In the heart of downtown Spokane stands an architectural landmark that defies the conventions of a typical parking garage. The Parkade, completed in 1967, is a testament to Spokane’s mid-century modernist ambitions and a reflection of the city’s evolving urban identity. Designed by Warren C. Heylman, one of Spokane’s most influential modernist architects, The Parkade remains an enduring symbol of innovation, functionality, and futuristic design.
An Early Modernist Vision for Spokane’s Architectural Footprint
By the mid-20th century, Spokane, like many American cities, was undergoing a period of transformation. Urban planners and architects sought ways to modernize infrastructure while accommodating the increasing use of automobiles. The Parkade was conceived as part of Spokane’s downtown revitalization efforts, built to address the city’s growing parking needs while serving as a statement piece of modernist architecture.
Commissioned by a coalition of business owners, The Parkade was envisioned as a beacon of progress—a structure that would not only provide practical solutions for Spokane’s bustling downtown but also serve as a landmark of forward-thinking design. Warren C. Heylman, a Spokane native and a proponent of bold, expressive modernist forms, was the perfect architect for the job.
Heylman's Mid-Century Masterpiece in the Heart of Spokane
Heylman’s mid-century modernist approach is evident in every aspect of The Parkade’s design. The structure’s dramatic vertical ribs, which create a rhythmic pattern along its facade, exemplify the era’s emphasis on geometric repetition and structural expression. Unlike conventional parking garages, which are often purely utilitarian, The Parkade’s sculptural elements make it both functional and visually compelling.
Key Mid-Century Features:
Dramatic Concrete Ribbing – A signature feature that gives the building its unique, sculptural form.
Repetitive Geometric Design – Emphasizing modernist principles of symmetry and form.
Bold Color Accents – The bright yellow awnings contrast with the concrete facade, adding vibrancy to the urban landscape.
Integrated Retail Spaces – Reflecting mid-century ideas of mixed-use development, blending commerce with infrastructure.
At 11 stories high, The Parkade was the tallest parking structure in Spokane when it was completed, showcasing the city's commitment to a progressive architectural vision. Its design not only accommodated the growing number of vehicles but also complemented the city’s aspirations for a more modern downtown core.
The Parkade’s Influence on Spokane’s Architecture
The Parkade is more than just a parking garage—it’s a bold architectural statement that embodies Spokane’s deep connection to mid-century modernism. Designed by Warren C. Heylman, The Parkade was an integral part of Spokane’s downtown revitalization efforts in the 1960s and has since become one of the most recognizable structures in the city.
Heylman’s influence on Spokane’s architectural landscape extends well beyond The Parkade. His work helped define the city’s modernist aesthetic, emphasizing functionality, geometric forms, and innovative use of materials. Many of his designs still stand today, showcasing Spokane’s commitment to preserving its mid-century heritage.
Some of Heylman’s most notable projects include:
Spokane International Airport (designed with William Trogdon) – A striking, modernist transportation hub with sweeping concrete forms that reflect the era’s fascination with futuristic design.
Spokane Regional Health Building – A minimalist structure with clean lines and an emphasis on natural light, reinforcing Heylman’s signature aesthetic.
Riverfalls Tower – A sleek residential high-rise that captures the elegance and efficiency of mid-century modern architecture.
Latah Creek Viaduct – A structurally impressive bridge that integrates form and function seamlessly, blending modern engineering with Spokane’s natural landscape.
From the top level of The Parkade, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the city, spotting many of Heylman’s other projects scattered across the skyline. This perspective serves as a reminder of his enduring impact on Spokane’s built environment.
Preserving Spokane's Mid-Century Landmarks
Despite its architectural significance, The Parkade—like many mid-century structures—has faced its share of challenges over the years. As urban development trends shift and contemporary aesthetics evolve, modernist landmarks often struggle to maintain their place in a rapidly changing cityscape. In some cases, buildings from this era are dismissed as outdated, their bold, experimental designs overshadowed by contemporary tastes. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of appreciation for mid-century modernism, sparking renewed interest in preserving these once-overlooked structures.
Spokane, in particular, has begun to embrace its mid-century architectural heritage, recognizing the value of structures like The Parkade as essential pieces of the city’s design history. Once seen simply as a parking facility, The Parkade is now understood as a statement of innovation, a reflection of the city’s post-war aspirations, and an enduring symbol of Spokane’s modernist movement. Its distinctive ribbed concrete facade, geometric repetition, and eye-catching yellow awnings distinguish it as an icon of mid-century optimism, making it one of the most visually compelling parking structures in the Pacific Northwest.
A Lasting Mid-Century Landmark in Spokane’s Evolving Cityscape
Today, The Parkade remains a beloved Spokane landmark, not just for its function but for what it represents—a time when cities dared to be bold, and even parking garages were designed with creativity and intention. Beyond its practical role in downtown Spokane, it serves as a living artifact of the city’s urban renewal efforts in the 1960s, reminding both residents and visitors of Spokane’s forward-thinking approach to design during a pivotal era of growth.
As discussions surrounding historic preservation continue, The Parkade stands at the intersection of progress and heritage, a case study in how mid-century structures can adapt and remain relevant in a modern urban environment. Whether admired for its daring aesthetic, its role in Spokane’s modernization, or simply as an architectural curiosity, The Parkade remains an essential part of the city’s built legacy, proving that even something as utilitarian as a parking garage can be a work of art, a symbol of ambition, and a cherished piece of Spokane’s history.
Acknowledging Our Contributors
A very special thank you to Kameron Simpson and Clay Elliot for their photo contributions, capturing the architectural essence of The Parkade and Spokane’s mid-century modern legacy. Their work helps preserve and celebrate the city’s unique design history, bringing these iconic structures to life through their lenses.
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