Restore Good Faith Along With City Gem

Hong Kong businessman Ronald Wai Choi Ng did not come to Spokane and invest $12.5 million because he wanted to get in a courtroom battle with the local power company.

He came and invested here because he wanted to reopen the Davenport Hotel and restore this gorgeous, beloved landmark to the international renown it once enjoyed.

This community and its leaders ought to look for ways to support and assist him so that his dream of a thriving downtown - a dream shared by others - can be realized.

Cooperation, however, is a two-way street. Ng also will have to reach out to local people who might be able to help in ways large and small - from his need to secure financing, to the complexities of historic preservation codes.

To his credit, Ng has reaffirmed his intent to keep open the portions of the hotel that he has restored, and to complete the rest of the renovation - this, in spite of difficulties that were beyond his control. The principal difficulty was the underground Washington Water Power oil spill that crept to the edge of the Davenport’s basement but for years was kept secret not only from the public but also from affected property owners, including Ng.

After the spill was disclosed, Ng did the community a good turn by pressing WWP to clean it up. He was exercising his valid rights when, days before the statute of limitations expired, he filed a lawsuit against WWP for damages the spill caused his property and his project. It can be hoped the lawsuit will be settled, rather than litigated at great cost to all concerned.

WWP has shouldered full financial responsibility for the spill and its consequences. Under state supervision, WWP is developing a reasonable plan to contain the spill and remove, or at least neutralize, as much of the oil as is possible. WWP is fulfilling its obligations. We trust Ng, likewise, can and will fulfill his intentions.

Ng affirms proudly that his company completes the projects it begins; the project he began here remains rich with potential. The Davenport is an architectural treasure. Together with the charms of the Inland Northwest it can fulfill Ng’s dream that it again attract visitors from around the world.

The few floors Ng has renovated so far have generated an enthusiastic response from local users alone; for receptions and the like these glorious rooms are booked solid for months in advance.

That says something about the hotel’s potential, and this community’s appreciation for it and for Ng’s project. We hope this appreciation, and his resolve, lead soon to discussions and solutions that complete the project.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = John Webster/For the editorial board