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Parker Howell

Parker Howell is Reporter for The Spokesman-Review in the Business department. He covers growth, development and real estate issues. He also writes a column about new projects and business openings, Here's the Dirt, which runs each Friday.

How to contact Parker

Email: parkerh@spokesman.com
Phone: 509-459-5491

Recent stories by Parker

Ledge ducks’ story helps refuge birds

June 10, 2009 in City on Page A5 A mama duck’s ill-advised roost on a Spokane window ledge has helped her fellow fowl at the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge land $5,000. Sterling Savings Bank concluded a monthlong Bucks …
In a down market

October 26, 2008 in Business on Page E1 What some North Idaho residential real estate observers early this year thought would be a momentary market correction has turned into a different beast. With a national economic crisis hurting …
Officials promote University District

October 24, 2008 in Business on Page A8 Even in tough economic times, the University District will be at the center of economic growth in Spokane, representatives of local government, universities and businesses asserted Thursday. Officials touted recent …
Florida firm settles with state A.G.

October 16, 2008 in Business on Page A6 Another company that claimed to help save Washington homeowners from foreclosure – but purportedly did little or nothing in return for its fees – has agreed to a settlement with …
Part of South Hill big-box challenge rejected

October 8, 2008 in Business on Page A8 A state hearings board this week rejected some arguments made by concerned neighbors against a city decision that cleared the way for potential big-box stores on three South Hill parcels. …
High price of affordability

October 5, 2008 in Business on Page A1 A public agency rehabilitating two historic Spokane buildings to house low-income tenants expects to spend as much as $245,000 per apartment. That’s more than the average price of single-family houses …
Home builders tour draws all sorts

October 4, 2008 in City on Page B1 Buddy and Lauri Aguiar had visited more than a dozen homes when they parked their Lexus SUV in front of a $745,000 townhouse on the hills overlooking Spokane Valley. The …
MetroSpokane blog administrator quits popular 4-year-old site

October 3, 2008 in Business on Page A6 After four years critiquing local development and observing urban life in Spokane, the administrator of a popular local blog signed off earlier this week. With daily posts on topics including …
Local investors, advisers react to economic climate

September 30, 2008 in Business on Page A1 Congress’ rejection Monday of a proposed Wall Street rescue plan frustrated Spokane investors and advisers, who said some action must be taken to avoid a replay of the 777-point plunge …
Home buyer turns to homeless

September 23, 2008 in Business on Page A1 The owner of a business that acquires homes in danger of foreclosure thinks he has found a novel way to help the homeless: using them as walking billboards. Steve McMullen …
Report challenges impact fee value

September 20, 2008 in Business on Page A8 Every 100 homes built in Spokane County generate an estimated $50.1 million in local income, nearly $8 million in taxes and 77 permanent jobs over the first 10 years of …
Baptist camp may sell part of river site

September 18, 2008 in Business on Page A6 Another patch of the Spokane River shoreline near Post Falls may become homes under a plan to develop part of the Ross Point Baptist Camp. The Post Falls City Council …
City to pay Cloninger $7 million

September 17, 2008 in Business on Page A6 A Spokane architect and partners will receive roughly $7 million in exchange for their property south of the convention center and dropping a lawsuit against the city, under a deal …
Spokane economy earns high ranking

September 16, 2008 in Business on Page A4 Propelled by long-term job growth and an increase in the value of high-tech goods produced by its economy, Spokane ranked No. 35 of the 200 largest, “best performing” metro areas …
Call center company to add 400 jobs

September 13, 2008 in Business on Page A1 A Spokane Valley call center company plans to add about 400 jobs in the next 18 months, Greater Spokane Inc. said Friday. Newtown, Pa.-based ICT Group Inc.’s expansion is expected …
Kia, Suzuki dealerships settle suit

September 12, 2008 in Business on Page A4 The Washington state attorney general’s office has settled with a company that operates Spokane Kia and Spokane Suzuki in response to an investigation into a customer’s complaint that she was …
Nonprofit purchases Martindale building

September 10, 2008 in Business on Page A6 Fifty units of low-income housing lost when the Martindale Apartments in Hillyard closed last spring are slated for revival after a Spokane nonprofit bought the structure at auction. Northeast Washington …
Condo protest allowed to go on

September 10, 2008 in Business on Page A6 A Spokane man can continue his protest of a condo building near his house, so long as he does not target a Realtor with signs or call her, a Spokane …
Board overturns zoning change

September 9, 2008 in Business on Page A6 Spokane County violated the state’s Growth Management Act and its own comprehensive plan when it granted a zone change allowing McGlades Bistro & Wine Bar in Colbert to reopen, the …
HOT ZONE HANGS ON

September 7, 2008 in Business on Page E1 Age and wear have faded the spray-painted logos touting the Spokane Hot Zone on downtown street corners. The wireless Internet café in River Park Square is long gone.