Two historic downtown Spokane building renovations nearly done
Restoration and renovation are more than halfway done at two downtown Spokane buildings, including the former Empire State Building.
Part of the work at the Great Western Building, at 905 W. Riverside, includes renaming it the Empire State Building, the structure’s original designation. Built in 1900, it’s was called the city’s first fireproof structure. In recent years it's been known as the Great Western Building, at the corner of Lincoln and Riverside.
Work includes removing the stucco sign band façade above the first floor and exposing the original “Empire State” name. You can see the stucco and sign facade in the Google Maps view above (if it displays properly for you).
Goebel Construction is the contractor with architectural help by Patsy O'Connor.
A new skylight has also been installed, said Alicia Barbieri. Both projects are overseen by Goodale & Barbieri Co.
The Michaels Building, one block away at 828 W. Sprague, is completing interior and exterior work. It was first called the Germond Block Building. The top three floors have been converted from apartments to offices, with final plans depending on tenants.
Goodale and Barbieri owns the Great Western Building; the Diamond Family owns the Michaels.
No renovation costs were provided by the two firms.
