Ranking All Spokane Neighborhoods, 2022
All Spokane neighborhoods ranked from worst to first with pictures, maps, and descriptions.
12 Reasons to Relocate to Spokane
Considering a move to Spokane? Here’s why Spokane is your next start-up city. We ain’t what we used to be. Here’s 12 reasons why you should relocate to Spokane.
Moving to Spokane
Spokane Relocation Guide Here’s all you need to know about moving to Spokane. If you’re still considering relocating to Spokane and feel undecided, then check this post out: 12 …
#20 Vinegar Flats
Vinegar Flats is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Vinegar Flats Neighborhood here.
#19 Garland Neighborhood
Garland is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Garland Neighborhood here.
#18 Emerson / Garfield Neighborhood
Emerson / Garfield is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Emerson / Garfield Neighborhood here.
#17 Corbin Park Neighborhood
Corbin Park is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Corbin Park Neighborhood here.
#16 Lower South Hill
Lower South Hill is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Lower South Hill Neighborhood here.
#15 Comstock Neighborhood
Comstock is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Comstock Neighborhood here.
#14 Manito Country Club
Manito Country Club is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Manito Country Club neighborhood here.
#13 Medical District
Medical District is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Medical District Neighborhood here.
#12 North Bank
The North Bank is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of the North Bank Neighborhood here.
#11 High Drive Neighborhood
High Drive is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of High Drive Neighborhood here.
#10 University District
University District is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of University District Neighborhood here.
#9 Indian Canyon
Indian Canyon is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Indian Canyon Neighborhood here.
#8 Lincoln Park / Altamont
Lincoln Park / Altamont is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Lincoln Park / Altamont Neighborhood here.
#7 Audubon / Downriver
Audubon / Downriver is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Audubon / Downriver Neighborhood here.
#6 South Perry Neighborhood
South Perry is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of South Perry Neighborhood here.
#5 Peaceful Valley
Peaceful Valley is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Peaceful Valley Neighborhood here.
#4 West Central / Kendall Yards
West Central / Kendall Yards is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of West Central / Kendall Yards Neighborhood here.
#3 Downtown Spokane
Downtown is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Downtown Spokane here.
#2 The South Hill
The South Hill is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of the South Hill Neighborhood here.
#1 Browne’s Addition
Browne’s Addition is one of Spokane’s best neighborhoods. Find pictures, map, and a description of Browne’s Addition Neighborhood here.
#2 Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Coeur d’Alene pictures, map, and a description here.
#3 Millwood, Washington
Millwood, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Millwood pictures, map, and a description here.
#4 Hayden Lake, Idaho
Hayden Lake, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Hayden Lake pictures, map, and a description here.
#5 Spirit Lake, Idaho
Spirit Lake, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Spirit Lake pictures, map, and a description here.
#6 Cheney, Washington
Cheney, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Cheney pictures, map, and a description here.
#7 Harrison, Idaho
Harrison, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Harrison pictures, map, and a description here.
#8 Tekoa, Washington
Tekoa, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Tekoa pictures, map, and a description here.
#9 Fernan Lake Village, Idaho
Fernan Lake Village, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Fernan Lake pictures, map, and a description here.
#10 Liberty Lake, Washington
Liberty Lake, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Liberty Lake pictures, map, and a description here.
#11 Rathdrum, Idaho
Rathdrum, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Rathdrum pictures, map, and a description here.
#12 Medical Lake, Washington
Medical Lake, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Medical Lake pictures, map, and a description here.
#13 Rockford, Washington
Rockford, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Rockford pictures, map, and a description here.
#14 Twin Lakes, Idaho
Twin Lakes, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within metro Spokane. Find Twin Lakes pictures, map, and a description here.
#15 Post Falls, Idaho
Post Falls, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Post Falls pictures, map, and a description here.
#16 Hayden, Idaho
Hayden, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Hayden pictures, map, and a description here.
#17 Spokane Valley, Washington
Spokane Valley, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Spokane Valley pictures, map, and a description here.
#18 Fairfield, Washington
Fairfield, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Fairfield pictures, map, and a description here.
#19 Deer Park, Washington
Deer Park, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Deer Park pictures, map, and a description here.
#20 Hauser, Idaho
Hauser, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Hauser pictures, map, and a description here.
#21 Airway Heights, Washington
Airway Heights, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Airway Heights pictures, map, and a description here.
#22 Spangle, Washington
Spangle, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Spangle pictures, map, and a description here.
#23 Latah, Washington
Latah, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Latah pictures, map, and a description here.
#24 Waverly, Washington
Waverly, Washington, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Waverly pictures, map, and a description here.
#25 Worley, Idaho
Worley, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Worley pictures, map, and a description here.
#26 Athol, Idaho
Athol, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Athol pictures, map, and a description here.
#27 Huetter, Idaho
Huetter, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Huetter pictures, map, and a description here.
#28 State Line City, Idaho
State Line City, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find State Line City pictures, map, and a description here.
#29 Dalton Gardens, Idaho
Dalton Gardens, Idaho, is one of 29 places to live within the Spokane metro. Find Dalton Gardens pictures, map, and a description here.
#11 Mission Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Mission Park squeezes a whole lot of amenities into 13 simple acres of flat, tree-lined greens. The Park is the recreational anchor of the …
#10 Corbin Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Corbin Park is a former horse-racing oval that now offers a green oasis on the lower north side of Spokane. How cool is Corbin …
#9 Audubon Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Audubon Park is 27 acres of rolling Ponderosa Pines, playgrounds, splash pads, ball fields and basketball courts. Located in northwest Spokane in the Audubon …
#8 Comstock Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Comstock Park is similar in almost every way to Audubon Park (the 9th best park in Spokane) except for one significant factor, instead of …
#7 Cannon Hill Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Cannon Hill Park is perhaps the most picturesque in Spokane. Meandering meadows, stone-built footbridges, and a rich canopy of deciduous trees create a scene …
#6 Finch Arboretum
Finch Arboretum may be the most unique on the list of Spokane’s Best Parks, and is the first park on the list that provides a landscape more diverse than simple greens with a playground or two.
#5 Cliff Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Cliff Park is brilliant in its simplicity yet unique in many ways. Clocking in at the 5th spot on Spokane’s Best Parks list, it’s …
#4 Liberty Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Liberty Park is the 4th best park in Spokane for good reason. It’s the first park on the list that begins to incorporate larger …
#3 Lincoln Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – In lesser cities, Lincoln Park would be considered the crème-de-le-crème of the park system but, in Spokane, it is ranked third on the list …
#2 Manito Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Manito Park is so big and diverse, you’re gonna’ need a map. The heart of Spokane’s South Hill, it’s a tough call placing Manito …
#1 Riverfront Park
Spokane’s Best Parks – Riverfront Park is Spokane’s best park. But don’t take my word for it, National Geographic recently ranked Riverfront Park as the third best park …
You Should Telecommute from Spokane
Spokane is the best place to work remotely. Telecommuting comes easy with this list of reasons to work from Spokane.
The Snake Pit Review
Recommendation: Love The Snake Pit! It’s the most unique man-made destination in north Idaho. Just let that north Idaho culture wash over you in all of its splendor.
4 Best Restaurants in Spokane, 2020
The best restaurants in Spokane ranked on overall food quality and flavor.
Flatstick Pub Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Is Flatstick Pub a joint where upstanding bureaucrats, politicians, attorneys and local businesspeople choose to hang out? No. We prefer our beer and pizza playing real golf.
Clover Restaurant and Bar Review
Recommendation: Clover’s bust is on the Mount Rushmore of Spokane’s best restaurants. Exceptional food at an affordable price.
Churchill’s Steakhouse Review
Recommendation: If you were to bring Julia Child to one restaurant in Spokane, it would be Churchill’s.
Zola Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Zola is the preferred party joint for much of Spokane — from hipsters all the way through to our dorky middle class that doesn’t get out too much.
Max at Mirabeau Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Mirabeau won’t lend itself well toward a date night or business dinner, but during the breakfast hours it is one of the best joints in the metro.
Jack & Dan’s Bar and Grill Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Welcome to real Spokane. If you’re looking to enjoy some down-home Spokane fare, Jack & Dan’s is the place to do it from multiple perspectives.
Safari Room Restaurant Review
Recommendation: The Safari Room caters to the business community. Its kitschy theme and above average menu provide for appropriate ambiance as you ply business with your colleagues.
Downriver Grill Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Downriver Grill is likely the best affordable fine dining experience in Spokane. Much of their food is locally sourced and their menu is creative.
Park Lodge Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Host a business dinner or bring a date to the Park Lodge Restaurant. The food rests on the staples yet is creatively prepared.
Anthony’s Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Go to Anthony’s for a drink. Don’t waste your money on food.
Spencer’s Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Spencer’s is one of Spokane’s best restaurants. Perfect cuts of meat cooked over a high heat paired with a robust list of fine wines and libations. You will not be disappointed.
Wandering Table Restaurant Review
Recommendation: The Wandering Table’s menu is the most creative in the metro. Affordable, delicious, and a great wine selection. Among the upper-tier restaurants in Spokane, The Wandering Table competes handily despite the low prices.
El Guacho Restaurant Review, Seattle
Recommendation: Put El Guacho on your bucket list. Get the filet Pittsburgh Style and have your server pair it with something nice.
Wisconsinburger Restaurant Review
Recommendation: Wisconsinburger is among the hippest joints in Spokane’s market. Affordable, delicious, house-made, and a great beer selection. Go eat at Wisconsinburger.
Crafted Tap House and Kitchen Review, Coeur d’Alene
Recommendation: Crafted is a marquee Coeur d’Alene restaurant destination. Cheap yet excellent food. Crafted is one of the handful of metro Spokane restaurants that defines our food scene.
Steelhead Bar and Grille Review
Recommendation: Steelhead provides a rewarding Spokane dining experience. It’s vast bourbon selection and affordable, creative menu are a winning combination.
Twigs Bistro and Martini Bar Review
Recommendation: Twigs knows what it’s trying to be — a modern mid-market restaurant that is capable of pleasing many demographics. Whether it’s a business lunch, family dinner, or cocktails after work, Twigs can abide.
Charlie Palmer Steak Restaurant Review, Washington, DC
Recommendation: When you’re in DC, eat at Charlie Palmer’s Steak. Perfect food and wine. Make sure and finish the meal with a tawny that’s older than you are.
Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar Review
Recommendation: Quiet and classy, Mizuna is a perfect place to bring a date.
The Grande Terrace Bar Review
Recommendation: The Grande Terrace Bar is the place to be seen on a summer’s evening in Spokane but don’t go there hungry.
The Flying Goat Review
Recommendation: The Flying Goat is the best artisan pizza joint in town. Affordable prices, great service, and comfy neighborhood atmosphere is a winning recipe.
Ingredients That Create the Best Neighborhoods
What Makes the Best Neighborhoods? Like all cities, Spokane has a variety of neighborhoods with varying degrees of magnetism. Spokane’s Best Neighborhoods, like all the Best Neighborhoods, share …
Who’s Moving to Spokane?
For those with shorter attention spans, I’ll start with the fun stuff first. For those with longer attention spans, I’ll tell you how I did it later. …
Build Us a New Stadium Downtown
This post has been updated several times since originally being published on July 7, 2018. What was once a Spokane Public Schools bond question then morphed to a …
Who’s Leading Spokane’s Opportunity Zone Conversation?
From time to time projects arise that shine a spotlight on Spokane’s dysfunctional economic development environment. The last time the spotlight shone brightly was during Amazon’s HQ2 process. …
Who’s Leading Spokane’s Opportunity Zone Conversation? Read More »
Time to Repeal Washington’s ADO Laws
First Boeing, now Amazon? It’s time for the state legislature and the governor to update the Revised Code of Washington into something that enables cities, counties, and even …
Metro Spokane’s Economic Development Toolbox
Don’t look now, but there are entities and jurisdictions within our fine metro working some economic development magic by leveraging real tools that attract real investment. It’s amazing …
What is Gentrification?
I was born in West Central, on Broadway – the heart and soul of Felony Flats – in half a shanty with three older brothers and not much …
Comparing Amazon HQ2 Proposals
Below are links to 27 different full-length proposals for Amazon’s HQ2 project. The hard-working reporter Adanya Lustig at MuckRockDaily submitted public information requests to as many HQ2 respondents …
Expo Art in the Spokane River
I don’t know what that thing represents but it is an art piece installed for Expo 1974. May, 2011.
The Best Burger Joint in Spokane
Dick’s Hamburgers deserves a post unto itself on this blog. When I entertain out of town guests, be them personal or professional, Dick’s is among the first places …
Condos on Beachfront Property
Those condos on the left are among the first along the Spokane River. There’s not a lot of beachfront property left overlooking Spokane’s waterfalls but these residents have …
Classic Riverfront Park
This view of Riverfront Park shows three out of four iconic structures within it — the Pavilion, Imax, and power plant. The only one missing is the clock …
Bloomsday Statues
Artist David Govedare erected 40 life size statues in honor of Spokane’s annual Bloomsday race in 1986. May, 2011.
A Lovely Day to View Spokane Falls
Spring is the best time to explore Spokane’s waterfalls. There are plenty of vantage points from Riverfront Park to take it all in. May, 2011.
Three Simple Ways to Boost Spokane’s Tech Sector
Depending upon who you talk to, Spokane is either very close to or very far from connecting with the main stream tech economy. No matter your position on …
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Insurgents and Disruption
There are 287 start-up accelerators in Silicon Valley. I just spent two days at one of the first of them, Plug and Play, whereby the likes of Google …
GSI’s Two Inches of Secrecy
In recent weeks our friends at Greater Spokane, Inc. (GSI), have submitted a two-inch-thick proposal to Amazon in an effort to entice 50,000 jobs to the metro. In …
About Amazon
As you probably already know, Amazon is soliciting proposals for placement of an eight-billion-dollar investment that will create about 50,000 new jobs with an average wage of $100k …
How to Help Businesses During Street Construction
When trying to identify the more lucent and rational arguments against the beautification of north Monroe, one that stands out is businesses losing customers during construction – a …
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Arborescence
That was a hell of a windstorm back in November. Gathering reports from various local news outlets, it’s estimated that the City of Spokane lost between 1,200 and …
How to Attract Tech Firms to Spokane
Spokane is on the cusp of tapping into deep pools of investment driven primarily by the tech sector and all its tributaries. Based primarily on our proximity to …
A Bike Share Plan for Spokane
Bike share programs are a new phenomenon for urban America. There’s different models for different cities but the concept is rapidly growing from metro to metro. Heck, Fargo …
A Few Signs Spokane is Hipper than You Think
We Elected a City Council Person that Grows Pot Everyone around Spokane knows City Councilwoman Karen Stratton grows pot but when Seattle’s hipster indie newspaper published “The Weed …
Measuring Spokane
Competition to attract growth between American cities is fierce. Economists have written that the game of industry recruitment that cities, counties, and states play is, ultimately, a zero …
Sidewalks
The City of Spokane is exploring ways to fund sidewalk repairs and perhaps even new sidewalks in neighborhoods that don’t have them. Plans are being discussed and city …
A Good Waste of Tax Money
The guy who owns Skippers must be very persuasive because Mayor Condon and City Administrator Theresa Sanders are buckling to his irrational will, and it’s going to cost …
Spokane’s Most Photogenic Images
Capturing The Essence Of Urban Spokane — These are the pictures that shape Spokane’s urban image, our best face. The View from Cliff Drive Gondolas from …
Creating a Competitive Advantage
There are a lot of long and solemn hallways in Washington, DC. How best to navigate them is a learning experience for everyone, particularly elected officials. Annually, our …
Popcorn Shrimp
The owner of Skippers on north Monroe is leading a rebellion. The city intends to expend about $7 million in streetscape beautification improvements on the street in front …
Streets, Good ‘ol Boys, and Bureaucrats
…in a city without seats, a beach chair can be king. Janette Sadik Khan, from her book Streetfight (2016) In spring of 2016, the Audubon-Downriver Neighborhood Council …
What Economic Development Is, and Who Has the Authority to Do It
Ask your friends what economic development is and you’ll get a variety of different answers. Ask a county commissioner, ask a city council person, ask Vinny down at …
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A Few Cheap and Easy Ways to Improve Spokane
Urban Tactics — The suggestions that follow don’t require years of planning and consensus building; they don’t require marshaling millions of tax dollars, fundraising, or special assessments; and they …
The Case to Increase DSP’s Budget by $4 Million Per Year
The Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) is a private, non-profit agency that manages a roughly $1.5 million annual budget. The bulk of their annual budget is generated from a …
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The Tail That Wags the Dog
Spokane’s Economic Development Business — Why does Spokane City Council pay the Downtown Spokane Partnership about $100,000 per year to manage another (roughly) $1,000,000 per year in downtown …
Another View of Spokane’s Clock Tower
Spokane’s Clock Tower is taller than most trees in Riverfront Park. It stands 155 feet tall. May, 2011.
Spokane’s Clock Tower
Up close and personal with Spokane’s Clock Tower, located in Riverfront Park. It stands 155 feet tall. May, 2011.
Speed Limit 5mph
Mind your kids along the trails in Riverfront Park. A child can sprint well faster than 5-mph. I wonder if anyone has ever gotten a ticket? May, 2011.
A Great Place to Skate
The Centennial Trail through Riverfront Park is wide and inviting. May, 2011.
Why President Obama Should Come To Spokane
I could use your help motivating President Obama to visit Spokane. In June, 2016, the Spokane Tribe was designated a Promise Zone by the White House. There are …
Spokane Opera House (Part II)
Spokane’s opera house directly abuts the Spokane River and Riverfront Park downtown. May, 2011.
Spokane Opera House
The Spokane Opera House opened for Expo 1974. It’s 2,700 seat capacity hosts the metro’s top-tier performing arts tours. May, 2011.
Spokane Imax Theater
The Imax Theater in Riverfront Park was constructed for Expo 1974. As of this post (October, 2016), the Imax is slated for demolition to construct park improvements via a $64-million bond …
North Fork Spokane Falls
Canada Island splits the Spokane River at the upper falls. This is the fork to the north of Canada Island. May, 2011.
Spokane Upper Falls Looking Downstream
The view looking downstream from Spokane Falls upper drop. May, 2011.
Spokane Falls Upper Drop
The upper drop of Spokane Falls is easy to view from all the footbridges that span it. May, 2011.
Spokane Falls Main Drop (Part II)
This photo was taken in May, 2011, with the late spring water still robust. Water volume over Spokane Falls tends to peak in early April.
Spokane Falls Main Drop
From the viewing stairs in Huntington Park below City Hall you can get up close and personal with the main drop of Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
The Viewing Stairs Of The Lower Spokane Falls
This is the best stair case in the world, and it can be found just below City Hall in Spokane. May, 2011.
Spokane Gondola Rides over the Falls
There is no better view of Spokane’s waterfalls than from a gondola ride over them. Try to catch the Falls in early April or so, that’s when the …
Monroe Street Bridge from Post Street
The Spokane River drops something north of 60-feet through downtown Spokane — the second largest urban waterfall system in America (next to Niagara). The final and most significant …
Monroe Street Bridge above Spokane Falls
Monroe Street Bridge is one of Spokane’s most iconic structures, and it just so happens to span the main drop of Spokane’s waterfalls. May, 2011.
Gondolas Beneath Monroe Street Bridge
The best way to see Spokane Falls is via a sky-ride over them. Our gondola line was built for Expo 1974 and remains one of Spokane’s most unique attractions. …
What Prosperous 21st Century Cities Do
1) Be the Big City — I suspect we all agree, Spokane has opportunities for improvement. Understanding what we are as a product and acknowledging what we can …
A Tax Increment Analysis for the Macy’s Block
How to Finance Incentives to Stimulate Quality Redevelopment — The City of Spokane has $1,795,000 to partner with a developer to improve the derelict Macy’s block into a …
A Redevelopment Plan For Downtown Macy’s
A 10-Step Plan for the old Macy’s Block — Losing a downtown retail anchor like Macy’s isn’t something cities tend to brag about. But, despite the disappointing loss, …
More Kiddie Rides in Riverfront Park
There are a lot of kiddie rides in Riverfront Park. Here’s a few of them. May, 2011.
The Ferris Wheel in Riverfront Park
The Ferris Wheel next to the Pavilion in Riverfront Park, Spokane. May, 2011.
Another View of the Tour Train in Riverfront Park
…just another view of the tour train in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
The Tour Train in Riverfront Park
This little guy will take you around most of Riverfront Park’s roughly 100 acres. May, 2011.
Another View of the Looff Carrousel
The view looking easterly at the Looff Carrousel in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Looff Carrousel Spokane
Spokane’s Looff Carrousel was built in 1909. Today, it’s considered a work of art from multiple perspectives — mechanically, wood working, colors. It can be found in Riverfront Park. …
Kids’ Games Beneath the Pavilion
Kids love all the joy-rides beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Beneath the Pavilion
The Pavilion in Riverfront Park was a big tent structure for Expo 1974 activities. Locals joke that Seattle got the Space Needle, and Spokane got a big tent. …
The Pavilion at Riverfront Park
A nice view of the Pavilion at Riverfront Park. It was originally built as a tent for Expo 1974. May, 2011.
The Shops Beneath the Pavilion
The shops beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park provide access to the IMAX and additional kids activities. May, 2011.
Opera House and Clock Tower
Locals refer to the diagonalled INB Performing Arts Center by its given name — the Opera House. Both the Opera House and the Clock Tower are in Riverfront …
The Best Magic Act in Town
GSI And The Art Of Illusion — I’m 37. I spent the first 18 years of my life trying to get out of Spokane and the next 18 …
Washington Water Power and Post Street Bridge
The big, brick Washington Water Power building, located in downtown Spokane, collects energy from the Spokane River. May, 2011.
GSI Ignores Call for Divorce
GSI’s Puffy Talking Points On October 23 Council President Ben Stuckart delivered a letter to Christine Johnson, PhD, President of Spokane Community Colleges and Chairwoman of Greater Spokane, …
10 Reasons to Drop Your GSI Membership
There’s a few loose threads on the security blanket that covers Spokane’s economic development environment. Some people have noticed it before, and perhaps even have come so close …
Grading Spokane’s Economic Development Performance
Economic development theories evolve nearly as quickly as the market. Local economic development organizations, therefore, also must evolve in an effort to consistently be at the forefront of …
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The Incentives GSI Can’t Give You
(Hint: It’s All of Them) — Throughout the early 2000s up until 2008, a Danish corporation called Vestas was shopping for cities to build a $250 million wind …
The Pavilion, Clock Tower, and Imax
Artifacts of Expo 1974, the Pavilion, Imax, and Clock Tower. May, 2011.
Footbridge Across the Falls
One of the many footbridges in Riverfront Park. This one places you directly above the upper Falls. May, 2011.
9 Ways to Improve Spokane’s Economic Health
Nine Simple Economic Development Strategies to Improve Spokane — Below is a simple economic development plan for the City of Spokane and, indeed, for the metro. A few items …
The View from Canada Island
The view of the upper Spokane Falls from Canada Island in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Upper Falls Power Plant
The Upper Falls Power Plant harnesses the flow from the upper Spokane Falls in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Monroe Street Bridge
A great view of the Monroe Street Bridge that gives perspective of the drop of the Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
Washington Water Power
The old Washington Water Power plant is still operational as it catches power from Spokane Falls. May, 2011.
The Falls Surrounding Canada Island
When the Spokane River crests at high-flow, the footbridges around Canada Island in Riverfront Park are a perfect place to enjoy the show. May, 2011.
How to Negotiate a Downtown Hotel Deal
Lessons Learned from the Worthy Transaction — Mayor Condon is in a pickle. Like baseball, there are numerous unwritten rules to the economic development game that only experience …
Diverging Washington and Stevens
These dual bridges across the Spokane River look pretty cool atop a perch in Riverfront Park. May, 2011.
Art Over the Falls
This statue (title and artist unknown) provides a great vantage point overlooking the main drop of Spokane Falls and a panoramic view of Downtown Spokane. It’s located in …
Riverside Avenue in March
…it looks a lot better with leaves on the trees and green grass. March, 2011.
Bloomsday Runner Statues
The Bloomsday runner statues (formally titled “The Joy of Running Together”) was installed in 1985 to commemorate Spokane’s popular 12k timed footrace. The artist is David Govedare. March, …
Lourdes Cathedral, Downtown
Lourdes Cathedral is the seat of Bishop, as well as some of the finest architecture in town. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama Northeasterly View
The view looking northeasterly from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama North-Northwesterly View
The view looking north-northwesterly from Cliff Drive overlook. March, 2011.
Cliff Drive Panorama Northwesterly View
The view looking northwesterly from Cliff Drive overlook. That’s Sacred Heart Hospital. March, 2011.
The Edge of Monroe Street Bridge
The view from street level at the edge of the Monroe Street Bridge. March, 2011.
Spokane Falls from Monroe Street Bridge
The view of Spokane Falls from the Monroe Street Bridge. March, 2011.
Riverside Avenue and the Masonic Temple
There’s a stretch of Riverside Avenue between about Monroe Street and 1st Avenue that creates a great street. This is part it. March, 2011.
Masonic Temple Looking East
The iconic Masonic Temple looking east down Riverside Avenue. In 2014, development plans were unveiled to redevelop the structure into a mixed-use project. March, 2011.
Masonic Temple Looking West
The Masonic Temple is one of Spokane’s most iconic historic landmarks. March, 2011.
Riverside Avenue Sidewalk
This sidewalk adjacent to the Masonic Temple on Riverside Avenue is a slice of one of the best urban environments in Spokane. March, 2011.
Condos Along the Spokane River
These condos along the Spokane River have one of the best views in town. Downtown could use a few more projects like this. March. 2011.
Footbridges to Canada Island
These footbridges criss-cross the Spokane River throughout Riverfront Park. March, 2011.
Canada Island
Canada Island in Riverfront Park is a giant basalt outcrop that splits the Spokane River as it drops through Downtown. March, 2011.
Old Huntington Park
The view of old Huntington Park from the Monroe Street Bridge. The land is now improved and beautified to provide a better viewing experience of the waterfalls. That …
Gondolas at Old Huntington Park
A view of old Huntington Park before the land was beautified into an improved gathering and viewing location of Spokane Falls. March, 2011.
Gondolas over Spokane Falls
Not too many cities have water falls roaring through their downtown. Not too many cities offer gondola rides just above them. Spokane’s pretty dope. March, 2011.
Spokane Falls Boulevard Sidewalk
The sidewalk along Spokane Falls Boulevard near River Park Square. March, 2011.
Sidewalk Along Main Avenue
Main Avenue is the chicest retail destination in Spokane, particularly near River Park Square. An area’s retail mix says a lot about the market it caters to. Downtown …
Wall Street Skywalks
There’s a lot of skywalks in Downtown Spokane. Here’s three of them over Wall Street. March, 2011.
Mt. Spokane from Cliff Drive
The view of Mt. Spokane from Cliff Drive — the South Hill’s most popular make-out spot. That’s the University District in the foreground. March, 2011.
Wall Street Looking North
Wall Street in Downtown Spokane was refurbished as a pedestrian mall in the 1990s. June, 2004.
Gateway into Riverfront Park
The gateway into Riverfront Park from Spokane Falls Boulevard. June, 2004.
Howard Street Looking South
The view of Howard Street looking south in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
The Old Fountain by the Parkade
In Canada, they call parking garages parkades. For a time, that’s what they called them in Spokane, too. This is the plaza behind Spokane’s historic parkade. June, 2004.
Eastbound Riverside Avenue
Riverside Avenue was once a hotbed for late night cruising in Downtown Spokane. Although the trend has died off for about two decades, word is it’s starting to make a …
Quiet Downtown Bistro
This quiet Downtown setting was once an alleyway. Now, it’s a nice place to sip an espresso. June, 2004.
Back-Alley Spokane
You want some nice pictures, or are you the holy type? Just a random back-alley in Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
Spokesman Review from Riverside Avenue
The protruding and curve-linear Spokesman Review Building is one of Spokane’s best architectural landmarks. June, 2004.
Pyramid Fountains
This great wide sidewalk is on Spokane Falls Boulevard adjacent to Riverfront Park. That old brick pyramid fountain has since been removed. June, 2004.
Downtown Spiral Staircases
At the date this picture was taken, Downtown had three spiral staircases leading up to its skywalk system (the third being just off picture left). One of them …
Riverfront Park Kids’ Rides
During the summer months, kids’ activities dominate the space beneath the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Beneath the Pavilion
The Pavilion in Riverfront Park hosts a multitude of activities beneath it. It was constructed for Expo 1974. June, 2004.
Spokane Smokestacks
These twin smokestacks are a prominent part of Spokane’s skyline. Once an operating steam plant that provided heat for the bulk of downtown, the operation was abandoned several …
Spokane’s Tallest Buildings
These are Spokane’s two tallest buildings. The white one clocks in at about 24 stories (243 feet), while the grey one clocks in at about 29 stories (288). …
Riverside Toward Lourdes
With the right vantage point down Riverside Avenue, one can capture two of Spokane’s most iconic structures: the Spokesman Review Building and Lourdes Cathedral. June, 2004.
Davenport Hotel Sidewalk
Judging by this streetscape, the Davenport Hotel spares no details. June, 2004.
Low Flow Spokane River
This June, 2004, picture illustrates well how low the Spokane River runs in high summer.
Nordstrom and River Park Square
Most downtowns don’t have a Nordstrom. But most downtowns aren’t Downtown Spokane. June, 2004.
Spokane River Near Downtown
A placid June, 2004, day on the Spokane River just east of Riverfront Park, Downtown.
Coeur d’Alene Park
Coeur d’Alene Park is the natural heart and soul of Browne’s Addition. June, 2004.
Pacific and Cannon
The intersection of Pacific and Cannon is the commercial heart and soul of Browne’s Addition. June, 2004.
Manito Duck Pond
The Manito Duck Pond (in Manito Park) was once a popular place to feed the ducks but overfeeding has led to contamination of the pond (seen in this …
Steps Outside Spokane Opera House
The steps outside Spokane’s Opera House along the Spokane River. June, 2004.
Centennial Trail, Riverfront Park
The Centennial Trail is a 40+ mile long pathway that stretches from Coeur d’Alene through Spokane. This stretch of the Centennial Trail in Riverfront Park is wide and inviting. June, …
Spokane Expo 1974 Art
What is that thing? This art piece was installed for Expo 1974 outside the Opera House. June, 2004.
Sidewalk Outside River Park Square
The sidewalk view outside of River Park Square. Downtown Spokane, June, 2004.
Dicks Hamburgers Sign
Dicks Hamburgers is a classic Spokane burger joint located on the fringe of Downtown. June, 2004.
Steps Along the Spokane River
Steps along the Spokane River adjacent to the Opera House. June, 2004.
Old YMCA Building
The old YMCA building in Riverfront Park was demolished in 2011. This picture was taken in June, 2004.
Riverfront Park Viewing Dock
A lovely day to read a book along the Spokane River in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Classic Spokane
Spokane’s most classic urban scene — Downtown’s Pavilion and Clock Tower in Riverfront Park. June, 2004.
Spokane Opera House
The sleek and modern Spokane Opera House along the Spokane River, Downtown. June, 2004.
Spokesman Review Building
The Burnham-esque Spokesman Review building on a rainy day in November, 2003.
Spokane River George Shanties
Spokane River George beach-front property is now coveted. Not long ago, no one really cared to live there. November, 2003.
Spokane River George
The Olmsted Brothers have a vision for this place — the Spokane River George looking west from the Monroe Street Bridge, Downtown. November, 2003.
Old Kendall Yards
Once known as Felony Flats, it’s in these fields above the Spokane River and adjacent to Downtown that Kendall Yards is being developed (and they are fields no …
Monroe Street Statues
Do you see the statue in the background? It’s just like the one in the foreground. These two gentlemen can be found on Monroe Street and Main Avenue, …
Spokane River Low Water
In late fall, even after the rains set in, the Spokane River is at it’s lowest flow of the year, as seen in this November, 2003 photo. The …
Rockwood Mansions
A couple of mansions perched atop the hill on Rockwood Boulevard in Spokane. November, 2003.
Rainy Downtown Spokane
The skywalks come in pretty handy on those chilly wet winter days in Downtown Spokane. November, 2003.
Dreary Spokane
Being 90 miles from Canada, there are times when Spokane can be somewhat of a dreary place. This is one of them. November, 2003.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle – The Boise State University football program has a lot in common with Gonzaga University men’s basketball program. Both programs suffered from decades of quiet, …