County Courthouse Nears Century Mark

Spokane County’s courthouse turns 100 this fall, and local historic preservation officials are celebrating with a $1,500 national grant.

Spokane County commissioners agreed Tuesday to match the grant so an architect could be hired to craft a preservation plan.

Spokane architect Willis A. Ritchie, only 29 when he won the competition to build the courthouse in the 1890s, used a French Renaissance style unique to the Northwest, officials said.

It’s one of only two courthouses in Washington state to operate continuously in the same building, said Teresa Brum of the Spokane City & County Historic Preservation Office.

County commissioners also agreed to spend $700 for a bronze plaque commemorating the building’s centennial.

, DataTimes