Consultant sought for Mann Center plans

The city of Spokane is seeking a consultant to evaluate the potential redevelopment of the Joe E. Mann Army Reserve Center at 4415 N. Market St.

The federal government is planning to build a new reserve center at Fairchild Air Force Base and wants the city to consider options for the future of the Mann facility, which was declared surplus to the military in 2005.

The city currently has three proposals under consideration for the buildings on the 5.9-acre site from the Greater Hillyard Business Association, Community Colleges of Spokane and Spokane Public Schools.

Each of the proposals would bring public benefit to the facility, including training and educational programs.

The mayor and City Council appointed a nine-member committee to review the proposals. The committee is being chaired by Ken Watts, general manager at Comcast.

“The very best future single or multiple use(s) of this property is the goal of this undertaking,” according the city’s request for a consultant. A market analysis of the site is included in the request.

The Mann Center is positioned at the south end of the Market Street and Haven Street couplet at what is considered a gateway to Hillyard. The Department of Defense is providing grant funds for the consultant. The site will not be available for future use until 2009.