support neighborhoods and business and which promote education and responsive government.  Safe, inclusive and livable neighborhoods, good schools, abundant parks and open spaces, available and affordable housing of all types, efficient public services and a vital downtown core are all essential to this vision."

By 1994, City of Spokane leaders had recognized that proactive steps were needed to revitalize downtown.  That summer, representatives from the City met with the River Park Square developer to discuss the scope of a potential revitalization project.  It was then that the City decided to engage in a public-private collaboration.  The City's role would be to address the need for an expanded public parking garage -- a critical component necessary for the downtown revitalization project to occur.  

In addition, one year later in 1995, The City of Spokane applied for a Section 108 HUD Loan Guarantee on behalf of the River Park Square project.  In that application, the City cited its comprehensive plan, goals and policies stating, "The Central Business District is the single most important element of commercial land use.  Not only is it the dominant commercial center in Spokane, but it also provides the economic focus for the entire Inland Empire, substantially contributing to the overall economic health of the region."

The application also confirmed "A stated goal of the Land Use Plan is to continue the program for Central Business District revitalization and enhancement, as specified in the Central Business District plan."  Under that goal, a stated policy is to "Strive to ensure the Central Business District remains strong and continues to serve as its central function as a dominant commercial area in the Inland Empire."

THE DEVELOPER'S VISION

The developer envisioned the new River Park Square as the cornerstone for downtown revitalization that would help keep Spokane a center of commerce and tourism in the Inland Northwest.  It would generate tax revenues that would fund important City initiatives and human services programs, while retaining and creating hundreds of jobs for people throughout the entire community.  The project would also bolster tourism and make the city more attractive to relating and expanding business.  It was hoped River Park Square would be a catalyst for other projects.

The early concept for a redeveloped River Park Square was aimed at stimulating excitement and energy throughout the retail core, rebuilding pedestrian traffic at street level, linking to other downtown shopping and entertainment facilities, and creating more accessible and convenient parking for retail customers and downtown visitors.