Valley Construction Should Complement Nature’S Architecture

When the Spokane Valley was created, God spared no effort.

From the whitewater currents of the Spokane River to the green tops of the forested mountains that surround us to the blue magnificence of the sky above, this is truly one of the architectural wonders of nature.

But what are we doing with the place?

I’ve watched with amazement the flurry of construction activity that has gone on in the Valley in the past few years. Some of these new buildings seem like ugly stains on our environment, while others reflect - even enhance - the natural beauty of the Valley.

I realize that this may seem very subjective, but please hear me out.

Some of the most attractive new buildings in the Valley today are those that highlight or magnify what is already here in nature.

For example, brick buildings seem to reflect the sturdiness of the volcanic rock in the area. Metal roofs of forest green or sky blue mirror those local attributes as well. Throw in a little style and you have what I call area appropriate architecture.

As for frame and stucco? You guessed it. While quick and practical and cheap, it depreciates the aesthetics of the area.

Area-appropriate architecture is a design that is lasting, tasteful, fits in with the environment and adds to the ambiance of living in the Valley.

OK, so according to these conditions what looks good around the Valley?

Among the best of the new designs is the Spokane Railway Credit Union building on the southeast corner of Broadway and Sullivan.

Why, if I were a model train enthusiast I would transfer my banking there in a heartbeat.

The SRCU building has beautiful brick arches reminiscent of a turn-of-the-century train station, but with an enduring, modern flair.

Some other examples of area appropriate additions are the group of commercial buildings on the northwest corner of Pines and Mission that includes Applebee’s restaurant. The Best Western a block or so eastward down Mission is pretty nice, too.

These two complexes are examples of what brick and metal roofs can do for the area.

Over on the 14400 block of East Sprague Avenue is the Group Health building and nearby Rockwood Clinic structures.

These buildings combine clean, strong features that can make one feel better without even going inside.

Most importantly, they look like they belong in this part of the world.

One of the more creative brick buildings in the Valley is the Spokane Teachers Credit Union building in the 13500 block of East Sprague.

Its combinations of different bricks create patterns of dancing lines. This building looks interesting, as well as secure.

Now, I haven’t covered the entire Valley, just my haunts mostly.

But as the Valley continues to grow, I hope that among the new buildings going up will be many more examples of area appropriate architecture.

These buildings would enhance our built environment by respecting and reflecting the great beauty of the Valley’s natural architecture.