MetroSpokane

William McDonough on Mobius

We stopped off at the celebration for the fund raising milestone set by for the Mobius Science Center.  On his way to speak at Boise State University's Distinguished Lecture Series, William McDonough dropped by the celebration to say a few words about our center.  Mostly he delivered on his message of sustainability and the current state of the environment and world economy; an abridged version of a presentation he gave at TED some time back.  We could go on, but for a better understanding of his message (you'll better understand the correlation to the Mobius Science Center) watch the edited and abridged version of his TED presentation on YouTube above.  It's worth it.

Sneak Peak - YWCA Condos Revealed...

[View of the YWCA site looking south]
NORTH BANK - An old post mentioned the proposed SRM development of the YWCA condos at 829 W. Broadway on the North Bank of the Spokane River.  With the combined YMCA-YWCA building well under way just up the street, there's no time like the present to get to work on the design for YWCA site.  Upper Falls Condos meet your new neighbors, a 150' tower (not wall).  According to the SRM website the 'proposed' project is all mixed use including condos, retail, and commercial.  Phase one will focus on a residential condo tower on the eastern most portion of the site.  No start date given, but it's likely a couple years out.

• SRM Development [srmdevelopment.com]

Touching Base: Parkside Condos really isn't that orange

COEUR D'ALENE  - The latest addition to CDA's skyline is the Parkside Condos.  It's Miller Stauffer's second tower here, precluded by McEuen Terrace one block to the east.  This year's IronMan contestants will be doing a double take when they drive into town since it's completely visible from I-90, topping out well above the pine trees at a ginormous twenty stories.  Ground floor parking, 3 stories commercial/retail and the remaining 17 nothing but lux.  Suites are four to a floor and range from 1,900 to 3,900 sqf. 

609 Sherman-please enjoy our walls

[All this week we're heading east across the border where we'll be taking a look around the Coeur D'Alene area, checking in on projects and and bringing it all back to you.]

COEUR D'ALENE - After yesterday's charm-filled visit to the Ice Plant Townhomes today we migrate to the city's core.  What's 7 stories tall, consumes an entire lot, and has really ticked people off?  Here's a hint:  The Lofts at 609 Sherman.  Apparently designed for the year 2051 when all of Sherman will be lined with 70' buildings, the residential structure is just kind of there.  No retail on the ground floor means the opaque glass-block front gives little back to the street and sidewalk.  A major downer for a city with such a walkable downtown.  People of CDA The Lofts at 609 mean you no harm.  Tetris anyone?

• The Lofts at 609 Sherman - [Main Site]

More pics below>>>

Coeur d'Alene: Winter at the Ice Plant (Townhomes)

[All this week we're heading east across the border where we'll be taking a look around the Coeur D'Alene area, checking in on projects and and bringing it all back to you.]

COEUR D'ALENE - If uniformity is not your thing then the Ice Plant Townhomes might drive you nuts.  If you can look past it then one of the 24 nearly identical townhomes just might work for you.  From the sidewalk it's a nice looking project:  Neighborhood scale, lots of brick, exposed wood, and traditional dormers all show an attempt to fit into the neighborhood.  A quick look inside and there looks to be ample attention to quality there as well.

Armed Forces & Aerospace Museum - Who knew?

[NOTE: Embedded video was disabled on YouTube-you can view it via this link ] WEST PLAINS - OK, let's see a show of hands:  How many of you out there were aware we're in the process of fund raising for a new museum...ahem...an aerospace museum?  That's what we thought.  We'd heard bits and pieces but only recently saw the sweet 3D video-clip on YouTube of what the place might look like, and we like what we see.  It's to be located on the West Plains adjacent to I-90 at the intersection of Electric Ave & Geiger Blvd [GMAP]. If you've ever driven by the Spruce Goose down in McMinville, OR you'll understand why.

The complex is big measuring in at around 123,000-square-feet when all phases are completed, and will have loads of glass that should help display the thirty-two suspended and parked aircraft from the collection.  One that won't be 'under-roof' will be the massive B-52 parked out in front of the building.  Still, it should make for a pretty memorable landmark for visitors entering Spokane from the West (e.g. "...and take the exit after the big plane...").  To date only $1.3 million of the $5.8 million Phase I cost has been raised.  The project overall is expected to run upwards of $30 million when complete.  It's also expected to attract between 50,000 and 100,000 visitors annually according to the Journal of Biz.  If you're interested in seeing  what local players have kicked in to help this thing get built you can view the list [pdf].  If you're interested in having your name added feel free to donate.

• Spokane Armed Forces and Aerospace Museum [main site]
• Aerospace Museum Worth the Hard Effort [JOB]
• Backers of aerospace museum prepare for takeoff [SR]

Touching Base: Kennedy Anchors Ruby

It seems like just last fall we were fawning all over the completed Kennedy Apartments-Phase I.  Phase II is underway and growing like a weed over on Boone and Ruby.  More important though is how this group of buildings is transforming that intersection.  It's a smart site plan that is respectful of it's urban setting (built to the curb-parking in the middle-permeable facade).  Compare it to this.

Architect ALSC [ALSC homepage]
Boone and Ruby [GMAP]

More views below...

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]

Grant Building: Let it breathe, baby...

If you've wandered by Post and Riverside lately, it's no secret that SRM and Dunn & Black's overhaul of the three-story Grant Building is well underway.  The fences are up, the facade is down, and the renderings dropped in our inbox give us tremendous hope for design downtown.  The architects at Nystrom-Olson-Collins have taken what was a looming windowless void and opened it way, way up.  Add in some muted colors, plenty of glass on the street (our fav) more up above, and this building is (finally) giving something back to this street corner.

More renderings below...

Flashback: Kellogg, Idaho - 5-27-96

This one's a bit of a flashback, but if you weren't around the Inland NW you missed the buzz that was going on over in Kellogg, Id that Memorial Day.  From I-90 not much is visible of the massive mining complex that was once Bunker Hill.  Millions of cubic yards of contaminated soil, the temporary rerouting of the South Fork of the CDA River, and well over 200 buildings demolished in what was a huge mitigation and cleanup of a mining superfund site. What most people remember though was the day the stacks came down. 

On Memorial Day May 27th, 1996 the towering stacks (610 and 715 feet tall) were demo-ed in a public event witnessed by thousands.  Fortunately we stumbled across some home video footage taken by a spectator from the hillside across from the stacks.  At first thought you might not think a few smelter stacks coming down has much to do with Spokane. But take one look at our skyline and in it you can see reflected the fortunes that were made and consequently shaped the urban environment we experience everyday.  The Paulsen Buildings, the Great Northern clock tower, the Old National Bank Building, the Spokesman/Chronicle Buildings, and the twin smelter stacks at Bunker Hill.  This stuff is our heritage.

The best minute-and-a-half you'll spend on YouTube all week.

Highlight:  At 0:42 the guy yelling, "HOLY SH#T, LOOK AT THAT THING GO!"

The Abbey: Density everyone should love

Examples of well designed infill development are few and far between as we've illustrated here and here.  Especially in the Perry nabe where they've suffered more than their fair share of off-the-shelf, Anywhere, WA designs over the past couple years.  Well suffer no more; The Perry District is getting what appears to be some well deserved quality infill up on 15th and Ivory.  Welcome, The Abbey.

On a basalt and pine strewn 26,000 sqf lot the six roomy homes will share a common garden-grounds area, and each will have their own private garden patios.  Oh, did we mention it'll all be done with a green bent to it?  Green buzzwords include passive solar gain, SIPs construction, and lots of recycled and renewable materials. Perhaps the most shocking aspect is that they actually look to fit into the surrounding neighborhood in terms of scale, site plan, and design [gasp]. The location is pretty sweet, providing easy access to transit, bike lanes, and a stone's throw to a neighborhood center.  See?  Density doesn't have to be a dirty word.

• Your Floorplan & Elevation fix after the leap [pdf]>>>
• The Abbey - 15th and Ivory [GMAP]

Is Macy's in need of a facelift or a gutting?

It used to be that the center of commerce for Spokane was along Riverside, not along it’s aptly named “Main Street.” How things have changed: over the last decade Spokane has seen Main Street become the shopper’s destination, much of that because of sizable financial and architectural investment.  Along Main in the last ten years River Park Square was redeveloped, the streetscapes enhanced, a new Nordstrom added, and 809 W Main was 'adaptively reused', this time with windows.  Even the old Crescent building is undergoing major changes including a new restaurant in February of 2008, “The Melting Pot” to be located on the second story corner of Post and Main [GMAP].

Post and Riverside: Grant Building makeover underway

A much needed face-lift of the three-story 42,000 sqf Grant Building at Post and Riverside has started.  The fencing and jersey-barriers are in place and the odd exterior material is already filling the dumpsters.  Downtown office employees everywhere were heard quietly mumbling something about the benefits of windows.  Architects Nystrom Olson Collins are taking full ownership of the design.

• Grant Building - 806 W. Riverside [GMAP]

Sketchup Models of Downtown on the rise...

Fans of Sketchup will love this.  Over on Sketchup's 3D Warehouse do a search for 'Spokane' and you'll find a small but growing collection of Spokane structures modeled using Google Sketchup.  Some of your favorites are there including the Paulsen Buildings, Great Northern Clock Tower, Mount Spokane Vista House, and our personal fav - Sushi.com (sweet!).  But in a crushing blow to Spokane, it was discovered that the City of Cheney has nearly every building in their downtown modeled and available.

Since the models are out in the public domain, you can download the originals and begin building your collection of prime Spokane Real Estate.  It gets really interesting when you load the models into Google Earth.  While you're at it, do something about the surface parking lots.

Question: Can low income housing and innovative design coexist?

Over in the Chief Garry neighborhood Habitat for Humanity is putting the finishing touches on one of their recent "Blitz Build" projects.  The idea is to construct a project in a rapid time frame (usually weeks).  This project was a nine unit development.  Habitat is one of our favorite charitable organizations and worthy of support.  The question is, looking at this project can the goals of low income housing be achieved with innovative and compassionate design?  Are they completely separate and unattainable outcomes?

Samuel Mockbee approached the same question in rural Hale County, Alabama starting back in 1993.  As a professor of architecture his 'rural studio' brought architecture students to the county to design and build homes for needy residents in what is one of the poorest areas in the country.  The designs are innovative, push the envelope, are built very cheaply, but they're also 'noble', as he put it.

This discussion is a fine line to be walking.  But given that there is a tent city not four blocks from here, it's a timely topic.  The need for low income housing is essential, but visiting the site yesterday and seeing how it turns it's back on the neighborhood, how it isolates rather than integrates into it, makes us wonder what the outcome will be in 5, 10, or 20 years from now.

NAC|Architecture Grows South

A tipster named Matt writes:

"Saw some construction going on downtown. Did some investigation, and here is what I found. New building going up adjacent to the NAC arch. building on jefferson and Riverside/Sprague."

Sure enough, NAC looks to be growing south and mod-ern adding 10,000 square feet of space to their existing building.  The West End continues it's revitalization and in an answer to the East End's Community Building going fer LEED Platinum:  NAC is going for LEED Silver on the addition.  In their own words:

"...the addition will incorporate a number of sustainable design features, including daylight harvesting, solar-controlled blind systems, and a high-efficiency displacement ventilation HVAC system."

No word on waterless urinals.

• NAC|Architecture Expansion - [GMAP]

Mountain Gear: Wins state award for sustainable 'RE'-development

Spokane area businesses seem to be getting more and more recognition lately for innovations in sustainability.  For starters there's Commuter Cars, manufacturer of the innovative electric vehicle The Tango (located in the University District) and the uber-sustainable Saranac Hotel.  We can now add to that list the new Mountain Gear facility.

Just like the Saranac, Mountain Gear took a long under-utilized building and retrofitted it with a keen eye towards sustainability.  The company's efforts were noticed as last month the State of Washington awarded Mountain Gear the Governor's Award for Pollution Prevention and Sustainable Practices.  According to the Department of Ecology website, "Mountain Gear was the first commercial company, and is still the largest private company, to remodel their building in Eastern Washinton following the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards."

The impact of Mountain Gear integrating sustainability into their project?  How about:  Conserve 248,000 gallons water/year, remodel reduced energy use by  60%, and salvaged or recycled 50% of their construction debris.  Nice!

MetroSpokane Sneak Peek: FOX Theater Unveiled

Be sure and GET FLASH...

The last time we were in the FOX was just prior to the start of the restoration work.  The upstairs theater walls had been removed and for the first time we were looking at the space as it had been designed in 1931.  So when we heard that on Saturday night a reception for donors was taking place we had to be there to see for ourselves the results of these past few years of restoration work.

We were floored by what we discovered.  In no uncertain terms the restoration of this theater is staggeringly beautiful.  From the art deco murals to the jaw-dropping sunburst light fixture the space is amazing.  For anyone who is a fan of architecture, Spokane's history, or even if your only connection is a $1 movie you saw there in 1998, you must see what a gift our city has been given by way of this restoration...and then donate.  Here's to Spokane, turning the corner.

• Event - Community Day at The FOX - Sunday November 18th - 12PM - 7PM
  

The Grizzly Condos roar onto the MLS - Browne's Addition trembles

The 1960s and 70s weren't kind decades to Browne's Addition.  One glimpse at the Broadmoor apartments is evidence enough.  Today the tradition continues.  The people who brought you this down in Peaceful Valley have unleashed their designers on Browne's Addition-The Grizzly Condos

Looking more like an extended-stay Howard Johnson, they're asking $598K for 1,900 sqf.  The description boasts, "Single floor construction with impeccable upgrades of the highest quality!"  We're going out on a limb here but when do vinyl siding and sheet metal roofing reflect "impeccable upgrades" (and yes vinyl siding has its place)?  Especially at an astonishing $315/sqf?  We're fairly certain the local chapter of AIA wasn't on a retainer.  Grizzly not included.

NOMO First Look: YMCA/YWCA Central

NORTH MONROE - Though it isn't available on their website, ALSC does have floorplans and a video playing at YMCA's downtown location showing what the new combined Central YMCA/YWCA will look like.  Located on the site of the former Big Bros Bingo Building (how's that for alliteration?) at 930 N. Monroe, the two story complex will be...large...consuming much of the 3.5 acres between Monroe and Lincoln.  Video renderings reveal a rooftop event garden, a large glass entry, and what appears to be a better street-side than the current building.  Can't say we'll miss the big baby-blue bingo hall.

Walgreens Update: Grand Avenue a little less grand...

Ahhh...Grand Avenue, one of Spokane's finest streets.  Driving up past St. John's Cathedral, slipping under the tree-covered canopy along Manito Park, the fine old homes, quaint small businesses nestled into the fabric of the neighborhood...and then you hit 29th and Grand.  WTF?  Friends, it looks like Walgreens has brought their "D" plans to the South Hill.  Not that 29th and Grand was any great bastion of pedestrian friendliness, but this was a prime opportunity to change that and it went uncontested.  A well-sited building can be a wonderful thing.

Spokane's Fox Theater gets its marquees back...

The restored blue 'beacon' sign atop the FOX theater was an excellent touch in the ongoing restoration of the Fox Theater.  It'll certainly bring some evening interest to the Spokane skyline.  More important for those at ground level though is the work underway bringing back the amazing marquees on the north and south sides of the building.

Heylman in his own words...

If you were to ask any random Spokanite what the most recognizable building in Spokane is, chances are someone would mention either the Public Health Building or the Parkade (We profiled them in an earlier post).  But while the structures are quite recognizable and familiar to people here, less well known is some of the history behind the gentleman who designed them:  Warren Cummings Heylman.

Our appreciation of the internet and Mr. Heylman's work collided recently when we stumbled upon the Inland Northwest Memories Project and a document titled:  Heylman, Warren C.:  Oral History of  WWII & Korea Navy and Spokane Architect.  It's a transcribed interview with Mr. Heylman from 2005 and provides insight into his approach. 

"For myself I have always wanted to take, and simply find the logical and simplest answer to a design problem.  Simplicity is often very difficult to find.  It sometimes is the complicated answer is not the right answer."

Hands down, he's one of Spokane's most significant (and underappreciated) architects.  A Fellow with the American Institute of Architects his work has won 24 awards over the years.  Regardless of what you think about his work, visit the TINCAN.org site and get educated on Spokane.

Interview with Mr. Warren C. Heylman (pdf)

Northbowl goes techno...color

Years ago when bowling was king and Earl Anthony absolutely dominated the PBA, Spokane had lanes-a-plenty.  In the case of Colonial Bowl and Northbowl, either Spokane was nutty for bowling or someone didn't pay for decent site location services as they were literally just a few blocks from each other.  Colonial Bowl fell to the wrecking ball and became the new Kennedy Apartments we profiled the other day.  Northbowl, on the other hand is still alive and kicking.

Kennedy Apartments-Suddenly Ruby St. looks a little better

So how do you help revitalize a tough part of town along one of the busiest arterials in the City? 

1. Drop a few million on a new residential apartment building
2. Invite 225 upperclass-men/women to live there
3. Sit back and watch it happen

What was once Colonial Bowl has been reborn as the Kennedy Apartments-after a fire setback the opening.  Slated for occupation this fall, the presence of hundreds of new students is going to give new life to a neighborhood that is home to a great collection of warehouses.  The building also boasts a Gonzaga bookstore and a cafe on the street level.

Big-Box lessons from Bozeman...

During a recent stop in Bozeman on the way to Billings, MT last week it became clear that not all big-box stores are created equal.  In Spokane and surrounding environs, the typical blah cinder-block wonder under an acre of roof is where we've set the bar.  It's no wonder that the Home Depots in North Spokane and East Sprague in the City of Spokane Valley look remarkably similar.  Set low expectations (all of North Division, the 'Y', and East Sprague), and you'll rarely exceed them. 

According to Bob Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group, when a big-box developer comes to town they generally have four designs (A,B,C, and D) ranging from unique (or sensitive to local character) to Anywhere, USA, and they are ready to build one of those.  Which one gets built depends heavily upon how much push back the company receives from local residents and officials about design and it's importance.  Retail Consultant Bob Gibbs says as much:  “Cities need to have high design standards for signage, lighting and building design and be willing to enforce those standards,” says Gibbs."

Enclosed malls dead...the future is topless

[Dead Mall courtesy:  CLUI & Steve Rowell]

Malls are evolving.  The old model, last implemented in Spokane Valley in 1997 and refreshed in Northtown in the past few years, is dead.  The future for malls is topless as in "lifestyle centers" and "towncenters" where the offering is not only shopping and dining, but also housing and public areas.  It's all open air baby.

Looking over the Edge...

Check out the Slideshow

Part of this evening's summer solstice was spent taking in the sights (and the food) over at The Edge Condominiums' open house.  At four stories and 30,000 sqf, the building dominates the northwest corner of Sprague and Division in the old Western Soap Building.  Truth be told, we were skeptical of this building as a condo conversion, but it works.  The place has been stripped down to nothing but concrete and brick for all nineteen of the units.  All are unique, including two that are two story lofts with massive windows.  And the views are pretty sweet as well.  With the building perched up on a basalt ledge and the four stories the view is unobstructed in all directions.  And trains to boot!

Remnants of Spokane's Tiki past...

Our tiki heritage can be summed up in two remaining locations:  The Trade Winds Motel on 3rd and Lincoln and the old Tiki Lodge on 2nd and Maple.  Everyone who's been downtown via the Lincoln Street exit knows the Trade Winds by the large mural (now mostly obscured by a tree) painted on the backside of the building.

Live It Up - 2007 - Bring yer comfy shoes...

Year number two for the official downtown living tour arrives this weekend.  Live It Up! is back.  You've read about the projects here all year long now is your chance to visit a few in person this weekend - June 16th and 17th.  Two options are available to you - Self-guided or $15 for the Exclusive Tour...

Details:

• Saturday - June 16th - Noon - 6PM
• Sunday - June 17th - Noon - 4PM
• Live it up Map

We had a sneak peek at a few of the projects this week and were floored by some of the design work.  Some of the spaces being created are quite incredible.  For all you gawkers out there, at a minimum, check out the self-guided tour.  It'll be time well spent.

The other Jensen-Byrd

For a company that's a wholesaler of hardware tools Jensen-Byrd is synonymous with some pretty cool buildings in downtown Spokane.  Aside from the obvious hulk of a warehouse in the University District, it is their other warehouse/office space downtown that has no doubt had the eye of most developers in Spokane at one time or another.