Have you noticed all the construction below the southern side of the Monroe St bridge and up to City Hall? Avista and the City of Spokane are working on a new public plaza that will replace the parking lot immediately north of City Hall.  That means no more hopping the gate. The new plaza will connect Riverfront Park with the area known as Huntington Park, which Avista began renovating earlier this month and will serve as a new community gathering place.

It's a project that could only happen once every 125 years.

Under the partnership, the City made the land available, and Avista is building the plaza as a gift to the City from the shareholders of Avista Corp in appreciation of the 125-year partnership between WWP/Avista and the people of Spokane. The plaza project will not be included as a cost to customers in developing retail rates.

A gathering space for events, tiered seating and enhanced landscaping will be among the elements in the new plaza. The plaza will be handicap accessible.

Much of the Huntington Park project falls within the area covered under Avista’s license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to operate the Spokane River Hydroelectric Projects. Under the license and the Federal Power Act, Avista’s obligations include providing public access near the river and recreational facilities appropriate to the setting.

Work on Huntington Park began earlier this month and is expected to be complete in 2014. A rededication of the park and the new plaza for the citizens of Spokane will be scheduled to coincide with the celebration of Avista’s 125th anniversary next spring. Riverfront Park will also celebrate its 40th anniversary next year.

Check here for an aerial sketch from the City Planning Department.

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