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PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Location
809 West Main
Spokane, Washington 99201
Completion Date
December 2006
Purpose for the Project
Mixed Use (Retail & Residential)
Context: How The
Project improves Spokane’s Quality of Life and Addresses the “15
Qualities for Good Urban Design in Spokane”
809 West Main is an adaptive re-use of the J. C. Penney
department store built in the 1970’s. A remodel of the structure has
brought new energy and excitement to a block in downtown Spokane that
was previously lifeless. The building now houses 21 residential
condominiums, retail, a restaurant and a fitness club. It is expected
that the remaining street level spaces will be occupied by additional
retail and/or restaurants.
The design team started with a nearly windowless, monolithic
building that consumed half of a City block. Residential units varying
in size from 1,200 square feet to 4,600 square feet were located on the
third and a portion of the second floor. Large window openings were cut
into the brick façade to allow the maximum amount of natural light to
enter into the units. These openings were articulated to break down the
scale of the facade and to make it more appropriate to its urban
context. Balconies were added to improve interconnection between
residential units and the street activity below. Residents share a
street entrance with health club members and pedestrians accessing the
skywalk level. This adds activity to the street level lobby.
Residential units can also be accessed from the skywalk level, providing
indoor access to River Park Square and other downtown businesses.
Street level retail and restaurant space was planned to
enhance the existing epicenter of downtown Spokane’s retail activities
(Main and Post). Outdoor dining at this corner helps engage and connect
activities within the building with the street and sidewalk.
The original J. C. Penney store had a single level main floor
that was at grade on Post Street (to the east) and 4 feet above the
sidewalk at Lincoln Street (to the west). A portion of the sidewalk
along Main Avenue was raised to floor level to provide wheelchair access
to the shops. Large display windows were cut in at street level where
possible. Awnings were added to provide appropriate scale for sidewalk
pedestrians.
The result of this adaptive reuse project is new life and
vitality on an important block in the heart of downtown Spokane. New
windows, facade articulation, color and canopies combine to create an
enhanced urban experience. The introduction of residences and retail
add to the health and vitality of the area. |
