Nobody but the Inlander doubts that redevelopment in downtown Spokane is well on its way. Our post on Wednesday and the subsequent comments raised the question of whether people would be interested in living in some other business district other than downtown. Specifically we called out the North Monroe corridor as an example, but Spokane has numerous other options where dense mixed-use is encouraged.
One only has to drive through South Perry, East Sprague, North Monroe, Garland, or Hillyard to see the untapped potential of these areas. With all the focus on downtown, prices for even the most average real estate have risen pretty dramatically. To us it seems only obvious that a case for more affordable development could be made in any of the previously mentioned business districts. It's seems to be kind of a chicken-n-egg play however.
So we asked the question: What would it take for those wanting a piece of the residential urban pie to live along a place like the North Monroe Corridor? As one reader so astutely pointed out (and we paraphrase):
"Amenities. Actually, the real question would be how far up the North Monroe corridor. There are some stellar restaurants and bars up there, but there need to be more activities.
I think there needs to be an effective (and safe) means to being able to commute across the river. I also believe that the urban vibrancy of downtown diminishes rapidly the minute you cross the river to the North. The minute that the energy can be conveyed to the North side of the river bank, people will more than likely come."
Just as downtown was lacking in significant entertainment options a decade ago, could providing more activities in these other neighborhood business districts be the solution? Would developers and more attainable residential development follow? Quick-witted responses are most appreciated in the comments section below.
What about Garland district? If there were urban-style condos available I would not mind living there.
Posted by: rob | March 04, 2007 at 07:46 PM
Garland for sure Rob. We mentioned it above in a listing of our fav districts, but thanks for calling it out. A big reason it's a winner in our book is 1) The only district outside of downtown that has an intact historic theater, and 2) has a fabulous walking experience. Most of the other districts are all on significant arterials that don't help on the pedestrian front.
Posted by: METROSPOKANE | March 04, 2007 at 07:54 PM
I'd second the Garland comment. Nice street front, movies, a couple of places to eat and a grocery store with in walking distance.
Posted by: 72feetabovesealevel | March 31, 2007 at 09:07 PM
I think the North Monroe corridor could become a great place to live- but it feels unsafe right now. I work near the courthouse and it can be a little scary there. I think that turning the big parking lots into residential units would definitely help out with a feeling of safety. I'd also like a little more lighting in some parts. If it felt safer and had affordable units I would live there even without entertainment options because it is so close to downtown and the falls. The view south across the bridge is nice too. I love the new lamp-posts along the bridge.
Posted by: Shawna | April 04, 2007 at 06:03 PM