Vision for downtown will be topic of workshop

A community workshop to take input on the future development of downtown Spokane is being held this evening in the South Campus Facility Court, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., at the city’s Riverpoint campus.

The workshop will be from 6 to 9 p.m.

Members of the Spokane Downtown Partnership in conjunction with the city of Spokane are initiating an update of a 1999 comprehensive plan for the downtown area.

Officials hope to increase pedestrian amenities and open spaces and prepare the city for an increasing number of residents as new condos and multifamily housing projects become occupied in coming years.

The City Council earlier this year approved spending up to $150,000 from increased parking meter rates to pay a portion of the cost over the next two years. The downtown partnership, in addition, has obtained financial support from major businesses and developers in the downtown area.

City documents show that the plan will address expansion of the city’s central business district; urban design elements such as building height and character; traffic circulation and street amenities; and development concepts for open areas.

The emerging University District on the east end of downtown and the Kendall Yards development on the north bank of the Spokane River should be considered an integrated part of downtown, officials have said.

The update is expected to advance the community’s “vision” for downtown for the next three to five years. The plan can then be used to update downtown zoning ordinances and design guidelines.

A consultant, MIG Inc., was expected to work on the update with downtown property owners and entities.