WSU: Development proposals not to include Jensen-Byrd destruction

Demolishing the historic Jensen-Byrd building is off-limits for new proposals by developers for how they would use portions of 3.5 acres of Washington State University’s Riverpoint Campus .

Historic preservation advocates have urged the university to renovate the six-story brick warehouse , located southeast of Pine Street and Main Spokane Falls Boulevard near the Sirti Technology Center, which a report commissioned a couple years ago found would not be profitable. Developers may apply for 80-year ground leases on four parcels in the area.

The university also won’t consider proposals for condominiums, encouraging developers to “create functional linkages to the neighborhood and campus, to utilize sustainable design strategies, and to develop health, research, student and academic-related uses,” according to a news release.

Any proposals must indicate how the developer would plan, finance and operate mixed-use projects in line with the Riverpoint Campus master plan and the University District Strategic Master Plan. Proposals are due April 17, and the university’s goal is to negotiate a lease by Aug. 15 .

Look for more in Saturday’s paper. Until then, read the most recent S-R story here . Or, check out this recent tour of the building by GoingVert or metro(spokane)’s take here .