SPOKANE, Wash. — Avista sold the historic Steam Plant property in Downtown Spokane to a developer.
In a press release, the company said it sold the property to Gerald Dicker of GVD Commercial Properties. The Seehorn-Lang building and parking lot will also be sold along with the building.
“It is with mixed emotions that Avista decided to sell this property, which has played such an important role in the history of our company and the city of Spokane for more than 100 years,” President of Avista Development Ed Schlect said. “For more than a century, we have taken great care of the Steam Plant property, and it’s time to pass the baton to Gerald Dicker of GVD Commercial Properties who has demonstrated his commitment to revitalizing and maintaining downtown historic properties. He also has experience in the hospitality industry, so we are confident that this treasured Spokane landmark will be preserved and further enhanced for future generations to enjoy.”
Avista has owned the building for more than a century. The brick building is iconic to Spokane’s Skyline. The smokestacks span 225 feet and was constructed in 1916. The building is adjacent to the railroad tracks that delivered the coal used generate the steam and electricity to provide heat and power to 300 buildings in Downtown Spokane. It played an important role in the evolution of the power industry and contributed to the economic vitality of the Spokane region as the city grew, according to the company.
Avista renovated the property in the late 1990s and again in 2017. Avista refreshed the restaurant and added an event center. The new owner plans to continue developing the site, according to a press release.
