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.

Visiting the site this evening, we were struck by how well the building is situated on the lot.  Built up close to the sidewalk, windows on all sides, and all parking is pretty well hidden in the center of the structure.  It's a very good example of how the three rules can transform even the most inhospitable of streets.  We're talkin' the Ruby-Division Street couplet here folks:  four lanes of one-way bliss in each direction, and this building makes it all seem less daunting.

But things don't look to be done as construction is taking place right next door in what looks to be a twin building.  Add in the sweet Fuller-Brush warehouse on the block to the south, and the collection of Bergan Furniture warehouses - and you've one sweet little district evolving.  We walked around there last evening and you could sense the opportunity on the block. This will be a fun neighborhood to watch.

Comments

[rob]

Nice pics! I also heard that they are constructing more units on that same site. They will be connected to the current structure situated just West of the current structure. I hope what I heard is true. You mentioned the Fuller-Brush warehouse in the article, do you know if anyone has any plans for this building? I think that building has so much potential. I would actually like to see Gonzaga purchase it.

[joshua]

what a great addition to the gonzaga community (as well as a great eye-catcher while driving north on ruby).

exciting things seem to be happening in that area. :)

great photos - i'll have to head over and see the results for myself.

[Andrew Waddilove]

I totally agree, that area will be interesting to watch in the near-future.
It's a great-looking apartment building and a major improvement to that part of the street.
It's becoming a hip area and is a great example of urban revitalization.

[doug]

I work in the building between the Kennedy Apartments and the Fuller-Brush warehouse. The word on the street (or parking lot in this case) is that Gonzaga did purchase the warehouse.

[Don]

I live at Upper Falls and ride my bike to Hollywood Video and other local stores. the neighborhood on the northbank is going to be a fantastic place to live.