Discover Spokane: Architecture & More

Spokane, Washington may fly under many people’s radar when it comes to architectural travel, but the city boasts a rich built-environment, fascinating history, and plenty of fun diversions. Here are three standout architectural attractions in Spokane — plus a handful of other cool spots to round out your visit.

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1. Spokane County Courthouse

One of Spokane’s most visually striking buildings, the Spokane County Courthouse was constructed in 1894-95 and designed by architect Willis Ritchie. It’s built in the French Renaissance revival and châteauesque styles — think steep slate roofs, conical towers, decorative masonry — earning it recognition as a landmark in Spokane’s architectural story.

Why it matters for design / build folks:

* The courthouse showcases how architectural ambition in a regional city embraced Belle Epoque revival styles in the late 19th century.

* It also illustrates construction using locally-manufactured brick and masonry after the major downtown fire of 1889 (which reshaped how Spokane rebuilt).

* Its scale and ornamentation reflect civic ambition and local economic boosts of that era.

A visiting tip: Take time to walk around the exterior and view the full height of the tower (which dominates its campus north of the river). Inside, look for original details of the stonework and how the building occupies its site.

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2. Patsy Clark Mansion

Designed by renowned local architect Kirtland Cutter in 1897 for mining magnate Patsy Clark, this mansion is a gem of Spokane’s residence architecture.

Features worth noticing:

* Imported wood, lavish details and a dramatic façade that mark this as more than just a “big house” — it’s a statement.

* Located in the historic Browne’s Addition neighborhood, itself rich in architectural heritage and mature urban fabric.

* For architects and builders, the mansion provides insight into how wealthy clients of the time solicited craftsmanship, imported materials, and stylistic flourish.

Visiting tip: While it sometimes operates as an event venue, even viewing the exterior and stepping through parts of the main floor gives materiality, scale and architectural ambience worth studying.

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 3. Steam Plant Square (aka the former Central Steam Heat Plant)

If you’re interested in industrial architecture and adaptive reuse, Steam Plant Square is a fascinating case. Once the city’s central steam heating and electrical generation plant (built 1916), it has since been converted into a vibrant mixed-use venue in downtown Spokane. ([travelthruhistory.com][4])

Why this matters:

* It captures an industrial era when cities needed large-scale infrastructure; the architecture is bold and utilitarian yet expressive (225-foot stacks, massive steel and piping). ([Wikipedia][5])

* The reuse of this structure shows how quality material and gutsy design from the past can be leveraged for contemporary commercial / public purposes — something that aligns well with modern form-and-function thinking.

* For a design-build audience, it offers inspiration in combining preservation, reuse, and modern workflow.

Visiting tip: Walk around the exterior stacks for dramatic effect; inside you may glimpse original boiler-rooms, heavy industrial detailing, now with new uses around them. Combine with a stroll of the downtown to see how older industrial sits next to modern infill.

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More Cool Attractions in Spokane

Beyond architecture, Spokane has plenty of enjoyable destinations that round out a day or weekend of exploration:

* Riverfront Park: A central 100-acre park in downtown Spokane anchoring the urban experience, including the dramatic Spokane Falls, the historic Clock Tower (from the old Great Northern Railway depot), the U.S. Pavilion from Expo ’74, and plenty of public art.

* Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture (MAC): This museum offers a deep dive into regional culture, art, history and features the historic Campbell House museum within its campus.

* Downtown historic walk: Spokane’s downtown has one of the highest concentrations of historic-building districts in Washington state, with more than 18 designated historic districts. ([Visit Spokane][8])

* For nature and city-blend: Take in viewpoints such as Cliff Park, or enjoy the Spokane River trails for a combination of urban and natural scenery. 

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Tips for Visiting & Documentation

* Bring a camera (or phone with good zoom) — architectural detail (stone, masonry, towers, ornamentation) is rich in Spokane’s older buildings.

* Walk downtown rather than drive — many gems are in contiguous clusters and you’ll see transitions of styles.

* Time your Falls visit when the river flow is strong (spring runoff) for dramatic effect. ([Visit Spokane][10])

* Combine architecture visits with local eateries or small-business districts for a full experience — for example, the historic mansions and neighborhoods have adjacent cafés, pubs and retail.

* If you’re doing a project research or build-study in Spokane, consider contacting the local historic‐preservation office (Spokane Preservation Advocates) or doing a self-guided tour via the downtown heritage walk. ([historicspokane.org][11])

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Final Thoughts

Spokane may not always be top-of-mind when people think “architectural tourism,” but it packs a surprisingly rich and varied built-environment — from grand public buildings and opulent residences, to industrial infrastructure turned into new uses. For those working in design, build, redevelopment or preservation, it offers real substance to study, explore and draw inspiration from.