SPOKANE, Wash. — What happens when you combine 1935 novelty architecture with a 1980s dive bar? How about a 1950s diner with a 2020s brewhouse? The answer lies in Spokane's Garland District, a vibrant neighborhood where the past and present seamlessly blend to create a unique tapestry of culture and community.
"Man, it's a little bit of everything which rules, I mean, everything from bars to collectible shops to record shops," said Josh Scott, Owner of Time Bomb.
The Garland District is a mixture of every era, featuring dozens of businesses old and new, all coexisting harmoniously. Strolling through its streets, one can find a delightful mix of novelty architecture from the 1930s, quaint 1950s diners, and modern brewhouses from the 2020s. It's a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to experience the best of every decade.
"I dig it. I love it up here," said Scott.
A similar dynamic can be found inside Time Bomb. "It's kind of a mishmash of everything, but if you went through here and looked around, you'd be like, oh, very 70s, 80s, 90s," Scott explained. Eight years ago, Scott moved to the neighborhood, drawn by its potential for growth and its eclectic charm.
"I moved up here because I felt this area was growing and wanted to be a part of that whole growth," he said.
Businesses such as Vintage Print, Spokane Baby Co., and the neighborhood's first brewery, Garland Brew Werks, have all flourished over the past few years. The revival of the Garland Theater stands as a testament to the district's resurgence.
"Just been growing big time. I mean, when you drive through, there's never a 'for rent' sign. It's just stuffed right now. I mean, we're packed, and it's cool," Scott observed.
However, the story was quite different a decade ago. The neighborhood faced significant challenges, from crime to economic downturns. The police were frequent visitors, and several businesses suffered severe damage.
"People kind of felt sorry for it for a while," recalled a long-time resident. "It didn't really have the momentum that they really wished it had. But now it finally feels like there's some serious momentum in this area."
Three years ago, amidst the pandemic, James Gallina and the development firm Millennium Northwest saw the potential in Garland District. They drew up plans for The North Hill on Garland, marking the most significant architectural change in over half a century.
"We're taking this brand-new building and blending it into the old Masonic building, trying to join the new and the old," Gallina explains.
So, what happens when you combine a 1921 Masonic lodge with a brand-new 60-unit apartment complex? Scott said he sees it as a continuation of the positive growth the neighborhood is experiencing. Gallina added, "You go throughout America's best cities, and you have this awesome mix between the new and the old. And certainly, that's what we're doing here."
The North Hill apartment complex isn't the only project on the horizon. A second apartment complex in the parking lot of the Garland Theater is scheduled to break ground at the end of this month, promising to further enhance the district's dynamic blend of historical charm and modern living.
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