SPOKANE, Wash. — Right now, when you get off the University District gateway bridge your options are limited as far as what you can do.
It's about a 7 to 10 minute walk to the nearest restaurant, but local business owners say that this bridge will be the beginning of more growth in the area.
It may seem like there is not much to do on the south side of the University District Gateway Bridge. There are few business right next to the entrance; you can get your car repaired, an office chair, or a train set for the kids.
Heather Hanley, Creative Director of the Tin Roof, says you might not see it now, but more is coming.
"The new bridge is a good gap between the growth of downtown and what will be the inevitable growth of East Sprague," Hanley said.
The Tin Roof is about a 10 minute walk from the bridge on East Sprague. It's surrounded by local businesses that Hanley says could benefit from the bridge in the future.
"So it'll help people that want to live, work , play, go to school, it gives them more living opportunities and it will help revitalize this area," Hanley said.
You get a clear view of the bridge from Floormart. Owner Mike Rohme has been at this location near the intersection of Sherman and Sprague for more than two decades.
"In 1999 I wouldn't have believed that this infrastructure was coming in," Rohme said.
Rohme agrees that the bridge will have a positive impact on the business community.
"I like the growth. I like seeing Spokane grow. I've lived here all my life," Rohme said.
From what we hear the new pedestrian has not yet attracted an influx of people to the area. But these business owners are confident that won't be the case for long.
"In ten years you're not going to recognize Sprague," Rohme said.
"It took a multimillion dollar bridge but we've all been waiting here for that," Hanley said.