City Oks Schade Rooftop Addition

Tue., Dec. 1, 1998

By Kathy Mulady kathymu@spokesman.com

A developer won approval to add a rooftop addition to the historical Schade Brewery on Monday when the Spokane City Council overturned an earlier denial by the city’s Landmarks Commission.

Mark Leonard plans to develop the 95-year-old building near Trent and Hamilton into a mix of offices, restaurants, a brewery and antique mall.

He told council members last week that the rooftop offices, with a sweeping view of the city, make the project financially feasible.

But Teresa Brum, director of the City/County Historic Preservation Office, said the commission decided the addition, clearly visible from the front of the building, is incompatible and alters the architectural relationship between the roof and tower.

“It is not economically feasible to do anything but what the developer is proposing,” said Councilman Jeff Colliton on Monday.

Councilwoman Cherie Rodgers was the only one to oppose the alteration.

“I was so thankful when I heard someone had bought the building,” said Rodgers. “But historic standards have to be maintained.”

Mayor John Talbott said he doesn’t think the rooftop structure will detract from the historic value of the building.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.