Spokane's Overwriting by Aristin Coones

Spokane China Town

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:27:38 UTC

Spokane's Chinatown, a hidden labyrinth pulsating from the 1880s to 1920s, was more than just shops. It was a world within a world, filled with Chinese and Japanese immigrants seeking opportunity, hardship, and community. Opium dens and gambling halls shadowed traditional medicine shops and bustling storefronts, reflecting both struggle and resilience. Though ultimately swallowed by urban renewal and shifting demographics, Chinatown's echoes remain, reminding us to honor the forgotten, messy, and vibrant corners of our history.

Lyric Theater

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:32:02 UTC

Spokane's Lyric Theater wasn't just a building; it was a cultural chameleon, reflecting the city's evolving spirit over six decades. Born in 1890 from the ashes of the Great Fire, the "Spokane Theater" was a phoenix of entertainment. Its grand opera house, adorned with plush seats and elegant boxes, hosted everything from highbrow operas like "Manon" to community graduations. It was the place to see and be seen, a beacon of culture and sophistication in a burgeoning city.

It is now a parking lot.

East Central, Spokane, WA, USA

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:36:23 UTC

East Central, once a vibrant Spokane neighborhood woven from diverse cultures, was ripped apart by the construction of I-90 in the 1950s. Homes were demolished, businesses shuttered, and the community fractured. Laughter turned to traffic noise, aromas of spices to exhaust fumes. But even in this concrete wasteland, the spirit of East Central endures. Community centers rise, oral histories preserve the past, and murals paint hope on the scars left by the highway. East Central stands at a crossroads, forever marked by the I-90, yet determined to mend its wounds and reclaim its identity. It's a story of loss, resilience, and the unwavering power of community, proving that even concrete can't extinguish the embers of a neighborhood's soul.

The Mohawk

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:40:17 UTC

The Mohawk Building, Spokane's early 20th-century commercial hub, boasted terracotta grandeur and bustling businesses like Dodson's Jewelry. But as times changed, empty storefronts and fading grandeur led to its 2007 demolition, replaced by a surface parking lot. Now, a lone piece of ornamentation whispers of the past, a bittersweet reminder of progress, impermanence, and the need to balance development with heritage. The Mohawk's story lives on, a piece of the puzzle that makes Spokane unique.

It is now a parking lot.

Hotel Emery

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:45:39 UTC

Spokane's Hotel Emery, open from 1892 to 1910, was no ordinary hotel. This two-story Riverside haunt attracted an odd bunch: mesmerists, stockbrokers, and even "magnetic massage" practitioners. Brawls, thefts, and scandals were common, making the Emery a lively, unconventional place. Despite boasting modern features like electric lights, its wild streak led to its closure as a hotel. Though later used for plumbing and furniture, the Emery's ghost lives on, reminding us that Spokane's history holds unexpected, even scandalous, stories.

It is now a parking lot.

The Spokane Coliseum

acoones — 2023-11-30 19:49:52 UTC

The Spokane Coliseum, nicknamed "The Boone Street Barn", was an indoor arena that stood from 1953 to 1995. As the largest indoor facility in the Inland Northwest at the time, it hosted diverse events like Elvis concerts, ice shows, rodeos, and even the Spokane Chiefs' WHL championship victory. The Coliseum served as a popular gathering place, shaping Spokane's culture and history through shared experiences and hosting significant events. However, demolished to make way for the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who witnessed its magic.

It is now a parking lot.

O'Doherty's Irish Grille, West Spokane Falls Boulevard, Spokane, WA

acoones — 2023-12-14 00:20:43 UTC

Paul Bush: My girlfriend introduced me to this restaurant. Irish themed, very tasty food. Dollars are stapled into the walls to show people who've donated.