Spokane, WA

Last February the Downtown Spokane Partnership celebrated 20 years of transformation. In the spirit of 20, here are our top 20 moments from 2015.

1. #SpokaneDoesntSuck
2. So. Much. Pizza.
3. Developer Jerry Dicker purchases the Montvale Hotel and the former Dempsey’s building, kick-starting a revitalization of downtown’s Entertainment District.
4. Ground breaks for an improved pedestrian experience and new retail building at Main and Wall.
5. National retailer, Anthropologie, opens its doors, thrilling fans of the eclectic store 200 miles in all directions.
6. A state transportation package is passed that includes dollars to build the long awaited University District Pedestrian Bridge.
7. Representing the most compassionate City in America, downtown businesses opened their doors to needy citizens following November’s windstorm power outages.
8. Spokane’s first Public Parklet becomes a conversation piece (and PLACE) for many pedestrians.
9. Downtown gateways become more welcoming with the addition of two art and beatification instillations along Division at i90 and Spokane Falls Blvd.
10. Spokane Arts adds two new murals at the Post Street railroad underpass and viaduct wall across from Barrister Winery
11. Spokane honors its Native American heritage, renaming City Hall Plaza as the Tribal Gathering Place which then hosted the interactive chalk-art instillation of “900 Horses” in June and July.
12. A grand new addition changes the skyline of downtown with the opening of the Davenport Grand Hotel where a parking lot once sat along Spokane Falls Blvd.
13. Spokane secures a successful bid to host the 2016 World Cup Figure Skating Challenge, upgrading the moniker “Skate City USA” to “Skate City Worldwide.”
14. The new convention center addition is complete, adding an additional 20,000 sq ft of exhibit space, 12 meeting rooms, an executive boardroom, new ballroom, pedestrian link, Centennial Trail/riverbank restoration and new skybridge with spectacular views of the Spokane River.
15. Paddle board, kayak and canoe enthusiasts are thrilled by a new Spokane River access point underneath the Division Street Bridge in the heart of downtown.
16. Science fiction ruled when Spokane hosted Sasquan and the prestigious Hugo award, along with George R.R. Martin, in an appropriately apocalyptic atmosphere.
17. Speaking of the end of the world, Spokane welcomed back zombies with open arms as ZNation returned for filming its second season.
18. ESPN SportsCenter broadcasts live from Hoopfest at the corner of Spokane Falls Blvd and Stevens to kick off a six-week on the road series.
19. Macklemore’s vintage take on urban life was filmed over the course of one week on downtown streets. And did we mention Ken Griffy Junior!?
20. Riverfront Park hosts the first-of-its-kind Washington State Chinese Lantern Festival, merging culture and art in larger than life displays for 56 days.