1995

“The Spokane Area EDC has had a long standing tradition of being a non-partisan organization and rarely endorses projects. However, the River Park Square project is so important to our community and region that it is incumbent upon us to step forward and give our full support to such a dynamic and vital project.”

“Beyond the obvious economic impacts, the Spokane Area EDC is also concerned that if our downtown does not take advantage of the River Park Square project, we are at risk of impacting our business recruitment efforts. We feel that it will be extremely difficult to recruit quality companies to Spokane if our downtown and the area’s quality of life features diminish. The economic impact of our recruitment efforts range from $10-15 million per year that the community could, in theory, lose if this revitalization program is not implemented.” 

     -Bob Cooper, president, Spokane Area EDC, May 30, 1995

“Our downtown’s future is too important to leave to chance. For a century, downtown Spokane has served as the business, civic and cultural center for the Inland Northwest, a region that is the home for two million people today. We are heartened by Riverfront Park, the lasting legacy of the Expo, and by several new public facilities in and around the downtown. But we also see the danger of Nordstrom and The Bon leaving, the negative impact that could have on smaller retailers, and the disruptions that resultant crime and blight can bring.”

      - King Cole, president of Expo ’74, June 2, 1995

“The revitalization of downtown Spokane is a significant priority of the Spokane Area Economic Development Council. The downtown area is at a crossroads. Without new investment and the retention of the major retail anchor tenants, this critically important area will decline. With a decline, the loss of tax revenues, wages and employment will be enormous.” 

     - Bob Cooper, president, Spokane Area EDC, June 6, 1995

“The vitality of the downtown core is extremely dependent on strong retail activity…Spokane deserves to continue its position as the center of the region’s retailing activity. That can only be achieved by extensive redevelopment of aging downtown retail activity. The loss of Nordstrom to this region would be a significant event which likely would trigger other events that would lead to a downward spiral of retail activity and civic pride…Spokane has an opportunity to move back up the slippery slope and retain its position of leadership in the region. Or, it may continue on the path it’s presently following which will not be in the interest of the economic or cultural welfare of the citizens of this community.” 

     -Thomas M. White, president and CEO, Empire Health Services, June 8, 1995

“If (downtown) is working properly, it is the heart of the city. The heart must be vibrant…We have an opportunity available now. It is a self help opportunity…We need to support the proposed River Park Square downtown revitalization project. With the proper vision, the community can assist to revitalize itself. This is the proper vision- this is the proper time. Let’s move forward in a manner which will ensure the long vitality of our downtown.”

     - Ric E. Odegard, executive vice president, Friends of Downtown, June 9, 1995

“This is a critical time for the future of our community. The actions we take right now will set the stage for years to come. For years, we have enjoyed the benefits of a healthy downtown area. It has been the economic and cultural heart of both Spokane and the entire Inland Northwest region. But that picture is a fragile one. We can already see symptoms of a downtown at risk…A community can only be as healthy as its downtown core. Downtown provides jobs, wages and a significant tax base that supports our city and our schools…We’ve been working closely with the city and the owners of River Park Square on a plan to revitalize our downtown area. Because of the key role played by retailing downtown, that revitalization plan is built around Nordstrom and The Bon continuing to play their historic roles as downtown’s retail anchors.”

     -Bridget Piper, Mari Clack, King Cole, excerpted from ‘I Love Downtown’ letter, September 15,   1995

1996

“I believe it (River Park Square parking garage) is essential to the redevelopment of the downtown area and it will provide more use for more people for our beautiful Riverfront Park. I encourage those in opposition to this plan to reconsider their position and join in the revitalization of our beautiful downtown area for the well-being of all Spokane citizens.” 

     –Luke G. Williams, October 15, 1996

2000

 “I do have to say that the downtown is great!  It’s exciting to see things happening in any downtown.”

      - Randy Chase (Design Manager), Hunter Technologies

“We moved to Spokane for the lower cost of living and the great quality of life. The downtown has been an added bonus.  We did not expect the downtown to be so great!  Anytime we go to lunch we always head downtown.”

     - Vicki Ewy, Partners International

“(Downtown) is doing a great job. It’s nice to see the downtown come back alive; it’s great to take the family there.” 

     - Bill White, relocated company, Transpo Group, to Spokane

“The new downtown definitely helped us in deciding to open an office here (Seattle has main office). It showed that the people were interested in saving a downtown.  I would love to see more downtown living and more around the clock activity.”

     - Mark Aden, managing partner of DCI Engineers

 “Downtown was a huge plus in deciding to relocate my business from Sandpoint. Redevelopment was one of the factors for moving.  River Park Square, The Fox, The Met, AMC, these are all things that my family and I do together.  It is great to see the commitment by the Cowles to work downtown.  I love the downtown (we technically live downtown).  It’s also great to see Gonzaga, WSU and Whitworth all getting more publicity.

     - Dr. Matthew Schaffer, president and CEO of Global Tactics

“Spokane can boast an absolutely first class, top quality, urban retail center that cities much larger simply don’t have.”

     -Ron Wells, Wells & Co., real estate developer, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“This area saw an overnight change with the opening of River Park Square. Residents and visitors are taking advantage of new activities and there’s renewed interest in working and establishing businesses downtown. We needed to expand our services to keep up with the new activity downtown.”

     -Mike Edwards, President, Downtown Spokane Partnership, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“Where would we be without River Park Square? It has stimulated new business development, brought vibrant retail growth back again, and energized Spokane as a regional center. I believe strongly in the project.”

     -Al Payne, owner, Payne Properties & Development, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“River Park Square has been like a breath of fresh air in the Riverside Neighborhood. When I walk around downtown today, I see positive things happening, and I value the welcoming, safer streets. Our neighborhood council is on record as enthusiastically supporting this landmark development.”

     -Gary Pollard, chairman, Riverside Neighborhood Council, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“We’ve developed and made commitments for more than $20 million in renovation projects over the past couple of years, and quite frankly, they just wouldn’t be possible without River Park Square.”

     -Ron Wells, real estate developer, River Park Square news insert October 2000

“River Park Square is generating a forward momentum and drawing new and renewed business investment downtown.”

     -Walt Worthy, real estate developer, River Park Square news insert October 2000

“River Park Square has created really great jobs for really great people. It is a wonderful place to work.”

     -Cecy Gonzalez, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, River Park Square news insert October 2000

“River Park Square is worth a road trip. It has the stores that have the stuff we want to buy.” 

     -Janae and Jolene Swoboda, shoppers, Richland, Wa, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“River Park Square isn’t like other projects in other towns. It’s really a hometown job for my family and neighbors.”

     -Ed Allen, Goebel Construction, River Park Square news insert October 2000

“Clearly, the opening of River Park Square has been a benefit to retail sales.”

     -Steven Scranton, vice president of Washington Trust Bank, Spokane Area Business Barometer, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“We’ve seen traffic increase and business has picked up recently. River Park Square is good for Boehm’s and for downtown.”

      -Johanna Julyan, owner, Boehm’s Chocolate & Flowers, River Park Square news insert, October 2000

“As more people come downtown to shop, more tax money will go into the city’s general fund. That money benefits human services that help low-income people.”

      -Eileen Thomas, adult care provider, River Park Square news insert October 2000

“The River Park Square development is one of the best defining events to happen to our city in decades. It has created a new spirit of energy, activity and hope for our downtown and the region…The development, including the garage, is a very attractive venture for the city. The creation of new jobs, spin-off businesses and a significant sales tax revenue stream makes this project the envy of many other communities throughout our nation.”

     -Tom Matthews, CEO and chairman of the board, Avista Corp., April 26, 2000 

2001

“The evidence is everywhere, Spokane has become a vibrant visitor destination and our outstanding retail community plays a key role when it comes to visitor spending. Our unique retail marketplace enhances Spokane’s ability to be the most dynamic destination in attracting the region’s visitors.”

      -Jeanna Shelley, director of Tourism Development, Spokane Area Convention and Visitor Bureau, March 2001 Progress Report

“The taxes paid by River Park Square are really a positive sign because they represent a potential tax benefit for District 81 tax-payers.”

      -Gary Livingston, superintendent School District 81 March 2001 Progress Report

“We’ve been very successful here at River Park Square and we are absolutely thrilled to be in Spokane. This past holiday season far exceeded our expectations. I’ve worked downtown for ten years and I’ve never seen this volume of traffic before.”

      -Jolene Pollock, manager of Restoration Hardware, March 2001 Progress Report

“River Park Square is the heart of the new energy that downtown has now. Since River Park Square has opened, we have noticed a jump in occupancy rates in nearby buildings we own.”

     -Ron Wells, real estate developer, Puget Sound Business Journal April 13-19, 2001

“The forward momentum generated by River Park Square’s opening was a key factor in our decision to undertake this massive downtown restoration project.”

      -Walt Worthy, real estate developer, Davenport Hotel, May 2001 Progress Report

“Today our city is enjoying a period of economic growth, generated in part by revitalization of its urban core. Tens of millions of dollars of private investment are fueling downtown construction and renovation projects. River Park Square is a clear success and is drawing people from the community and the region to our downtown, while generating jobs and new tax revenue to fund city services.” 

     -Dave Clack, Spokesman-Review Opinion page, May 24, 2001

“Downtowns are the heart of the region culturally, civically, economically and morally. Spokane’s emerging downtown is part of the region’s infrastructure and it helps give us a competitive advantage over other communities.”

      -Mark Turner, president of Spokane Area Economic Development Council, July 2001 Progress Report

“I am greatly impressed by the difference that three years has made in our city’s downtown. I believe the successful revitalization of downtown will be a pivotal point in Spokane’s history. It’s wonderful to walk through new businesses and to shop in the impressive River Park Square.” 

     -Tom Foley, former 5th District Congressman, Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives and Ambassador to Japan

“River Park Square and Nordstrom are really the center piece of the whole redevelopment strategy. You know, the pundits did say there was no way that would happen. In fact, one consultant said we were setting ourselves up for failure by making River Park Square the centerpiece because Nordstrom had never gone into a town that size without more economic incentives than we were willing to put out. We’ve set the tone for incredible changes of perception of what Spokane has to offer.”

     -Ron Wells, real estate developer, Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce, May 31, 2001

“Whatever the shortcomings of elements of its business plan, the project has turned out to be the salvation of our downtown. Few of us who walked past empty storefronts on our way to Spokane City Council hearings to speak in favor of the project seven years ago could have imagined the renaissance…For it is unlikely, without River Park Square, that downtown Spokane would have been provided anything close to the current catalyst for economic revitalization.”

     -Chris Marr, chair-elect, Chamber of Commerce and managing partner, Foothills Automotive Group, The Spokesman-Review, July 27, 2001, guest column

“The River Park Square investment has generated success by drawing thousands of customers downtown on a continuing basis. The investment community has shown a renewed financial commitment to downtown and these efforts will continue to make downtown Spokane ever more vibrant, exciting and entertaining.”

      -Ron Wells, real estate developer, RPS Highlights 2001 press release

“Downtown Spokane's leaders -- both public and private -- are an interesting and impressive lot, though they certainly have differing visions of what downtown should be and differing views of how the city should achieve that vision. Central to the vision discussion is River Park Square. Most downtown organizations I know would give a fairly useful body part -- an arm, a leg or at least an eye or tooth -- to have a River Park Square in their downtown.”

“It (Spokane) has a strong, effective downtown organization. Few cities are so successful that they can identify a vision, set and achieve goals, and then maintain a focused effort over time without an organization with the resources and resolve to stay on task.”

      -David Feehan, Spokesman-Review, Nov. 12, 2001, David M. Feehan is president of the International Downtown Association, based in Washington, D.C. 

“I believe the opening of the downtown retail complex is making a difference, and we are seeing a multiplying effect in economic gains from increased spending and employment.” 

     - Phil Kuharski, local economist, as quoted in the Chamber of Commerce Business Barometer

2002

“…a major retail project, known as River Park Square, has revitalized the city’s downtown core. Several downtown blocks once vacant are now busy with activity since the opening if the $115 million specialty shopping, dining and entertainment center two years ago. In the 28 months since River Park Square opened, $370 million in new downtown investment-more than 50 projects-has been announced, is under way or has been built.”

      -Mark Turner, president and CEO, Spokane Area EDC, Seattle Daily Journal of 
      Commerce, February 28, 2002

“If all the retail stores and theaters downtown close, is that a win? What of others who’ve invested millions in a downtown that was secured by River Park Square? What of Walt Worthy’s incredible investment in the Davenport Hotel? The expansion of the Convention Center? The proposed office tower? These and many more investments aren’t financially feasible without a retail center. What of the tens of thousands of people who enjoy shopping at River Park Square?”

      -Allan LeTourneau, The Spokesman-Review, March 16, 2002, letter to the editor

“The DSP is a not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to the creation of a vital and dynamic downtown as the basis of a healthy region. Each of these projects are critical investments in the future of our region and the key to the vitality of Downtown…the proposed “pillar projects” upon which to build the Spokane region includes River Park Square, the Davenport Hotel, the Northwest Museum of Culture and the WSU Health Sciences Building, the Convention Center and the proposed 19-story office tower.”

      -Judy Cole, vice chairwoman, Downtown Spokane Partnership, The Spokesman-Review, May 18, 2002

“We contend that there is no way to divide the interests of “downtowners” from the rest of the taxpayers of this region, in that all new corporations attracted to Spokane for relocation are of benefit to north, south, east and west Spokane. In addition, this city boasts in excess of 6,000 hotel rooms, a newly revitalized downtown district, a restored, world-class Davenport Hotel, not to mention the various other projects in the works by developers, the Spokane Symphony and members of the Davenport Arts District. These hotels and our existing restaurants, malls and other retail stores throughout greater Spokane…need customers in order to thrive and for our economy to grow vital once again. Jobs depend on such growth.”

     -John and Roynane Lisk, The Spokesman-Review, May 3, 2002, letter to the editor

“You know, they say as downtown goes, so goes the city. It’s not just about easy access to shopping, it’s about having a feel for the city, what it is. That was true in Los Angeles and in many other great cities where downtown was suffering. When I got here, back before Expo ’74, I promised to get the city organized and get downtown organized and to turn downtown into a focal point for the community. People may not remember what the city looked like before, but today River Park Square is downtown.”

     -King Cole, leader in bringing World’s Fair to Spokane in 1974, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, June  2002

“Consultants from around the country were brought to Spokane late last year to discuss downtown issues. A recurring theme in their comments was that River Park Square is the kind of outstanding downtown development that most cities the size of Spokane can only dream about. One consultant contrasted downtown’s current vibrancy and bustling activity to its deteriorating condition before River Park Square was completed.”

      -Gavin Cooley, chairman, Public Parking Development Agency, The Spokesman-Review, July 11, 2002