Developers see transformation for dilapidated Downtowner Motel

The Downtowner Motel isn’t in the top tier for overnight accommodations in Spokane. But if initial plans filed with the city this week take hold, the nightly – or weekly – rates at the downtrodden motel will be replaced with monthly rents.

Dallas Lightner and Ryan Towner, owners of LT Real Estate and Property Management, filed plans with the city to convert the motel at 165 S. Washington St. into apartments. The predevelopment plans are scant for the 15,800-square-foot building, but Lightner said he and Towner plan to convert it to a “fun, cool spot to live.”

Lightner said he envisioned higher-end studio apartments in the motel, but said they would not be “super luxury.” Rents are estimated between $600 and $650 and will be catered to students and young business professionals.

The estimated $2.4 million project to convert the 45 motel rooms into 45 modern residential units will also come with “new kitchenettes, new flooring, new everything,” as well as a rebrand. Lightner acknowledged the motel doesn’t have “the best reputation,” but said they hoped to keep the name.

“We’re excited. We think it’ll pencil out,” he said. “Rents are high enough where our market can support a project like this.”

The motel was built in 1957 and is assessed at $896,000, according to county property records. Its most recent sale was in 2013 for $900,000 to Dunning Hospitality, an Idaho company.

Recent news articles involving the Downtowner, which is literally on the other side of the railroad tracks from downtown, reflect its rough nature. Recent development near the motel, including the opening of the Tiny Tiki bar, have raised the prospects for this part of town.

There’s the long-running operations at the Big Dipper, a music venue and bar that shares the block and parking lot with the motel. The Washington Cracker Co. building, which sits behind the motel across Pacific Avenue, was renovated in 2015 and now houses Hogwash Whiskey Den, Overbluff Cellars and the Inland Pacific Kitchen.

Two apartment buildings just south of motel on Washington got a fresh coat of paint in recent months. SoDo Commons, on Third Avenue just west of Washington, went through a complete overhaul and is marketed toward younger people who want to live in the city core.