Spokane, WA
By Juliet Sinisterra, Economic Development Manager
Public art, a water fountain, comfortable seating, connections to wine and beer, and the perfect amount of sunshine defines the new Chronicle Plaza. Located just east of the 1928 Kirtland Cutter& Karl Malmgren-designed Chronicle Building located at 926 West Sprague, the Plaza was recently revitalized and will host regular concerts, outdoor movies and performances throughout the summer. It will also be a great amenity for the new housing being developed adjacent.
The Chronicle Building is newly under reconstruction, converting from office space throughout to a 32-unit apartment building on floors three to five. Centennial Properties, a division of Cowles Company, is renovating the architectural gem and aims to allow tenant roof access to the historic gargoyles that line the perimeter of the building. Tenants will, most likely, become regular tenants of the existing Tamarack Public House, Nodland Cellars Wine Tasting Room and a hoped for restaurant on the southwest corner of the building.
A primary goal for the Downtown Spokane Partnership is to attract more housing into our downtown over the next few years. Thanks to the Cowles Co. and Centennial Properties, our job is getting easier. A vibrant downtown is a multi-use place where people find cultural, artistic, social and environmental experiences. A downtown is also a place to live. With vacancy rates at less than 2%, the market is ready to accept more housing. We are excited to see downtown continue to transform into a place where both social, professional and housing networks can thrive.
Juliet was born and raised in Spokane and is proud to be raising her two children (now teenagers) also in Spokane. Two of Juliet’s favorite pastimes growing up, were frequenting Spokane’s parks and taking the bus downtown to shop with friends. Juliet brings a diverse background to her position with over 20 years’ experience in project management, architecture, urban design, planning, community engagement and development. Juliet graduated from Washington State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, and a Certificate of Urban Design from Syracuse University. Most recently Juliet served as the Project Manager for the Riverfront Park Master Plan 2014, helping to lead the project to a 68% voter approved $64.3 million bond for upgrades to the Park.