The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) posted this aerial montage on YouTube Monday. It's a great flyby of our area and unlike Google Earth, it has a lots of texture, depth, and shows off that great fall weather we often get here. Since January, when they first released it, they've lost the U2 'Elevation' song backing it and replaced it with something a little more, um, hairband-ish. It's a quick clip lasting only 90 seconds, but really shows off the region well. Give it a spin, but hold onto your desk or something.
For anyone who's ever pondered Spokane's Skyline the Paulsen Medical and Dental Building is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks. At the top of the fifteen-story skyscraper sits perhaps Spokane's most exclusive (if not highest) private residence. The solitary penthouse was home to members of the Paulsen Family for over seventy years, and a few weeks back we gained access to the now vacant residence to have a look around.
It's a decent-sized space inside with two bedrooms, three baths, and a servants quarters tucked way in the back. The kitchen is modest by today's standards, and the living room and dining/sun room are quite large. As you'd expect, the views from inside are pretty much unmatched by any residence in town (yes, even Upper Falls), but the real fun begins when you step outside onto the wraparound patio. Long gone is the sixty year old arborvitae that was a landmark itself (In 1996 it partly fell to the twelfth floor roof during the ice-storm). Still, it's all about the view. From up there, and in every direction, you're looking at Spokane in an unfamiliar way. It's like seeing your city for the first time again and it's pretty cool.
Highlight - The gun closet directly across from the wet bar.
So there it is. 2007 has less than 24 hours of life left. And to reflect properly, we've pulled together a hodge-podge of the best and worst images we snapped over the past year. Given your need to be brief as you surf on the company dime, we kept the number of images low (somewhat) and opted out of any kind of a soundtrack (Though if you absolutely need one consider this). You can thank us in the comments section.
Thanks for another outstanding year. We appreciate your comments, contributions, and most of all the numerous tips provided. 2008 will most certainly be bigger and better...isn't it always?
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.
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.
Even though you've probably heard about Dryfly Distillery setting up shop recently in the University District, are you aware of the significance of this? Operating out of the former Craven's Coffee spot in the old Bayou Building, the still has been functioning for sometime now. This weekend they started bottling their first run of Vodka, with Gin soon to follow, and according to the owners, they expect an annual output of about 3,500 cases.
Since prohibition ended in 1933 there has not been a micro distillery in the State of Washington - Dryfly is at the front of what we hope is the birth of a new distilling culture here in Spokane. One that is heavily niched, uses local ingredients, and set's Spokane apart.
In about two weeks, start harping your nearest liquor stores for the Dryfly Vodka. "Drinking Local" has a whole new meaning.
Part of this evening's summer solstice was spent taking in the sights (and the food) over at The Edge Condominiums' open house. At four stories and 30,000 sqf, the building dominates the northwest corner of Sprague and Division in the old Western Soap Building. Truth be told, we were skeptical of this building as a condo conversion, but it works. The place has been stripped down to nothing but concrete and brick for all nineteen of the units. All are unique, including two that are two story lofts with massive windows. And the views are pretty sweet as well. With the building perched up on a basalt ledge and the four stories the view is unobstructed in all directions. And trains to boot!
Much like the old graineries we profiled earlier in the year, Spokane's rich collection of religious buildings often blend into the background and go unnoticed. The thousands of commuters on major arterials like Maple or Monroe St. daily cruise by architectural gems like Plymouth Congregational Church and St. Paul's Methodist Church without even a second thought.
If you ever find yourself admiring a piece of public art downtown, there's a good chance it's a piece done by local artists Harold Balazs or Ken Spiering. These guys' works grace buildings, Riverfront Park, they float, spout water, are set in concrete, carved into brick, or colorful baked-enamel. But there's also a huge amount of other work by lesser known artists placed here and there around the core. It's worth your time to take a closer look at the public & private art that is part of the city's permanent collection. Once you start looking you'll see it's everywhere. We have to think that downtown is better off because of it.
It's our opinion that suburban developers could learn a few new tricks from the Garland District. Narrow streets, slow-moving traffic, and stores crammed in every nook and corner. Best of all it's pretty active place that sports two old-school taverns, a movie house, a few restaurants, and a theater. It also has two of Spokane's biggest icons - The Garland Theater & The Milk Bottle.