MetroSpokane

Street Art? Vandalism?

Grafitti.  Tagging.  Street art.  Call it what you will, but it exists in Spokane in a variety of ways.  From the chaotic script left by a Sharpie, to the more time consuming stencil boldly sprayed on the sidewalk in front of Sterling Savings, we've seen a lot of it.  Some of it in plain sight, but blending in just enough as not to be noticed.

Nettleton's Rising...

On a drive through West Central today, we spotted this interesting neighborhood marker indicating the entrance to the historic Nettleton's Addition.  Sited on a corner of Dutch Jake's Park, this thing must have popped-up over the weekend as we were just over here the other day and certainly couldn't have missed it.

2006 Spokane's Best Vacant Lots - Corners

My what a difference a year can make.  Last year we held our first ever "Spokane's Best Vacant Lots".  The overwhelming popularity (not really) convinced us we had to bring it back for a fun-filled second year.

This year we've changed two of the criteria.  Like all good empty-nesters know, small is the new big. So accordingly we've downsized our acreage requirement to 'less than one acre'.  We've also added in a new twist just for this year:  The lots we nominate are located on prominent corners only.

Once again, here are the criteria we've used:

1. The lot(s) must have been vacant for at least 5 years
2. The lot(s) must exist within Spokane's urban core or adjacent to it
3. The lot(s) must be less than 1 acre
4. The lot(s) must occupy a prominent corner

And with that we give you our top three in no particular order...we'll let you decide.

RANT: Sidewalks Are Not For Parking...

Spokane drivers are really no worse than anywhere else.  There have been a number of times when driving, we've signaled that we need to change lanes and they've quite politely slowed down and let us move on over. A quick wave or a head nod and everyone is happy.  The real problems begin when people here park. 

South Side O' The Tracks - The Borning Building - Cornerstone II

Isn't she a beaut?  A tipster alerted us the other day that another residential project was slated for the south side of the tracks.  What we expected to hear:  "Defunct warehouse being converted into luxury lofts.  1000 sqf units starting in the low $300s."  What we heard:  "Defunct warehouse being converted into 50 loft units for low income families."  Pardon?  Loft units?  Low income?

Is Downtown A Place For Families Yet?

Quite possibly the best evidence that Downtown Spokane is becoming more and more family friendly every day.  This guy was riding with his young daughter in mid-day traffic downtown this afternoon.  After complete astonishment faded, we watched as they made their way past the Parkade, changed lanes and headed off in the direction of Aunties Bookstore.

Downtown Parking-In Need Of A Brand

By any measure, parking in downtown Spokane is a breeze.  Sure we've been here for a few years and have our favorite spots that are almost always guaranteed to be open.  Lately though, even they seem to be on the radar of most saavy Spokanites.  But we wonder about our often outraged suburban friends who leave the vast 'parklike' setting of suburbia for downtown and find (gasp!) NO FREE PARKING. 

For Sale: Ridiculously Large Grain Silos With Easy Access To The CBD

Not only does urban living have people flocking to downtown, but it appears that outdated, large capacity grain storage facilities could be the new fad sweeping second-tier cities across the country. We present our readers with this beauty gleaned from Spokane's MLS:  Division & Ruby St. Grain Silos.

West 1st Avenue - Plenty of Action

View the Slideshow

Twelve years ago, the word "action" on West 1st avenue had a whole different meaning.  Nowdays, it refers to the flurry of construction activity, most currently in the form of a little demo-action of two buildings on Railroad Avenue.

Prium Lofts - 90 Units of Urban Love

Prium Companies recently released a few schematics of the planned Wall Street Condominiums at 153 Wall.  It seems everyone is trying to hit the sweet spot before the Kendall Yards juggernaut comes online with it's first 500+ units.