We had to do it. There they stand. Silently watching the city as they have been for who knows how long. The years pass, the city grows, and these magnificent structures, while contributing to our sense of place, are probably the least noted. If you haven't guessed, we're talking about the granary elevators that dot Spokane's skyline to the east. Unless you're a new-comer here, they blend in nearly enough that they cease to exist; surfacing only on the off chance that you find yourself on east Trent Ave. or heading north across I-90 on Arthur St.
Certainly the Spokesman Review Tower and the former ONB Building are fine examples of corporate pride and power realized in architecture. However, to us the grain elevators are equally as impressive and we'd argue still contribute to the persona of Spokane as an agricultural hub. And while a few remain in productive use, the others sit idle contributing little other than to give our skyline some texture, or the brave boyfriend a canvas to demonstrate the depth of his feelings. Most of the mills that we present here were designed for utility, but a few supplemented utility with ample decorative touches that are on par with any one of the historic structures in our urban core.
They are a substantial symbol of Spokane's origins and deserve an equal footing with our other prominent structures. It's hard to say what their future use will be. A reader reminded us recently that the old Coast Trading Co. granary complex closest to the central business district was purchased last year for $775,000. Whatever their fate, we're just hopeful that they'll remain for many more years to come.
It is good to know someone else refers to it as the old ONB building. Just like it will always be the Cavanaugh's River Inn. As for the granaries, I love the use of the silos in the movie Benny and June. That view of the centennial mills was new to even Spokane people.
Posted by: David Blaine | March 31, 2006 at 06:39 AM
I LOVE the grain silos!! They are one of my secret favorite things in Spokane. I'm so glad to hear that I'm not alone in my appreciation of their serene beauty. My favorite is the one on Sprague, closest to downtown--to the immediate east of the interchange that leads from I-90 to Hamilton street. The combination of the brick work, the grid-like glass windows and the curved concrete silos are stunning in my opinion.
Posted by: Ben Delaney | March 31, 2006 at 07:27 AM
I was thinking about the Grain Silos recently. Funny you brought it up. My thoughts ranged from if they were still being used and their historical significance to Spokane (Like the Railroad in downtown Spokane).
Being from North Central Idaho, they remind me of home and show how Spokane developed as the regional center for the Inland Empire/Inland Northwest!
I hope they will always remain here in Spokane.....at least a few of them. Of course, I'm not sure how they could incorporate them into future uses. At least they should try!
Maybe they need to be turned in Condo's???? :)
Posted by: dan/spokane | April 01, 2006 at 01:25 PM
My question is...
Does Billy still heart Lisa?
Posted by: Tyler | January 20, 2007 at 10:10 PM