Spokane’s Rich Architectural History: Mid-Century & Modernist Landmarks That Shaped the City
- Mid-Century Gems Official
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
Spokane’s skyline and collective mid-century modern architecture tell a story of transformation, blending innovation with the city’s evolving identity. From its post-war boom to its role as a hub of forward-thinking design, Spokane became a canvas for architects who embraced bold forms, functional beauty, and new materials. Mid-century modern structures like the Avista Headquarters and the Farm Credit Bank Building reflect the city’s embrace of progressive design, while the sculptural lines of The Parkade and the minimalist elegance of Riverfalls Tower showcase the influence of modernist visionaries like Warren C. Heylman. These buildings, alongside icons like The Pavilion and The Great Northern Clock Tower, highlight Spokane’s commitment to both preserving history and pushing architectural boundaries.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these structures serve as physical markers of Spokane’s mid-century optimism and urban expansion, illustrating an era when architecture was not just about function but about shaping a city's future. As Spokane continues to grow, these buildings remain essential to its architectural identity, reminding residents and visitors alike of the city’s long-standing relationship with modernist innovation and design excellence.
The Pavilion: A Legacy of Expo ’74
One of the most striking features of Spokane’s skyline is The Pavilion, a one-of-a-kind cable structure gifted to the city by the United States government in preparation for Expo ’74, the world’s first environmentally themed World’s Fair. Unlike any other structure in Spokane, its sweeping cables and luminous canopy make it an unmistakable symbol of the city’s transformation into a cultural and recreational hub. Originally built as a U.S. Steel pavilion, its post-Expo redesign ensured it remained an integral part of Riverfront Park, where it continues to serve as a gathering place, event venue, and reminder of Spokane’s global moment in the spotlight.
The Great Northern Clock Tower: A Beacon of Spokane’s History
Rising above Riverfront Park, The Great Northern Clock Tower stands as a timeless link to Spokane’s origins. Constructed in 1902, it once served as part of the Great Northern Railway Depot, a critical hub in Spokane’s development as a regional transportation and distribution center. Though the depot itself was demolished in the 1970s to make way for Expo ’74, the clock tower was preserved as a tribute to the city’s railroad heritage. Today, it serves as both a nostalgic landmark and a symbolic beacon, drawing residents and visitors alike into the heart of downtown Spokane.
The Parkade: An Strikingly Bold Yet Unlikely Icon
And then, there’s a parking garage—but not just any parking garage.
The Parkade Plaza, or simply The Parkade to locals, is an 11-story concrete marvel in the heart of downtown Spokane. Completed in 1967, it was the brainchild of Spokane-born architect Warren C. Heylman, one of the city's most influential modernists. While parking structures are rarely considered architectural achievements, The Parkade was a bold statement of Spokane’s commitment to modernization and urban growth in the mid-20th century. Its dramatic, sculptural design and futuristic aesthetic made it a celebrated example of progressive city planning, winning over critics and locals alike.
The View from the Top: Warren Heylman’s Spokane
From the top floor of The Parkade, one can take in the unmistakable impact of Warren Heylman on Spokane’s landscape. His work spans across the city, from residential high-rises to essential infrastructure, including:
Riverfalls Tower, a striking modernist residential high-rise overlooking the Spokane River.
The Latah Creek Viaduct, a vital transportation link with Heylman’s signature aesthetic.
The Bennett Block, one of Spokane’s historic restorations, blending old and new.
The Spokane Regional Health Building, a controversial Brutalist structure that still sparks debate.
Spokane International Airport, a defining collaboration between Heylman and architect William Trogdon.
Spokane’s Mid-Century Modern Legacy
Heylman was not alone in shaping Spokane’s architectural identity. Alongside William Trogdon and a wave of modernist architects, Spokane became home to an impressive array of mid-century modern commercial buildings that remain integral to the city’s skyline today. Some of the most striking examples include:
Avista Headquarters on Mission Avenue, a sleek example of mid-century corporate design.
The lemon-lime Shadle Park Reservoir, a uniquely colored municipal structure.
The Farm Credit Bank Building, a downtown landmark of clean lines and modern materials.
A collection of mid-century churches, each embodying the era’s forward-thinking approach to design.
These buildings, often overlooked in favor of Spokane’s historic early-20th-century architecture, form a critical part of the city’s visual and cultural identity. As preservation efforts grow, the appreciation for Spokane’s mid-century modernist movement continues to gain momentum, ensuring that these structures remain celebrated for generations to come.
A City Shaped by Modernist Visionaries
Spokane’s skyline tells a story of innovation, reinvention, and forward-thinking design. From the historic Great Northern Clock Tower to the futuristic Parkade, these structures stand as enduring testaments to the architects and visionaries who shaped the city. Whether honoring Spokane’s railway past, embracing its Expo legacy, or celebrating its modernist achievements, these landmarks remain defining pieces of Spokane’s evolving architectural story.
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