Cops Site Will Stay At Shadle Mall

The police substation serving northwest Spokane has a permanent home in the Shadle Shopping Center, even after redevelopment.

“We’re thrilled that we’re able to stay here,” said Gloria Fontinell,” president of COPS Northwest.

The building that now houses the substation is slated for demolition as part of a proposed redevelopment for the mall, which opened in 1961. If the redevelopment is approved by the city, the substation would move to a new home adjacent to the Payless store and mall-management offices.

The redevelopment project still needs city approval, but the shopping center’s management has said work could begin within a few weeks of receiving that OK.

Although owners of the mall are promising space, the neighborhood would have to step forward with building supplies and labor. The new location would be fitted with electrical and plumbing, but COPS volunteers must do the rest.

Fontinell said the non-profit COPS organization is looking for commitments from donors of wall coverings, paint, sheetrock and other materials needed to finish the new office.

The organization was at first told it would have to leave the shopping center. But when mall manager Tomlinson Black Inc. met with neighbors, it was clear there was wide support for the substation remaining a part of Shadle Center, said David Black of Tomlinson Black.

, DataTimes