SPOKANE, Wash. – Downtown Spokane is poised for a transformation as the city temporarily lifted building height limits earlier this year to encourage more housing development. The change has led to new projects that supporters believe could address both housing costs and business growth in the area.
The Downtown Spokane Partnership is optimistic about the impact of the lifted height restrictions. Emilie Cameron, President and CEO of the partnership, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to housing development.
“Removing any type of obstruction or obstacle to creating housing is an important step,” Cameron said. “We want to grow it as a neighborhood for people to be able to live here and have that opportunity.”
Cameron also noted that having more residents in the downtown area strengthens the local economy.
“By having people who live in downtown, it helps to create vibrant, active spaces… not just for the 9 to 5 employees who are here, but really the other 9 to 5 and creating that 18 hour or 24 hour city where we constantly have activity,” Cameron stated.
Spokane resident Jake Schwartz sees the potential benefits of increased housing downtown, both in terms of cost and local business support.
“Absolutely. Spokane has definitely been dealing with a lot of urban sprawl… having larger apartment complexes close to downtown or in downtown is not only helping to hopefully reduce the cost of housing, but it’s also going to drive a lot of business to local businesses,” Schwartz said.
The idea is that increased housing supply will lead to lower costs, making downtown living more accessible.
“I certainly hope so… the availability of housing means that it is more accessible to people, which should also lower the cost of everything,” Schwartz added.
Schwartz also expressed support for the changing skyline, viewing it as a positive development.
“I’m kind of for it, honestly. I think it won’t take away from Spokane’s unique vibe… I think it just adds a lot more character to it,” he said.
For more information on the Downtown Spokane Partnership and its initiatives, visit their website.
