Downtown Plan Greeted With Optimism

Few would deny that the sparkling new downtown development plan unveiled Thursday is anything but wonderful.

A presentation at the Convention Center painted a picture of landscaped walkways, entertainment, housing and bustling businesses.

But some wondered, after listening to the proposals, whether the dream would ever become reality. They also wondered who would pay for it.

Most of the 200 people in attendance, however, seemed optimistic.

“It looks like they really did listen to the input given in earlier meetings,” said Chuck Horgan, a downtown architect who has been following the process.

“If the plan moves along as well as the presentation, it would be great,” said Paul Hopkins, who recently returned to Spokane after 30 years.

“It all looks wonderful; it doesn’t look feasible,” Spokane resident David Bray said.

Following a series of public meetings, the downtown plan is expected to be adopted by the City Council on March 29.

Spokane Planning Director Charlie Dotson said he is thrilled with the positive reaction to the plan.

“We are reaching the end of the project with as much enthusiasm as in the beginning,” he said.

Expanding the Convention Center is the top priority.

“We’ve got to get the Convention Center expansion off the ground and moving forward. It will generate resources to make the rest of the plan work,” said Daniel Iacofano, of Moore Iacofano Goltsman, the Berkeley, Calif., consulting team hired to help develop the plan.

The expansion was dealt a setback last week when restaurant and hotel owners rejected a tax increase to help fund the project.

Some of the other priorities for revitalizing downtown include finding a permanent location for the Spokane MarketPlace, developing an arts district near the Met theater and the Davenport Hotel and building a parking garage.

The Terabyte Triangle, which in part includes renovating and wiring Spokane’s historic buildings for high-technology business, was listed as another key ingredient, along with a science center and technology museum on the north bank of the river.

The plan is specific, detailing what is to be done, where, when and by which agency or organization. Many of the improvements are scheduled to be completed within five years.

“It can’t be a shelf document. Too many people have put in too much time and effort. It is an action plan,” Iacofano said.

This sidebar appeared with the story: WHAT’S NEXT MEETINGS Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m. - A joint public hearing will be conducted by the Spokane Plan Commission and City Council. March 1, 6 p.m. - There will be a second public hearing during the regular City Council legislative meeting. March 29, City Council is expected to adopt the downtown plan. More information on the plan is available by calling the Downtown Spokane Partnership at 456-0580.