Built in 1918, the Symons Block was designed by the highly-regarded architectural team of Archibald Rigg and Roland Van Tyne. In the 1920s it was home to Spokane’s first radio station, pioneered by Colonel Thomas W. Symons, Jr.. Symons Block has been an integral part of the downtown Spokane scene since it was initially constructed. It has housed the YWCA, the Elks, and many other businesses. At one time the retail space included an ice cream shop and bakery. Today the Symons Block building is home to a variety of businesses and will soon offer unique residential apartments and a suite of hotel-style rooms for a minimalist approach to staying in downtown Spokane.