March's General Meeting was held in the currently-being-renovated Boothe-McClintock-Electro-Kold Building, also known as the Joel Building on South Post. The structure was originally constructed in 1899 as a warehouse for a wholesale grocery.  In 1910, architectural firm Cutter & Malmgren gave the warehouse’s westface a fancy, new façade.

 

After the General Meeting where SPA members voted on new board members, the budget, and bylaw changes, the owners and developers of the building spoke of their plans for the new apartments.  Members then toured the mostly finished apartments on the third floor and even were allowed to tour the unfinished parts of the building.

 

 

 

2010's Holiday party took place at the Webster House on South Manito Boulevard.

This bus trip (the 3^rd offered by SPA) was an overnight trip to Walla Walla. There is considerable history in this community, and SPA visited several historic neighborhoods with a local guide. Wine has become an important industry in the area, so tour members got to sample the products of many of the local wineries. After arriving at their lodging, the Historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, members walked to the Kirkman House Museum a few blocks away.

 

The National Trust for Historic Preservation will present its Preservation Honor Award for the renovation of the Fox Theater in Spokane, Wash. The project is one of 23 award winners to be honored by the National Trust during its 2010 National Preservation Conference next week in Austin, Texas. 

 

At its grand opening in 1931, the sleek Art Deco Fox Theater was the pride of Spokane, Wash.  Built during the dark days of the Great Depression for a whopping $1 million, the Fox – at 2,300 seats – was the largest and only air-conditioned performance space in the city. Known for its decorative, eye-popping murals, the Fox hosted both films and live stage performances featuring a parade of Hollywood celebrities. 

 

For more than four decades, the Fox held its own as a first-run movie house in a bustling downtown entertainment and shopping district. But as suburban malls and multiplexes began to lure moviegoers away from downtown, the theater began a period of decline.  By 2000, the Fox was slated for demolition to make way for a parking lot.

 

When Spokane resident Myrtle Woldson provided a $3 million gift to jumpstart the theater’s restoration, a unique public-private partnership was born.  Reopened in 2007 after years of diligent fundraising and a meticulous $31 million restoration, the Fox is today a multi-use performing arts facility and the home of the Spokane Symphony Orchestra.  The painstaking project included the removal of years of dirt, grime and popcorn grease and restoring the theater’s original murals, marquees, light fixtures and interior finishes. 

      

“The Fox Theater is a community treasure and is a key part of the ongoing economic revitalization of Spokane’s historic downtown,” said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  “Even when the Fox’s stage is bare, the building’s murals, plasterwork and light fixtures put on a show worthy of a standing ovation.” 

 

The award will be presented to Brenda Nienhouse, Executive Director of the Fox Theatre, at the National Preservation Awards ceremony in Austin, Texas, on Friday, October 29, at 6PM CST. Co-recipients are:  Keith Comes, AIA, NAC Architecture; Charles Cosler, Charles Cosler Theatre Design; Jeff Greene EverGreen Architectural Arts, Inc.; Mark Holden, JaffeHolden Acoustics; Ed Walker, Walker Construction; David Green, The Fox Board of Directors; Ronald Stanley, Spokane Symphony Board of Trustees; and Linda Milsow and Elizabeth Godlewski, Spokane Preservation Advocates.

 

The National Preservation Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to their communities through preservation of our architectural and cultural heritage. These efforts include citizen attempts to save and maintain important landmarks; companies and craftsmen whose work restores the richness of the past; the vision of public officials who support preservation projects and legislation in their communities; and educators and journalists who help Americans understand the value of preservation. The winners of the National Preservation Awards will appear in the November/December issue of Preservation Magazine and online at www.PreservationNation.org/awards.

The historic Anderson-Webster House at 1217 S. Wall was built in 1912.

SPA was invited to collaborate with Federal Government employees in celebrating the Post Office Building first 100 years. On October 6th the historic court room on the third floor was filled to capacity and overflowing with SPA members and the public to hear a lecture, tour and partake of light refreshments.  Rebecca Neilson, U. S.  Preservation Officer, presented an interesting pictorial history of the building using archival photos.  The building retains many historic features inside including three different eras of post office boxes.  The public is greeted in the foyer with beautiful brass PO boxes from the 1940’s.  Due to the large turn-out participants were divided into three groups for a tour of the building headed by a knowledgeable governmental employees.  The third floor court room, currently used by the bankruptcy court, is full of architectural details.  The original sky light was covered until it was revealed in a restoration in 1994.  Many security measures have been added; but are hidden under faux painting, so as not to take away from the room’s beauty.  Much of the unique and original furniture remains in use.  Also, on display were the silver water pitchers which have quenched orator’s throats for a century.  A big thanks to the SPA Event’s Committee volunteers who helped with the celebration, and to the Federal General Services Employees who obviously love this building and took our members on memorable tours.

Our new office space is located in the Lorraine Building at 308 W. 1st Ave., Suite 100, on the corner of 1st and Bernard. We have the main floor reception area of the building and there is a conference room available to use. This wonderful space is being offered to us for free by our generous member and owner of the building Steve Salvatori. Thank you Steve!!