If you missed him last time he was here to speak, next Wednesday, 5/21 at 10:30AM you'll have another chance. As a part of the ongoing Community Roundtables at City Hall, the third forum will deal with directing growth to our centers and corridors. A panel consisting of Jim Frank (Greenstone Homes), Pete Raynor, and Gordon Price (Director of the City Program at Simon Fraser University).
FROM OutThere Monthly: "It’s hard to think of a better start to Spokane Bike to Work Week than
the gathering this morning at Riverfront Park. Several hundred cyclists
showed up to get free pancakes and orange juice and mingle before work."
With nearly 900 riders registered it's easy to see that commuting by bike is a valid practice by many in our community. We're amped for the big Wrap-Up celebration this Friday at the Steamplant Grill. Plenty o' schwag will be handed out, so be sure and show up.
As of yesterday Spokane's Bike to Work Committee reported that nearly 700 people (687 total) had registered for Spokane's Bike to Work Week which takes place May 12-16. The kick-off breakfast at Riverfront Park is expecting to see around 300 bike-riders while the closing event is nearing 300 people as well. If you haven't registered there's still time.
One of the coolest joint events is "Walk and Roll to School Day" with seven elementary schools promoting walking or bike riding as a good way to get to and from school.
We are a biking city! Don't get left...in your car.
Twenty years have passed Spokane's Master Bicycle Plan was last updated, and to celebrate it's getting a fresh look and an update. Over the next couple of weeks there will be a few meetings for you to provide your input and discuss issues. If you can't quite make the meeting you're still able to provide comments through Spokane's 2008 Online Bike Plan Survey.
Public Meeting Details:
Via the MetroSpokane inbox, a tipster dropped us line that The Spokane River Forum website is up and running. It's a new organization to us, but we're waaaaaay impressed with their Mission:
The Spokane River Forum serves as a clearinghouse and information exchange for all things Spokane River.
Even more impressive is the event they're staging this Summer to raise awareness of the role the Spokane river plays in our lives: A 120 mile journey from Lake Coeur d'Alene to the Upper Columbia River over two, three-day periods. The first is June 13th - 15th and the second is June 20th - 23rd. Registration closes on May 2nd for this event and we have a sense it'll fill up rapidly. Oh, and while you're at it feel free to join the organization.
Filled your gas tank up recently? If you're now beginning to calculate your commute as cost-per-trip instead of miles-per-gallon we have the event for you. National bike-to-work-week will be held from May 12 - 16 this year, and in Spokane the event promises to be bigger than ever. The week kicks off with a BTW breakfast from 7am-9am in Riverfront Park and wraps up with a party at the Steam Plant with plenty-o-schwag for registered participants (grand prize is a commuter bike from REI).
Speaking of Bike-to-work-week registration, it's now open and even though all activities associated with BTW Spokane are free it's important to register to better understand participation. So give it a try. Your pocketbook might thank you.
[Images from the 2007 Tour de Bronx]
Runners have Bloomsday, B-Ballers have Hoopfest, bicyclists have...? We think it's high time an event that is Spokane centric and specifically for bicyclists takes place. Why not a Tour de Spokane? Imagine an entire weekend day dedicated to cycling the streets of Spokane? We've talked about the need for a Ciclovia Spokane event previously, but it seems that Spokane really does well with annual events like the ones mentioned above.
This one's a stretch
, but since it involves a google maps mashup of Spokane then we figured we're covered. Today's topic is Fundrace 2008, and it's a pretty cool way to see who's backin' who in the recent caucuses for el Presidente. Zoom in on Spokane, enter a zipcode, name or address and you'll have hours of fun discovering who's backing who in your town and how much they're throwing down. Let's just say south of I-90 the nabes are active. Happy snooping.
Be sure and GET FLASH...
Not many cities can boast a full on conservatory as part of their parks system, and for Spokane the Gaiser Conservatory at Manito park is a great asset. When the short days of winter have you pulling your hair out there's no better time to visit and take in the light, warmth and oxygen-rich air. Until that time arrives though, you're best to visit now through the 16th of December when the Holiday Lights are on display. Something like 20k lights make for an odd, but entertaining way to experience our conservatory this time of year. The free event is put on by the Parks and Rec Dept. and The Friends of Manito, so drop a few bills in the basket while you're there to show your support.
Sometimes it's helpful to look at your neighborhood from a different perspective. Like through the eyes of a first time visitor, or better yet a para-glider launching himself off high-drive on Thanksgiving Day. You've seen the earlier footage from a bystander, now view it from the helmet-cam. Hands down this is the best Spokane-related video on YouTube of the year. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
We know we're not even mid Winter, but we wanted to mention again an important topic. Last Spring we raised the idea of doing a Ciclovia Spokane event and it generated some good discussion. We even threw out a beginner route idea. To follow-up, the good people at StreetFilms traveled south to Bogota, Colombia, the birthplace of Ciclovia, to see first hand how the event transforms their city for seven hours each week. It's an impressive display of people from a variety of backgrounds truly enjoying and experiencing their city in a way that isn't possible at any other time. Imagine the same here in Spokane...[NOTE: At 8:25 in they share the names of other cities across the world where this event has spread.]
With just over half the ballots counted the perceived North Side/South Side divide hasn't shown up yet, instead a different pattern is emerging, and one we find most interesting. Looking at a cool election mashup the Spokesman created shows just how precincts
across Spokane voted in the race for mayor. With red representing the
incumbent and green his challenger, we initially thought the results
showed an urban/suburban split, with the challenger favored by
more urban neighborhoods, and the incumbent favored more by the burbs.
This isn't the case.
The real pattern(in our opinion) clearly shows younger nabes versus older nabes. Actually it's probably better to say newer development versus older development. Where new development in downtown and near the edges of our city were more likely to go with Hession, while older more established nabes sided with Verner.
One sure sign that an event is gaining some momentum is when people start to use acronyms. Such is the case with the 3rd annual Girls' Day Out (or GDO).
The 3rd big year has a one significant change from years past in that it's taking place on Friday 11/9 and Saturday 11/10. With all the focus on downtown, might we suggest branching out this weekend? Drop by some of the local hot spots in these four neighborhoods: South Perry, Hillyard, Garland, and East Sprague.
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.
When was the last time you even considered looking up at night and viewing the stars while in the city? Could you even see them or was the neighbor's mercury-vapor light buzzing away and flooding your backyard?
Last Saturday (10/20) San Francisco held its first ever Lights Out event. From 8pm-9pm people across the city were encouraged to turn out all their lights, and while they're at it, replace an incandescent bulb with a compact-fluorescent. The event gained some significant press worldwide and now is now planning a national lights out event next Spring cleverly titled: Lights Out America. They even received the backing of the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), but that was to be expected.
Looking at the list of participating cities, we're saddened by the lack of mid-city involvement. Sure there's Boulder, but is that much of a surprise? This got us thinking that this would be a fantastic opportunity to really test our community's belief in the "Near Nature, Near Perfect" motto. Anyone game for organizing the first ever Lights Out Spokane? If not for us, if not for the night sky, do it for Jack Horkheimer.
This Saturday is chock-full-o-fun if sustainability and the environment are the thing for you. Not only is the 5th annual River Cleanup happening in and around Peaceful Valley, but there's also the Spokane edition of the American Solar Tour. The tour consists of two sites where you can chat directly with the owners and designers of their projects. It's a good chance to get some first hand information to this growing field. Solar's a no brainer for a city like ours that gets around 260 days of sunshine a year, and with the passing of the Washington Solar Bill that's performance-based, it pays to play, friends.
So here's your Saturday checklist: 1) Morning-Clean up Spokane River 2) Afternoon-Visit two solar buildings.
Details
[Spokane River pic courtesy of bridgepix via Flickr]
Your river needs you this Saturday, fellow Spokanites. The 5th Annual Spokane River Clean Up event is set for October 6, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at High Bridge Park. If you've never participated in this event this is your year. Every year this thing grows by leaps and bounds and so does the amazing pile of trash pulled from the banks of the river (Last year over 600 people removed over 4 tons). Cleanup areas span west from the Maple Street Bridge and include parts of Latah Creek in Highbridge Park as well as areas around Downriver and TJ Meenach Bridge thanks to STA.
Signup can be done online in advance. Just look for the large crowd of people at Highbridge Park near Peaceful Valley. More info at the Friends of the Falls site after the jump.
If you don't do it for the river, do it for the commemorative grocery tote. And while you're at it, take the STA #20, ride a bike or walk if you can.
Have your plans firmed up for the weekend? If so, change them. If not, you're in luck. This Friday and Saturday is the official open house/grand opening for the Saranac Hotel and the Magic Lantern. The block between Browne and Division on Main Avenue has completely reinvented itself over the past few years.
Going from empty storefronts to what is easily the largest concentration of non-profit organizations in the city is no small feat. Oh, and while were at it, why not throw in a new art film house (finally!) with two screens, the largest solar array in state and a building that will likely be LEED Platinum when all is said and done.
Continue reading "Saranac Hotel and Magic Lantern: Open house two-fer: " »
Originating in San Francisco in 2005, Park(ing) Day has gone national, actually international. The one-day event is a call to artists and citizens to come together and create temporary public parks or Park(ing) Spaces in parking spots across the city. A quick look at their Park(ing) Space mashup reveals just how huge this event has become in San Francisco. The event is now national and is sponsored by The Trust for Public Land. A list of participating cities is impressive. Hell, even Vancouver, WA is planning a Park(ing) Space.
We're pretty sure this has never occurred here in Spokane, so we're holding out hope that some group of inspired locals have some big plans for a nice metered spot downtown. If someone does make it happen, be sure and send us some footage. Don't forget to feed the meter!
To borrow a term from a friend, do you consider yourself food-focused? How about a supporter of the local economy? If you answered yes to either question, we may have the event for you. Next Wednesday Futurewise will be hosting "A Feast with Friends" at the Cafe MAC located in the Museum of Arts and Culture. According to the press release:
"This open style reception features progressive culinary tastings. Each station will have a special dish made from ingredients provided by local farms and food providers and will also be paired with a premier Washington wine. So fill up your plate and hold up your glass in support of Futurewise's work to protect farm land and promote healthy communities."
Given the list of restaurants, wineries, and most important of all, the local producers, you won't want to miss this event. Full details after the jump.
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:
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.
Continue reading "Live It Up - 2007 - Bring yer comfy shoes..." »
The Ciclovia Spokane Map can be found at: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Ciclovia-Spokane
After posting the idea of a Ciclovia Spokane event, and reading the resulting comments, we thought we'd take a stab at drawing our own route. Taking a cue from the most excellent cyclingspokane.blogspot.com bike commuting routes, we created a public map on Bikely.com named Ciclovia Spokane (look up).
Continue reading "Ciclovia Spokane: Pick yer own route..." »
"It's kind of like preparing to swim the English Channel. We've planned and we've prepared, but today we're jumping in, and now we have to swim this mother."
Marshall Chesrown on what starting the construction phase of a project the size of Kendall Yards is like.
Yesterday the formal ground breaking for Kendall Yards took place and if you missed it, you missed a good one. Hundreds of people braved crossing Monroe Street at Ide Avenue and gathered around the massive white tent. Outside, renderings of the development, including some new views of the Phase 1 portion of the project (Monroe to Maple).
Continue reading "Kendall Yards - Dirt Begins Moving on Monday " »
[Photo thanks to akira1975]
While biking in Spokane can be a daunting task for the average Spokanite, it's not impossible. In fact, we've been impressed by the sheer numbers of bicyclists we've seen this week commuting to work and back home. We're not sure if it's just because we've been paying closer attention to the fact that it's National Bike To Work Week, or rather that the number of bike-commuters are truly up from previous years.
With the weather likely to cooperate this weekend, why not hit the MAC's Historic Home Tour with dear ol' mom? Temps in the mid 70s and a nice breeze are certain to compliment the Mediterranean-style homes that make up the tour this year. Self-guided as always, this tour should take no more 2 hours if you're well organized and stay - focused.
C'mon...do it for Mom.
WHEN: Saturday, May 12 and Sunday, May 13, Noon to 4 p.m.
COST: $10-members/$15-NON-members
TICKETS: Tickets are available at the MAC, 2316 West First Avenue - Or on the tour at 703 W. Shoshone Place
As most everyone knows, Spokane's Fox Theater is in the midst of a $31 million rennovation to become the new home of the Spokane Symphony. The State legislature delivered big time for the theater last week in the form of $2 million to help in the rennovation effort. The Fox is one of two remaining theaters from Spokane's past. According to Robert Wilson in a comment to an earlier post, the long list of theaters included names like: the Ritz, the State, the Orpheum, the Liberty, the Granada, the Majestic, the Rex, the Unique, the Post, and the Empress.
We had high hopes for the 2007 Home and Garden Show this year. After all, it was being held in the swanky new convention center. But this event which is in it's 32nd year was more like an afterthought than a show of any significance.
Envisioning Smart Growth in the U-District
For those who missed the first community forum last month, well, you missed out. Gordon Price gave an excellent presentation and talk about urban universities and how Vancouver is leveraging them to create sustainable, innovative, and exciting neighborhoods throughout their city.
Continue reading "U-District Community Forum II: Envisioning Smart Growth in the U-District" »
For the second straight year Girls' Day Out will be in full force this Saturday. Literally across the city, shops of all kinds (70 overall) in our neighborhood business centers will be opening their doors for the ladies. Monroe, Hillyard, Perry, East Sprague and Garland are the places to be.
It's initiative time in WA State once again. On the docket this year is I-933, coined as the 'property rights initiative." With a name like that it seems innocuous enough. However, opponents are alarmingly concerned about the impacts I-933, backed heavily by out of state interests, will have on our cities, towns, environment, and resource land. It's one of a number of similar initiatives hitting the ballots across many western states next week, and we encourage you as taxpayers to study up.
City Different: Achieving Smart Growth in the U-District
If you have the chance we'd suggest you make it over to the Riverpoint Campus this Wednesday afternoon for the first U-District Community Forum. The City of Spokane has lined up a great list of speakers to share and discuss how other cities (like Vancouver, BC) are combining smart growth and higher education districts to create sustainable, vibrant, and innovative neighborhoods. Together these two approaches represent an economic development opportunity like no other in the Inland Northwest.
Continue reading "U-District Community Forum: Achieving Smart Growth in the U-District" »
We know you're busy folk. We also know you're a huge fan of the Spokane River and all the goodness it provides us throughout the year. This weekend is your chance to give back a little to the River and the community. The 2006 Spokane River Cleanup will occur this Saturday, October 7th from 9am - 3pm.
Photo thanks to specialp via flickr and the MetroSpokane pool
We know you're thrilled. We also know there have been time when you've looked at one of our pics and thought, ugh, I could've done way better than that. We'll now is your chance. We've created a photo pool specifically for MetroSpokane readers. If you feel like contributing, please do. Upload your own to the MetroSpokane pool or tag them metrospokane. During the week we'll look over the submitted photos and include a few in some of our posts (with proper acknowledgement of course).
Feel free to submit anything that has to do with architecture, new development, urbanicity, construction, your neighborhood, etc. Really, anything that has to do with the built environment is fair game. Show us what you got.
The sustainability theme continues dear readers...
This Thursday set your afternoon aside. Better Bricks and the Cascadia Region Green Building Council team up to delve into the topic of sustainable development with Idaho developer Gary Christensen as the keynote speaker. Mr. Christensen is the developer behind the newly completed Banner Bank Building in Boise (how's that for alliteration?) which will soon receive a 'platinum' Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. One of only 19 in THE WORLD. His presentation will cover the details of how this project went from "not likely" to being one of the greenest commercial office buildings in the country.
But wait there's more...
Continue reading "Speaker: Gary Christensen-Going for Green: The Banner Bank Building" »
