SPOKANE, Wash. — Millennium Northwest has started demolition work on four plots of land in downtown Spokane as part of an effort to bring more residential options to the city’s urban core.
The development company selected the downtown location because of its walkability and existing amenities. The company’s first step involves conducting a technical survey to determine whether existing foundations can support a housing development. Once those results come back — expected by October — Millennium Northwest will develop detailed plans and submit them to city officials for approval.
Millennium Northwest already operates apartment complexes in the Garland District and North Spokane. The company’s broader goal is to create more walkable neighborhoods throughout Spokane, a strategy that has generated enthusiasm among downtown business owners.
Dan Dvorak, owner of Black Label Brewing Company on Main Street, has operated his brewery for 12 years and witnessed firsthand how residential development can benefit existing businesses. When the Warren Apartments opened nearby, his brewery saw increased traffic.
“That helped us out quite a bit, so any more housing would be awesome,” Dvorak said.
Other downtown business owners share similar optimism. Maggie Ray, a sales receptionist at Kizuri, believes the new apartments would create a ripple effect of economic activity throughout the neighborhood.
“I think it would help businesses a lot. I think as a block in general, it’s going to see maybe a boom of people coming in and supporting them,” Ray said.
Ray emphasized that new residents would have access to a diverse range of amenities within walking distance.
“You have the grocery store, you have a bar, you have a restaurant, a coffee shop. I’d like to think as they come down here and explore those places, you know, if they’re moving into town or if they’re from the area and just moving to a new spot, they still come and check out their local neighborhood,” Ray said.
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