Several important groundbreakings took place in the University District this month.

On May 5, dirt was turned to celebrate Dave Schneider and Larry Simon’s development of the University District Apartments on Ruby Street. This project was made possible in part by Umpqua Bank’s rigorous time and effort spent on completing the financing portion in partnership with Baker Construction and Development, the firm that will be working on developing the new parcel for student housing

Ground was broken for the University District Health Clinic near the Bookie on WSU Spokane’s campus on May 6. Special thanks to Empire Health Foundation and Providence Spokane for their support of this project. The clinic will provide services to WSU, EWU, and Gonzaga students in Spokane’s University District in the spring of 2016.

Currently the Gateway Bridge is on the House transportation package, negotiations are being made to have it included in the Senate package. Spokane community leaders are very excited and very optimistic that 2015 will be the year. It’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when.

The board is excited to announce the name of the new Executive Director early next month. The new ED will be on board starting in July. Interviews/presentations to the Board occurred during a 3.5 hour meeting on May 5, all candidates were impressive.

The 2015-2016 UD Magazine is underway! Businesses who would like to support the publication via ad space should email Alvaro Figueroa, Project Manager, at info@downtownspokane.net

The University of Washington has hired a director for their Spokane office, Catherine Brazil, more information can be found here.

Welcome to new University District Bronze Sponsors, the Kalispel Tribe and Northern Quest Resort and Casino. The UD appreciates your generosity and we look forward to working with you in the future.

For more information about Spokane’s University District, visit them on the web here.