History of the Ridpath Hotel
Col. William Ridpath founded the Ridpath Hotel which opened in 1900. The hotel has been restored twice, after fires in 1902 and 1950. In 1963 the Ridpath Motor Inn was opened on the site of the old Spokane Hotel.
Section:Picture story
The Ridpath Hotel was opened in 1900.
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In February of 1950 a large fire virtually destroyed the Ridpath Hotel in downtown Spokane. Damages amounted to over $1 million. Hundreds of residents were evacuated, many by Felix Boesche, a salesman who lived on the Fifth floor. Boesche was called a hero for his extraordinary efforts. The Ridpath hotel was later rebuilt as a fireproof building.
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The Ridpath Hotel in 1951.
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The Ridpath Hotel in 1952.
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The interior of the Ridpath Hotel in 1952.
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Interior of the Ridpath Hotel, west side banquet room in 1952.
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A suite at the Ridpath Hotel with two double beds in 1952.
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In April of 1952 these women were some of the people who gathered for the dedication of the $3,000,000, 13 story, Ridpath Hotel. Miss Spokane, Marcia Gusman is on the far left and Queen Carol Haas of the Spokane Lilac Festival is on the far right. The others are from Seattle, Yakima, Pasco, and Portland.
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The Ridpath Hotel in 1953.
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The roast beef bar at the restaurant in the Ridpath Hotel, Oct 23, 1961.
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The historic Spokane Hotel closed Christmas Day 1961. It was razed so the new Ridpath Motor Inn could be built and linked to the existing Ridpath Hotel.
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The overpass linking the Ridpath Hotel and the Ridpath Motor Inn was hoisted into place in 1963.
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The nearly complete interior of the covered walkway over First which links the Ridpath Hotel with the Ridpath Motor Inn, a new 77-unit motel annex, in 1963.
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Ridpath Motor Inn poolside, Sept 20, 1963.
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Guests assemble on the sun deck of the Ridpath Motor Inn before a luncheon in the Empire Room in 1963.
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The Ridpath Hotel, once an upscale Spokane landmark, now sits empty.
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The once-luxurious Ridpath Hotel, now closed, is deteriorating as shown Thursday, Mar. 3, 2011.
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Stephen Antonietti with his wife Ellen, say they have a plan to consolidate ownership of the Ridpath Hotel building and reopen it as a hotel. He says he is half way to raising the $25 million needed for revitalization of the property.
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After several inspections, the city is demanding that the owners of the decrepit Ridpath Hotel building clean up the property.
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The Ridpath Hotel in June 2011.
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