Be sure and GET FLASH...
The years just prior to Expo '74 had to be thrilling times for downtown leaders. Urban renewal was reaching the end of its life, but was about to play out in Spokane in a big way. Spokane's big event was just around the corner and before ground could be broken and the river reclaimed there was much work to do. In fact, literally tons of material from elevated rail lines that for years had smothered the future park needed to be torn down. Unfortunately, with them came down one of Spokane's most remarkable structures - Union Station.
Before the carousel, the big red wagon, or the new Rotary fountain, Union Station towered over Spokane Falls Boulevard. Looking at the photo we were suprised by just how massive a structure it was. Over it's nearly sixty years in service from 1914 to around 1972, it was likely the gateway for thousands of people leaving and returning to Spokane.
NOTE: For your reference, the images above were taken from the corner of Spokane Falls Boulevard and Howard Street looking to the northeast.
Oh wow. This breaks my heart. I just can't help but feel like Spokane used to be so much cooler than it is now.
Posted by: Ben D. | November 22, 2006 at 08:55 AM
The Great Northern Depot was quite a loss as well. It's such a shame that citizens efforts at the time to save the depots weren't successful. One can only imagine the multitude of uses that would be possible today had they been saved.
Posted by: Mike C. | November 22, 2006 at 10:13 AM
Nice building, but nothing feels like Spokane to me more than the carousel and the park just the way it is. What ever happened to that really nice street lighting?
Posted by: spencer | November 22, 2006 at 07:45 PM
I believe they put up the awful metal light with two globes at the top for Expo. Thankfully nice lamp posts are starting to appear downtown again.
Posted by: Mike C. | November 26, 2006 at 03:56 PM