Building height limits approved

Thu., June 28, 2007

By Jonathan Brunt jonathanb@spokesman.com (509) 459-5442

The Spokane City Council has settled the question of building height on the border of Peaceful Valley.

For years, residents in the neighborhood have opposed construction of towers on their border, arguing that they cast shadows and change the character of their historic area.

Those concerns were heightened recently over developer Mick McDowell’s plans to build the 17-story Riverview on Riverside condo.

The condo tower won’t be affected by the change because the City Council approved the project when it settled a lawsuit with McDowell. Plans for the tower would not meet the new regulations.

The rules, which were developed by a task force appointed to study the issue last year, create four building height maximums, ranging from 35 feet to 150 feet. The limits are shortest closest to Peaceful Valley.

Ann Heylman Martin, who served on the task force, said the new rules represent a compromise that will provide an adequate transition and allow the city core to grow as a city should.

Her father, Warren Heylman owns the Riverfalls Tower, the only building of significant height already on the land. The Heylmans own adjacent land in the affected area where they hope to construct another residential building, but it’s unclear when, Martin said.

Carlton Oakes, who represented the other affected land owner, the Masonic Temple Foundation, agreed that the new rules reflect a good compromise.

Not everyone was happy. City Council members Bob Apple and Mary Verner voted against the changes.

Verner, who is running for mayor, said she felt the new rules should have considered building bulk and “view corridors.” Otherwise, buildings could be constructed that act like walls and permanently block the view of the river and valley, she said.

Martin said bulk regulations will be dealt with in a new planning process for downtown that is about to start.

Peaceful Valley resident Patty Norton said neighbors’ views varied on the changes. She, however, felt the transition area was not enough, especially considering heights along Riverside. She added that while the area is in the city’s core, only a couple buildings in that western part of downtown are taller than four or five stories.

“It’s going to loom over us,” she said.

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