Two houses to undertake archaeological study before demolition

The owners of two old houses that were long ago converted to apartments are going to undertake an archaeological study of the properties in Browne’s Addition before the city of Spokane will let them tear down the houses to make room for a new apartment building.

Kettrick Properties has submitted an application to demolish the adjoining houses.

The houses were built in 1895 at 2335 W. Third Ave., and in 1898 at 317 S. Coeur d’Alene St.

They sit on a triangular piece of land on the east side of Coeur d’Alene Street across from the Latah Valley bluff.

The owners have proposed a three-story apartment building with 21 underground parking spots.

John Halsey, of the city’s building department, said the area is known for having once been inhabited by Native Americans, which has triggered the need for the archaeological study.

He said he doesn’t expect the study to turn up any significant finds that would stall or block the project.

Once the study is completed, the project will be put up for public comment, probably several weeks from now.

Already, neighborhood leaders are expressing concern about the demolitions.

“I hate to see these homes come down,” said Rick Biggerstaff, chairman of the Browne’s Addition Neighborhood Council.

His wife, Julie Biggerstaff, the treasurer of the council, said removing the two houses is “not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood or what we as residents support.”