Wanted: Neighborhoods with eateries, speciality shops

A study of consumer interest in particular neighborhood themes shows overwhelming support for eateries and specialty shops but less enthusiasm for U-pick farms, according to a market survey.

City, county and neighborhood leaders had requested the survey, conducted in the spring by 36 business majors and several faculty members based at Eastern Washington University Riverpoint.

A total of 206 people were surveyed variously at Bloomsday, at the South Hill Huckleberries store and in Liberty Lake. Respondents were asked to gauge the appeal of five hypothetical theme districts.

Results indicate the vast majority of those surveyed (96 percent) favored a development with such businesses as gourmet restaurants, bakeries, a bar and grill, Internet café, clothing and gift shops, art gallery, bookstore and music and dance clubs.

After that, in order of popularity, people said they favored a historical museum district (85 percent), an international district (84 percent), an antique row (77 percent) and least of all a U-pick farm district (38 percent).

Robert Schwartz, EWU professor of entrepreneurship, headed the project. He pointed out that while the number of those surveyed is relatively low, their opinions could provide a point of beginning for leaders who want to foster economic development throughout the region.

The next step, he said, is get communities together to make strategic decisions about their resources and the sorts of growth they’d like to see.

“You have to be careful. You don’t want seven antique rows,” Schwartz said.

In related EWU surveys, administered in some of the region’s economically challenged areas, residents and visitors were asked about their support for different kinds of activities, businesses and infrastructure improvements.

Polls showed people in Airway Heights most desired a discount department store, followed by a sporting goods store and a hardware store. Also on the list were a sit-down restaurant and movie theater. Additional trees, plants and street lights should be added, too, they said.

East Central Spokane wanted more security surveillance, trees and greenery and street lights, the poll showed.

Hillyard wanted more parks, parades and street fairs and a supermarket, a fire station, police station and street lights.

West Central Spokane expressed the most interest in a sit-down restaurant, parks, a farmer’s market and a bookstore. A police station, street lights, sidewalks and benches would also enhance the area, respondents said.