On Saturday, the streets of downtown Spokane turned into the street basketball headquarters of the world, with 42 city blocks taped over for the nearly 7,000 teams expected to play in the 25th Hoopfest. Players and spectators alike enjoyed the sun and cool breeze that swept through downtown all day.
Tags: Photos , Sports , Culture , Hoopfest , Arts & Culture , Image
Read more about the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture's 100 Stories — A Centennial Exhibition exhibit in this week's cover section. The first 15 "stories" in the exhibit are located off the museum campus, around Spokane and the region. Here, we take you on a visual tour of exhibit highlights in the downtown core. To take the tour yourself, visit the Spokane Historical website or download the app, and choose the 100 Stories tour.
Expo ’74 was the first stop on our expedition through some of the 15 off-campus sites. As most residents know, the site of the World's Fair was converted into Riverfront Park and hosts some of the most recognizable structures in the city, such as the giant U.S. Pavilion. This structure currently shelters an assortment of carnival rides in the summer months and an ice-skating rink during the winter. But these events and rides are only a fraction of the grandiose entertainment that occurred in the park in 1974.
We continued to stroll through Riverfront Park, now under consideration for future reconstruction, and in the process passed by several other structures that trace back to the World’s Fair production: the Convention Center, formerly constructed as the Washington State Pavilion, and the Looff Carrousel building along the edge of the south channel of the river.
This World’s Fair Exposition in part provided access and interest in the Spokane River, its gorge-like drop-offs, and the power of the downtown falls. But for the century prior, the river had been a source of energy that the city capitalized upon.
The Washington Water Power Company formed in 1889 to respond to a demand for electricity in the growing city of Spokane. They developed hydroelectric power plants along the Spokane River, and quickly overtook any smaller energy generation plants in the area. The power station, located near Monroe Street Bridge within the spray zone of the lower falls, is an idyllic view from the newly constructed Huntington Park.
Following Monroe directly south from the park, we paid a visit to the Fox Theater. Construction of the theater, whose uniquely concrete design was referred to as futuristic at the time, occurred in the years following the stock market crash of 1929, and helped employ several hundred Spokane residents. Bringing 30,000 residents to the streets on its opening night in 1931, it is now home to the Spokane Symphony orchestra.
Sparing no expense, the Clemmer Theatre, now known as the Bing Crosby Theater, was built with the new idea that the ambiance of a theater was as important as what was being shown on its screen. Opening its doors in 1915, the theater has had a few other names since the Clemmer — the State, the Met, and finally the Bing Crosby. A total of 744 seats provide the opportunity for many to still enjoy live performing arts along with screenings of films.
A half block down and a quick dash across the street, we entered the 100 Stories tour's next historic location. Walking through the revolving doors into the impressive and lavish interior that is the Davenport Hotel, it's not hard to picture what the landmark looked like when it opened in 1914. Following the great fire of 1889, Louis Davenport found the restaurant he had been leasing from his uncle destroyed. He opened a “Waffle Foundry” that he later relocated and renamed Davenport’s Restaurant. After acquiring the three-story building next door, he made plans to demolish the existing buildings and begin building plans. After facing an unpredictable future, the Davenport was purchased by Walt and Karen Worthy and underwent a complete restoration in 2000. It now continues to serve as a central gathering place with much of its original ambiance and design.
Located on the eastern side of downtown, Trent Alley was once full of noodle houses, barbershops, hotels, fish markets, pool halls and other small businesses that were owned mostly by Japanese and Chinese entrepreneurs, and thrived previous to the Great Depression. Several of the businesses were documented by photographer Ryosuke Akashi, telling the stories of these entrepreneurs' working lives, as well as rumored ghost tales in the area. Several decades later, the core of the district was flattened and paved into a parking lot for Expo '74. Now, the new Convention Center hotel being built by Walt Worthy is taking form in the block bordered by Howard and Bernard streets and Spokane Falls Boulevard and Main Avenue.
Walking a little east of central downtown, a once booming brewery is now full of slightly less noisy happenings. Erected in 1903, Schade Brewery/Tower initially produced 35,000 to 40,000 barrels a year. During Prohibition, the Inland Northwest was full of those seeking and supplying alcohol because of Canada's proximity. Bernhardt Schade served as the brewmaster who bought the entire block on East Trent on which to construct the brewery, bottling building, and steam/pump house all with European inspirations. Though still occupied, the brewery now houses offices and retail.
All near the central downtown stretch of the city, these sites connected us to the development and history of Spokane through the last century and beyond. Walking to all of these locations provides for a relaxing afternoon reflecting on the region's history and how that past has contributed to the present.
Tags: Culture , 100 Stories , Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture , Spokane Historical , Arts & Culture , Image
When downtown Spokane’s streets transformed into basketball courts last year, the Inlander was still located in the Hutton building on Washington Street. That reminded us just how much has changed in the past year, so here are some of the highlights you’ll notice this weekend if you haven’t walked Spokane's downtown streets since last year’s Hoopfest.
1. Huntington Park and the Centennial Trail
The newly renovated Huntington Park has only been open a month, but it connects with Riverfront Park so seamlessly that visitors could easily think they remember it being that way forever. The overlook on the south side of the falls is owned by Avista, and late last summer the power company closed off the whole area for renovations that include better access, art installations and more informational signs about the area. The most visible difference is the plaza by City Hall, right across Post Street from Riverfront Park, which is still in the process of getting a name.
About the time the park closed for renovations, the Centennial Trail opened on the north side of the river through the new Kendall Yards neighborhood, including an underpass beneath the Monroe Street Bridge. Stick to the right side of the path under the bridge, where the roar of the falls makes it hard to hear approaching bicycles.
2. Those walls by the Convention Center and other construction
It’s hard to miss the massive construction project near the Convention Center, which has been closing lanes and sidewalks all year. The former parking lot first became a giant hole in the ground, and is now beginning to take shape as a giant hotel. It’s a project of Walt Worthy, who also owns the Davenport, and it’s planned to open next summer as a modern hotel with more thant 700 rooms and a direct connection to the Convention Center.
That’s not the only construction downtown, though — nearby on Main Avenue the historic Bennett Block is under renovation. Former Bennett Block tenant Spokane Exercise Equipment moved a block to the east, which is also a hub for big renovations after two longtime businesses — Huppin’s and Dutch’s — closed last year. Madeleine’s will be moving there, and the owners are also opening another place called Durkin’s Liquor Bar.
Farther down on Main, the former Merlyn’s (which moved next door) is under construction to become a new market-style building with a brewery, bakery and other businesses. And up on Sprague near the Davenport, the historic Germond Building is also being renovated for apartments upstairs and retail at street level.
Since the Inlander moved out of the Hutton Building, the lower floors have been renovated to become the downtown hub for STCU, and the upper floors are under construction. Ground floor tenant Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop is doing its own expansion and renovation right now, but remains open through construction.
3. “Smart meters” for street parking
After talking about it for a while and researching the best systems, Spokane finally got “smart meters” that let you pay for street parking with a credit card. This is great if you don’t have pocketfuls of loose change on you, but note that paying with card means there’s a minimum payment of $1.20 (an hour). The smart meters are concentrated near the center of downtown. The city has also been adjusting the time limits at some meters around the fringes of downtown, so don’t be surprised if that old 10-hour meter is now labeled 4-hour or “All Day.”
4. A smaller visitor center in the mall
If you try to stop by the old visitor center at the corner of Main and Browne, you’ll find an empty building. Late last year, Visit Spokane decided to forgo the permanent center in favor of more flexible outreach. In other words, if it’s traditional brochures and advice you’re looking for, stop by the Visit Spokane welcome kiosk on the ground floor of River Park Square.
5. Ramen, brunch and other new eats
We do our best to keep track, but the downtown restaurant scene has been crazy with openings (and closings and reopenings) in the past year. Entirely new is Nudo, a ramen house where Berg’s Shoes was located for many decades. Pho City opened right around Hoopfest last year, and Wild Dawgs reopened with new owners next door later in the year. Ciao Mambo closed and reopened as a MacKenzie River location, and Mi Casa recently opened near the Plaza in the former Rex’s Burgers space. It’s maybe best known for its bar, but Borracho Tacos & Tequileria opens early for breakfast burritos and, recently, all the World Cup games.
On the other side of the river, Kendall Yards had only Central Food at this time last year. Now there’s the Yards Bruncheon and the Wandering Table, plus Brain Freeze Creamery. Nearby, Irish pub and restaurant Knockaderry opened in the former Sidebar location by the courthouse.
6. Cocktails, cider, root beer and other new drinks
A lot of new breweries, distilleries and nightlife spots have been popping up beyond the downtown core, but there’s plenty new to sip downtown. Last July, the venerable Blue Spark shut its doors and the space was quiet for a while, but about a month ago the space reopened as a new bar, Underground 15. Downtown Spokane’s first cidery, Liberty Ciderworks, opened its tasting room in April, and Walla Walla-based winery Patit Creek Cellars opened a tasting room on Sprague.
For cocktails, the Blind Buck opened in a speakeasy-style space next to the still-empty Globe late last summer, and the Volstead Act opened with vintage-style cocktails not long after. Santé also added a bar to its restaurant space, called the Butcher Bar. After opening the brewery side of things early last year, River City Brewing added a taproom in the fall — and, since it’s kid-friendly, they also serve a housemade root beer. If you don’t have time to catch a show at the Bartlett, you can stop by the music venue’s small cafe for coffee or happy hour.
Tags: Culture , For Fun! , Arts & Culture , Image
Tags: Arts , Photos , Terrain , Bazaar , Culture , Music , Arts & Culture , Image
Editor's Note: Keep checking back for Spokane fashion watch blogs all summer.
Socks, yes socks, are currently dominating the fashion world. From Rob Kardashian’s sock line, Arthur George, to the eclectic LittleMissMatched stores, these two-feet wonders are helping athletes, business professionals and everyday fashion connoisseurs create a personal statement. However, a Pacific Northwest company, Strideline Socks, is helping bring the national trend right here to Spokane.
With Hoopfest around the corner, we thought we should focus on the fashion sock trend. Each year, Hoopfest teams pre-game the tournament by trying to outwit each other with the most creative names and costumes — this year even with socks.
An innovative Seattle company, Strideline Socks, has made an appearance in the Spokane area. The noteworthy Strideline City Socks line features mid-calf socks colorfully embroidered with major city skylines. Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle and even Spokane are some of the cities featured in this line.
These socks made their way out here because of Spokane native Sam Talkington. He connected with the Strideline Socks co-founders Jake Director and Riley Goodman while attending the University of Washington.
“After I saw the sock line I knew it would be perfect for Spokane,” Talkington says. “I had to do a lot of fighting, pushing and advocating to get these socks created. Spokane has such a sports culture and I knew the people here would be receptive to the brand. It has been a huge success so far.”
Strideline-Spokane is doing a #Hoopfest25 giveaway and your team could win four pairs of socks. To enter this contest, “like” the Strideline-Spokane Facebook page, share the #Hoopfest25 giveaway post and leave a comment with the name of your team. The contest ends June 23.
Strideline-Spokane socks can be found at Kimmel, Sports Town and will soon be carried at the EWU and WSU downtown bookstores. They can also be found at major Spokane events including Bloomsday and Hoopfest — they’ll have a booth in River Park Square. The cost per pair of socks is $13.95.
Tags: Culture , Shopping , Fashion Watch , Arts & Culture , Image
The Spokane Indians started this season off in a way they have not since 1997, extending their season-opening win streak to three games on Fathers Day against the Eugene Emeralds, 5-2, at Avista Stadium. Pitcher Derek Thompson struck out five batters during the game.
Families flocked to Avista Stadium for the 3:30 pm game attended by 4,334 people. All fathers in attendance stood and received a warm round of applause from their loved ones.
The Indians will hope to clench a fourth win on Monday against the Emeralds. The game will begin at 6:30 pm.
Tags: Sports , Culture , Arts & Culture , Image
Symphonic music, though full of tradition, is still very much evolving, with contemporary pieces written and then performed while the composers are still alive. Shortly after wrapping up its 68th season recently, the Spokane Symphony was awarded a national ASCAP First Place from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers for adventurous programming, acknowledging their successful efforts to continually broaden the music they provide for their audiences.
Though their season was not lacking the more famous composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, it was also full of living composers such as Anna Clyne, John Mackey, Andrew Norman and Esa-Pekka Salonen.
But what exactly is evolving in symphonic music if it is not similar, yet slightly different versions of the same traditional styles? Well, composers such as Franz Liszt were considered rock stars of their time, leaving lasting impressions with their innovative takes on classical conventions. Contemporary composers are now looking back to alter some of the basics of instrumental music.
Foreign Bodies by Salonen incorporates unconventional instrumental techniques, requiring performers to play melodic strong instruments percussively and even detune some of their instruments.
With potentially the most unique subject matter of the Spokane Symphony’s 2013-2014 season, Andrew Norman's piece, The Great Swiftness, attempts to embody the large, orange curves of Alexander Calder's La Grande Vitesse sculpture in Grand Rapids, Michigan, through glissandi — slides from one pitch to another while playing all of the pitches in between.
The Spokane Symphony performs at The Fox under Eckart Preu for more than 150,000 each year. Their 2014-2015 season concert list and ticket information can be found here.
Tags: Culture , Music , Spokane Symphony , Arts & Culture , Image
Like the all-too-familiar chorus of an Alice Cooper song, school is out for summer. (Or really close.) And with the final bell arrived something we only remember faintly from last August — free time.
There is no luxury quite like it, and few things better to fill it than a stack of books and a summer reading list. The public libraries of Spokane, Coeur d'Alene and Spokane County are ready for the school vacation with a multitude of programs to fill the time and keep everyone's brain from melting a bit in the summer heat.
Calling all Chemists
The subject of the summer is science, and they're coming at it from all angles. "Fizz, Boom, Read!" is the title of the kids summer reading program, while teens will be following the theme "Spark a Reaction." Reading lists reflect this theme, and program activities are science-based.
The Downtown Spokane Public Library is hosting the Discover Earth traveling exhibit, which will be on display through August and features hands-on learning stations.
The Coeur d'Alene Public Library hosts a Library Lab (every Tues, 1-2 pm) for 7- to 12-year-olds, which gives kids time to work on their science stations, prepping all summer for the big Science Fair that is held at the end of July.
Age Don't Matter
This summer, Spokane Public Library started an Adult Summer Reading Program with a reading list formed for the grown-up bunch. Turn in a complete reading log, and you will be entered into a drawing for several prizes, including an e-reader.
The Spokane County Library District has an entire program of activities catering to adults. In the next few months, you can learn about how to homebrew your beer, listen to a lecture on DNA research, and practice your golf swing with PGA-certified instructors. The complete activities schedule can be found here.
The Fee? Free.
The Coeur d'Alene Public Library is waving the overdue fees of any kids or teens that pick up a reading log or participate in any of the program activities — all of which are free.
The giveaways are numerous. Finish 15 books or 15 hours of reading before Aug. 30, and you get to grab a free book from the giveaway book supply at Spokane Public Library. Sign up here. Teens in CdA can turn in their reading log to be eligible for a drawing at the end of the summer for a Kindle Fire HDX. More information and program registration can be done online at cdalibrary.org.
Tags: summer reading , library , Culture , Books , Arts & Culture , Image
The latest chapter in the Amazon vs. Hachette showdown has brought award-winning author Sherman Alexie, who grew up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, and Portland's Powell's bookstore into the spotlight.
The dispute, if you're unfamiliar, is rooted in disagreement between the online everything store and book publisher Hachette over the costs of books and e-books. It's led to Amazon delaying shipments and preventing orders of Hachette books.
As it turns out, one of the authors published by Hachette is comedian Stephen Colbert. Another is National Book Award winner Sherman Alexie. So, Colbert had Alexie on his show Wednesday to discuss the issue and pose a challenge to viewers: "We're gonna prove that I can sell more books than Amazon!"
Alexie recommended California, a mid-apocalypse love story of which Amazon is preventing pre-orders. So Colbert is now selling the book on his website via a link to buy the book from Powell's in Portland. (Colbert Nation is using the hashtag #CutDownTheAmazon to rally.)
Portland's massive independent bookstore didn't know until Wednesday morning that Colbert would make the push that night and tells the Oregonian it's been swamped with orders. (The book is currently at the top of its bestsellers list.) Powell's is not yet releasing numbers of sales, saying it would allow Colbert to make the announcement on his show. (There was no mention in last night's episode.)
Alexie has been outspoken about Amazon's recent tactics, and last fall he started "Indies First," calling on fellow authors to spend a day selling their books in local independent stores and to make independent stores the first choice for buying their books online.
Yes, you can support the cause by buying California from Powell's. But even better: Get it from our own Auntie's Bookstore, which is taking orders here.
Tags: Culture , Sherman Alexie , Auntie's , Books , Arts & Culture , Image , Video
This week, the cast and crew of Z Nation, a Syfy show, began filming 13 episodes for the first season in downtown Spokane. The zombie apocalypse-themed show will be in production until the end of September, filming in various locations throughout the Inland Northwest.
Tags: Culture , News , photos , zombies , z nation , tv show , Arts & Culture , Image