Paulsen Building Penthouse - On top of Spokane

 

For anyone who's ever pondered Spokane's Skyline the Paulsen Medical and Dental Building is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks.  At the top of the fifteen-story skyscraper sits perhaps Spokane's most exclusive  (if not highest) private residence.  The solitary penthouse was home to members of the Paulsen Family for over seventy years, and a few weeks back we gained access to the now vacant residence to have a look around.

It's a decent-sized space inside with two bedrooms, three baths, and a servants quarters tucked way in the back.  The kitchen is modest by today's standards, and the living room and dining/sun room are quite large.  As you'd expect, the views from inside are pretty much unmatched by any residence in town (yes, even Upper Falls), but the real fun begins when you step outside onto the wraparound patio.  Long gone is the sixty year old arborvitae that was a landmark itself (In 1996 it partly fell to the twelfth floor roof during the ice-storm).  Still, it's all about the view.  From up there, and in every direction, you're looking at Spokane in an unfamiliar way.  It's like seeing your city for the first time again and it's pretty cool.

Highlight - The gun closet directly across from the wet bar.

• Paulsen Building History - [City of Spokane Historic Preservation Office]
• August Paulsen - [Wikipedia entry]

Comments

[Bart Mihailovich]

What a great presentation. Such a neat look at the city. Thank you. What are the plans for the residence?

[Mariah McKay]

Wow, I am SO JEALOUS you got to go on a tour of the Paulsen Penthouse! I fantasize about what it must look like from up there every time I see the building. I've heard so many interesting things about Mrs. Paulsen, can you imagine living like that!? Metro Spokane you are my hero!

[METROSPOKANE]

Renovate it and ultimately rent it out for a huge chunk o' change. It's nice that it'll remain a residence.

[John Speare]

How big a chunk of change? Let's guess. I really have no idea. $3500/month?
During highschool/college about 100 years ago I worked the Patsy Clark's sunday brunch. Mrs Paulsen came in about once a month or so. She was a very sweet lady, even to us lowly omelet makers and meat carvers...

[Silent Bahb]

I'm so dissapointed - the slideshow isn't working for me. :o( The views must be awesome.

[METROSPOKANE]

Make sure you have the most recent version of flash installed...

Here's the link to the video on vimeo:
http://www.vimeo.com/626644

[Alberto]

That's amazing that you got up there, Just like Mariah, I've always thought about going up there. I have a couple questions though:
1) How did you get up there?
2) What happened to Ms. Paulsen and when?
3) How much would it cost to acquire such a place?

[Rachel]

it looks amazing! not only the view, but the interior. I heard it was really fantastic art deco and it's so true!

my fiance got up there to do a photoshoot and he said it was beautiful.

[Silent Bahb]

Thanks for posting the Vimeo link, MS. That worked. It's AWESOME up there. The kitchen needs work, but with that view and the other rooms - who cares? Thank you so much for sharing.