While Spokane is widely recognized for its craftsman bungalows and early 20th-century architectural charm, its mid-century modern homes remain a lesser-known yet significant part of the city's architectural legacy. Primarily concentrated in the lower South Hill and Cliff-Cannon neighborhoods, these homes exemplify the modernist boom that shaped Spokane’s built environment in the mid-20th century. With their clean lines, integration with nature, flat roofs, and expansive glass facades, these residences stand as hidden architectural gems, often nestled at the end of tree-lined streets or obscured behind dense foliage.
Spokane's Mid-Century Modernist Movement is Gaining Recognition
In a city where craftsman and Tudor-style homes dominate, Spokane’s low-profile mid-century modern dwellings have long gone unnoticed. However, over the past 15 years, there has been a resurgence of appreciation for mid-century architecture. Once dismissed as outdated, these homes are now being sought after by a growing number of architecture enthusiasts, preservationists, and homeowners who recognize their historical and aesthetic value.
Despite this newfound appreciation, Spokane’s mid-century modern homes remain vulnerable to demolition. As new development pressures increase, architect-designed mid-century residences are being torn down and replaced with contemporary builds, often without significant public outcry or protection from preservation laws.
The Loss of Spokane's Architectural Mid-Century Landmarks
In 2018, Spokane lost two significant mid-century modern homes to demolition, both designed by prominent architects. One was a 1953 home by Warren C. Heylman, designed for businessman John Hieber—the duo responsible for Spokane’s Parkade parking structure. The second was a 1965 home by Ronald Sims, the lead architect of the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, built for J. Birney Blair, a well-known television ad executive and former KHQ president. Both homes sat along the edge of Manito Golf and Country Club, and despite their architectural pedigree, neither was protected by a local or national historic registry.
Because they were not listed on any historic register, there were no legal barriers to their demolition. Even if they had been recognized by national or state registries, that wouldn’t have necessarily saved them. Unlike local historic designations, national and state registries primarily serve as honorary recognitions rather than legal protections, meaning owners can still alter or demolish listed properties as long as they comply with standard building regulations.
Spokane’s Efforts Toward Mid-Century Preservation
Established in the early 1980s, the Spokane Register of Historic Places offers some local protection. for historic structures. Before significant aesthetic changes or demolitions, the Historic Preservation Office and the Spokane Landmarks Commission are required. However, even these measures provide only minimal safeguards, as historic preservation laws in Spokane remain relatively limited in scope.
To qualify for the Spokane Register, a property must meet specific criteria, such as being associated with a historically significant person, event, or era or embodying a distinct architectural style. Despite these qualifications, many mid-century homes in Spokane remain unlisted and unprotected, leaving them at risk of future demolition.
Notable Mid-Century Preservation Organizations
Mid Century Spokane
Mid Century Spokane is an active organization dedicated to celebrating and preserving the mid-century architectural and cultural heritage of Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding areas. With a deep appreciation for the region's Modernist legacy, the group works to raise awareness, foster appreciation, and advocate for protecting significant mid-century structures that define Spokane’s unique architectural landscape.
Changing Perceptions of Mid-Century Modernism
Megan Duvall, Spokane’s Historic Preservation Officer, acknowledges that mid-century buildings were largely overlooked by preservationists early in her career, a sentiment shared by many in the field. However, as appreciation for mid-century modern design has grown nationwide, Spokane’s preservation efforts have begun to expand beyond its early 20th-century architecture, recognizing the value of these modernist residences before they disappear.
As Spokane continues to evolve, the challenge remains: Will the city act quickly enough to preserve its mid-century modern heritage, or will these homes continue to vanish in favor of new development?
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