From the ashes of a fire that swept through the city in 1889 and guided by visionary stewardship from several notable architects at the turn of the 20th century, Spokane, Washington, features a vast trove of historic architecture that tells the story of its rich past, leaving an indelible mark on the city's character.
The breadth of notable buildings, churches, and homes and the wide range of styles they represent are unparalleled for a city the size of Spokane. The architectural heritage rivals many larger and longer-established American cities, particularly those in the Western U.S.
For luxury home buyers and design enthusiasts, Spokane and its historic neighborhoods represent a de facto, real-world museum—showcasing more than a century of private, public, and residential architecture and the evolution of American urban and suburban design principles.
Spokane's Impressive Architectural Lineage: A Brief History
Spokane's architectural journey began in earnest following the Great Fire of 1889, which devastated much of the city's wood-framed central business district. At the time, called Spokane Falls, city officials destroyed several downtown buildings via demolition to combat and control the fire, the rubble serving as firebreaks.
Rebuilding efforts quickly followed with a determination to create beautiful and resilient structures. With a clean slate on which to create a new City of Spokane, ambitious benefactors and businesspeople tasked several notable architects with revitalizing the downtown district. Most famous among these individuals was the architect Kirkland Cutter, whom the Spokane-Review newspaper labeled as "Spokane's Best Known Builder."
Indeed, Cutter was responsible for 25 buildings and homes within the city, including the legendary Renaissance-Spanish Revival Davenport Hotel, the Spanish-Moorish-inspired Patsy Clark Mansion, and the Tudor Revival Glover Mansion.
Within a year, approximately 500 buildings were in various states of construction. The majority of these buildings employed brick, stone, and terra cotta. This period saw the rise of many of Spokane's most iconic buildings, with post-fire construction ensuring they would stand for generations.
Rebuilding efforts quickly followed with a determination to create beautiful and resilient structures. With a clean slate on which to create a new City of Spokane, ambitious benefactors and businesspeople tasked several notable architects with revitalizing the downtown district. Most famous among these individuals was the architect Kirkland Cutter, whom the Spokane-Review newspaper labeled as "Spokane's Best Known Builder."
Indeed, Cutter was responsible for 25 buildings and homes within the city, including the legendary Renaissance-Spanish Revival Davenport Hotel, the Spanish-Moorish-inspired Patsy Clark Mansion, and the Tudor Revival Glover Mansion.
Within a year, approximately 500 buildings were in various states of construction. The majority of these buildings employed brick, stone, and terra cotta. This period saw the rise of many of Spokane's most iconic buildings, with post-fire construction ensuring they would stand for generations.
Romanesque Revival: The Foundation of Spokane's Skyline
Romanesque Revival is one of the most prominent architectural styles that emerged during Spokane's early years. This style, characterized by its robust and sturdy appearance, features heavy stonework, rounded arches, and grandiose facades. Many of the city's most notable examples were built before 1910 and include:
- Peyton Building and Annex: designed by Kirtland Cutter and Karl Malmgren (primary), completed in 1898; Robert Sweatt (annex), completed in 1908.
- Post Street Electric Substation: designed by Kirtland Cutter and completed in 1910, it is currently home to the Mobius Discovery Center.
- The Review Building: designed by Chauncy B. Seaton, completed in 1891.
In addition, several Spokane churches feature the Romanesque Revival style, including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes (b. 1908), the St. Aloysius Church (b. 1911) on the Gonzaga University Campus, and the Richardsonian Romanesque Westminster United Church of Christ (b. 1890).
Architectural Diversity Amidst a Growing Community
Beyond the heavily featured Romanesque, additional architectural styles would rise along the Spokane skyline during the early 20th century as the city expanded. The design diversity gave the urban landscape a rich cultural tapestry that became the region's trademark. Notable examples include:
- Spokane County Courthouse, French Renaissance (b. 1895)
- The Federal Building and U.S. Post Office, Beaux Arts and Renaissance Revival (b. 1906)
- U.S. Bank Building, Chicago School (b. 1910)
- Lewis and Clark High School, Collegiate Gothic (b. 1911)
- Bing Crosby Theater, Neoclassical (b. 1914)
As Spokane moved into the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, the city embraced the sleek lines and geometric forms of Art Deco and Modernist architecture. These styles represented a departure from the ornate designs of the past and reflected a new era of progress and innovation.
- The Fox Theater: Completed in 1931 and designed by architect Robert Reamer, the Fox Theater is a stunning example of Art Deco architecture, with an elegant facade and lavish interior.
- John R. Rogers High School: A striking Art Deco facade was the catalyst for the school earning placement on the National Register of Historic Places almost 80 years after its 1932 construction.
- The Paulsen Center: This 1929 skyscraper combines elements of Art Deco and Spanish-Moor influence, creating a striking silhouette against Spokane's skyline.
Preserving Spokane's Residential Architectural Heritage
Spokane's commitment to preserving its historic architecture is evident in the numerous buildings and districts designated as historic landmarks. Efforts by local organizations and preservationists ensure these architectural gems remain part of the city's identity.
More than 400 properties are on the Spokane Register of Historic Places, and over 125 are on the National Register of Historic Places. However, the biggest challenge for many cities is preserving historic residential architecture.
Thankfully, Spokane has proven to be proactive in protecting the region's extraordinary residential architecture, including its civic and commercial buildings. In addition to the 40 individual homes on the National Register of Historic Places, several Spokane residential neighborhoods are also National Historic Districts due to their architectural or historical significance. They include:
More than 400 properties are on the Spokane Register of Historic Places, and over 125 are on the National Register of Historic Places. However, the biggest challenge for many cities is preserving historic residential architecture.
Thankfully, Spokane has proven to be proactive in protecting the region's extraordinary residential architecture, including its civic and commercial buildings. In addition to the 40 individual homes on the National Register of Historic Places, several Spokane residential neighborhoods are also National Historic Districts due to their architectural or historical significance. They include:
- Browne's Addition National Register Historic District
- Corbin Park Historic District
- Marycliff-Cliff Park Historic District
- Mission Avenue Historic District
- Nettleton's Addition Historic District
- Ninth Avenue Historic District
- Rockwood Historic District
Many of these districts have well-preserved homes constructed as early as 1875 and boast a wide range of late 19th-century and early 20th-century architecture. The most prevalent styles include American Foursquare, Arts and Crafts, Craftsman/Bungalow, Dutch Colonial, Georgian Revival, Queen Anne, Shingle Style, and Tudor Revival. Later homes built post-1920 included Colonial Revival, International Style, Mediterranean, and Spanish Colonial Revival.
Spokane's Mid-Century Modern Homes: A Blend of Elegance and Innovation
Post-World War II, Spokane saw a residential building boom unlike any before. Between the late 1940s and 50s, roughly 18,000 houses were constructed across the region. Among the new inventory, a remarkable collection of mid-century modern homes emerged across the city. Characterized by clean lines, open living spaces, and seamless integration with nature, these innovative homes populated sought-after neighborhoods such as Comstock, Rockwood, and Lincoln Heights.
Today, Spokane's numerous mid-century modern homes remain some of the region's most well-preserved and cared-for dwellings. They offer timeless appeal for luxury home buyers seeking a blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance. Emphasizing simplicity and functionality, mid-century modern design in Spokane showcases large windows, flat planes, and natural materials such as wood and stone.
Today, Spokane's numerous mid-century modern homes remain some of the region's most well-preserved and cared-for dwellings. They offer timeless appeal for luxury home buyers seeking a blend of historic charm and contemporary elegance. Emphasizing simplicity and functionality, mid-century modern design in Spokane showcases large windows, flat planes, and natural materials such as wood and stone.
Discover Spokane's Architectural Legacy with a Trusted Real Estate Expert
Spokane, Washington, is a city where history and architecture intertwine to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. From the sturdy Romanesque Revival buildings that rose from the ashes of the Great Fire to the elegant Art Deco structures that symbolize a new era, Spokane's architectural landscape is a testament to its resilience and vision. For those seeking luxury real estate with a touch of history, Spokane offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication.
If you're ready to discover your own piece of architectural history (or something a bit more modern), contact Avenue Stone Real Estate today to start your Spokane luxury real estate journey.
*Fox Theater photo courtesy of Spokane Symphony
If you're ready to discover your own piece of architectural history (or something a bit more modern), contact Avenue Stone Real Estate today to start your Spokane luxury real estate journey.
*Fox Theater photo courtesy of Spokane Symphony
