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Paulsen Center's penthouse

The Paulsen Center's penthouse is ready for a new tenant.

Section:Picture story

In 1957, Clarence I. “Cippy” Paulsen and his wife Helen moved into the Paulsen Building’s penthouse after his mother, Myrtle Paulsen, died. From that perch, they watched the transformation of downtown Spokane from its tangle of railroad lines crossing over the river, to Expo ‘74 and Riverfront Park, angular bank buildings, and later the Riverpointe campus and the convention center. Helen continued living in the penthouse after Clippy died in 1981. In 1997, Doug Clark and former staff photographer, Christopher Anderson, visited Helen and got a tour of the penthouse.

In this 1997 file photo, Helen Paulsen heads down the marble corridors of the Paulsen building lobby. The rich construction of the old building can’t be matched by modern construction. The building is treasure of marble, brass and deco design.

Christopher Anderson/file The Spokesman-Review

In this 1997 file photo, Helen Paulsen works in the kitchen of the Paulsen building penthouse. On the dining room wall is a large oil painting “The Countess,” of her mother, who married a French count.

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In this 1997 file photo, the sun room on the east end of the penthouse boasts a panoramic view of Spokane in three directions. Helen is sitting on the sofa with the view to the South.

Christopher Anderson/file The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

In this 1997 file photo, Helen walks out of the sun room onto the rooftop patio past a photo of her mother enjoying the window views.

Christopher Anderson/file The Spokesman-Review

In this 1997 file photo, Helen Paulsen stands on the patio of the Paulsen Building patio looking east over Spokane at the morning sunrise. Even though the building has been sold several times the founders namesake lived in the penthouse until she died in 2007.

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In this 1997 file photo, Helen Paulsen steps out onto the patio of the penthouse atop the downtown landmark building that bears the family name. The deco style is prevelant in the building and very distinctive in the penthouse construction.

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The Paulsen Center is looking for a tenant for the former long-time home of Helen Paulsen.

The historic Paulsen Center penthouse suite has preserved detail on the exterior of the building.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

Scarlett Stalter, Paulsen Center assistant property manager, gives a tour of the building’s penthouse suite living room, Dec. 4, 2015, in downtown Spokane, Wash.

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Striking detail is seen in the images over the living room fire place in the Paulsen Center’s penthouse suite, Dec. 4, 2015.

Dan Pelle The Spokesman-Review Buy this photo

The penthouse suite at the Paulsen Center sports a lilac-colored tub and blue floor tile in one of the suite’s three bathrooms.

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The penthouse suite at the Paulsen Center offers a sun room as part of the 2,320 square foot floor plan.

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The penthouse suite at the Paulsen Center offers a private elevator entrance.

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The penthouse suite at the Paulsen Center offers a 360 degree view of Spokane.

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The penthouse suite at the Paulsen Center offers a 360 degree view of Spokane. This looking north towards Riverfront Park and the Grand Hotel Spokane.

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