Through the prism of history, Walt Worthy’s risky renovation of the Davenport Hotel as well as the citizens’ outcry to save the Fox Theatre started a momentum that has clearly accelerated years later in the hot summer of our sizzling Renaissance. As renovations continue on our Riverfront Park and renamed M—formerly Macy’s—the activity throughout the Spokane metropolitan area is at a fever pitch.

More than 500 housing units are being introduced to bring more activity and life to our urban hub. A new artisan food market is being developed downtown to complement other good-news stories on the periphery of the downtown, including the new University Gateway District Bridge. Developer Larry Stone is advancing a first of its kind twin tower project on the north bank of our river that will include one tower hotel and another for apartments and condos.

The Italian Renaissance is known for the beautiful art and literary works, but the power of that iconic revival awas fueled by the creative leaders of the like Leonardo da Vinci, who took risks to benefit generations. It’s the same for our Spokane Renaissance with individuals like the Worthy family and the Cowles family, Jerry Dicker, Ron Wells, motivated leaders such as Latisha Hill of Avista and so many others who see downtown Spokane as a vibrant core that is key to our entire region’s resurgence. Our dedicated Downtown Spokane Partnership economic development team ,led by the earnest Mark Richard, keeps the focus sharp so our high speed momentum continues unabated.

This vibrant August, our bustling downtown remains a key part of our good days ahead. Once a gem, the famous Ridpath Hotel perilously deteriorated until entrepreneur Ron Wells made it his mission to renovate it. That Ridpath revival has now begun as our Renaissance continues because creative leaders have significantly doubled down on downtown.