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An extremely engaged
citizen of Spokane’s Downtown, Jim Kolva is uniquely deserving of this
award. His many interests and contributions to the community include
art, urban living, historic preservation, and brownfields restoration.
Jim might be
considered a Downtown Spokane “pioneer”. Several years ago, before the
new Downtown condominium trend, Jim and his wife Pat bought a building
on South Adams Street next to the BNSF railroad tracks. They converted
the upper floor to condominium units and the main floor became an art
gallery. A true urbanist, Jim and his wife have shown that it is
possible to live in our currently auto-oriented city without a car.
Someone who literally “walks the walk”, Jim is Spokane’s best advocate
for pedestrians and pedestrian friendly design. |
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A friend of the arts,
Jim’s home boasts one of the most impressive private art collections in
the Northwest. The collection is often shared with the community when
he and his wife open their home for special events. In addition, Jim
has contributed to visible art projects Downtown including a public
mural under the railroad underpass near his building. His work has
helped bring the public to our city’s starving artists.
Jim’s generosity of
time is also remarkable. Jim served on the Steering Committee for the
1999 Downtown Plan, and continues to stay involved with planning
projects affecting our Downtown. In addition, Jim is involved with the
Riverside Neighborhood Council and often attends Design Review Committee
meetings to help provide that neighborhood’s perspective on specific
projects proposed for Downtown. As a teacher, he often makes himself
available to share his experience and educate our citizenry with
workshops and presentations. |
