Come Grow with Us

Geologists tell us that long before humans explored and settled the Inland Northwest, a gigantic Ice Age flood carved the landscape into wide valleys and basins from the Bitterroot to the Cascade Mountains. Hundreds of years later, nomadic Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Colville, Palouse and Nez Perce Indians crisscrossed the region to hunt and fish.

By 1873, businesses had taken firm hold and civic leaders stepped forward to turn what was once a mere settlement into a thriving city. When silver was discovered in 1884 in nearby Idaho Territory, Spokane’s population exploded. The Great Spokane Fire of 1889 leveled 32 square blocks, and forward-looking city leaders jumped at the opportunity to create magnificent brick and stone buildings that still stand.

Creating Tomorrow

Frontier spirit, determination and foresight have guided business and civic leaders through boom and bust cycles, rapid technological changes and expanding opportunities.

As early as the 1940s, Spokane leaders were making bold moves. When the opportunity arose to secure a military installation, the chamber and businesses raised funds to purchase property for Fairchild Air Force Base. Today Fairchild is the County’s largest employer and home to the 92nd and 141st Air Refueling Wings.

Following World War II, the chamber’s AgriBusiness Council supported efforts to develop the rich Columbia Basin and irrigation on the Rathdrum Prairie and worked to foster communication and understanding between businesses and farmers.

By the 1950s Spokane’s downtown faced the same commercial exodus as many American cities. Determined to turn the tide, Spokane Unlimited was formed in 1959 to revitalize the downtown core. They cleaned up a dilapidated area along the Spokane River, creating a site worthy of winning the 1974 World’s Fair. Today that land is the city’s showcase 100-acre Riverfront Park.

In 1994 economic incubator Innovate Washington opened its doors on Riverpoint Campus, spurring the development of what’s now called the University District. It is home to branch campuses of five area universities and colleges, and a hub for Spokane’s start-up companies.

While Preserving Our Past

Downtown saw another rebirth a decade ago when a thriving arts and shopping district sprung up on the heels of historic renovation projects and commercial development.

Built in 1914, the Davenport Hotel was a five-star facility before such rankings existed, hosting several U.S. Presidents and other dignitaries. But by 1985 it faced the wrecking ball. Spokane developers purchased the building and set about a multi-year, multi-million dollar renovation, reopening the hotel in 2002.

The art deco Fox Theater just missed demolition thanks to an aggressive fundraising campaign led by the Spokane Symphony. And the historic Steam Plant Square with its landmark twin brick chimneys nearly closed as well. Once the city’s source of steam, it was renovated and remodeled into offices, a brewery and restaurant.

About the same time, River Park Square, an upscale downtown shopping and entertainment center, opened its doors. The synergy of these projects was the catalyst downtown needed and soon art galleries, restaurants, shops and wineries took hold.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Spokane is North Idaho’s lake city, Coeur d’Alene. Boasting the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Golf Course, and drawing visitors from around the world, the thriving, artsy downtown is alive with activity, dining and shopping possibilities.