Special Report

Manufacturers grapple with aerospace slowdown

Long-term outlook remains positive as companies shift focus to other sectors

May 21, 2020

Spokane-area manufacturers that serve the aerospace industry say they're staying aloft for now and feeling somewhat optimistic about the long term, even as new orders for aircraft and components have taken a nosedive.

Making distance on Spokane's manufacturing floors

Inherent open spaces help create separation at facilities

May 21, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Several Spokane-area manufacturers say most of their employees are in environments where being at a distance from each other has been the norm because of already established workplace configurations.

SPVV strives to enhance environments

Design firm uses holistic approach to make use of landscape features

May 7, 2020

Kevin Blocker

As one of the founding partners of SPVV Landscape Architects, Tom Sherry says in some regards, the firm may not be where it is today were it not for his former mentor at another firm.

Strata's overhaul bring higher revenue, better retention

Geotech company turned to employees for direction

May 7, 2020

Virginia Thomas

Geotechnical and construction engineering firm Strata Inc. has been overhauling its leadership and culture for the past three years, and recently-promoted chief operating officer Paxton Anderson says the company is starting to see an improvement

Design for designers: Architecture firms redesign their own spaces

Two architecture firms remodel to increase collaboration abilities

May 7, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Two Spokane-area architecture practices-small design firm Fusion Architecture PLLC and larger design company NAC Architecture-are remodeling or expanding their offices to foster more collaborative environments, their respective representatives say.

Concrete pumping tax to proceed

Bill to reclassify service will be reintroduced during next session

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A bill intended to clarify the definition of concrete pumping services for tax-assessment purposes will be reintroduced in the next session of the Washington state Legislature, says Sen. Jeff Holy, of Cheney.

Rock Pointe West suites slated for $950K remodel

27K-square-foot space on fourth, fifth floors set for tenant improvements

April 23, 2020

Kevin Blocker

Unico Properties LLC, a Seattle-based real estate investment company, has submitted a permit application to the city of Spokane calling for almost $1 million in tenant improvements at one of four office buildings in the Rock Pointe Corporate Center.

Iron Bridge building to be converted into condos

Former PAML offices will be transformed into 13 residential units

April 23, 2020

Virginia Thomas

A building in the Iron Bridge development will be reverted to its former use as residential condominiums. The 16,650-square-foot building at 629 N. Iron Court will be remodeled from office space to 13 condo units, says Iron Bridge co-owner Houston Stock

Tampien envisions two projects along Wall Street

Projects could include total of 104 living units in core

April 23, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Spokane real estate developer Jordan Tampien plans to remodel two Wall Street buildings downtown and convert them to multifamily structures. Permits have been issued for one project

Residential delinquencies aren't as pronounced in Spokane as on the national scene

Some in industry say more troubles are likely in May, June

April 23, 2020

Natasha Nellis

Despite nationwide reports of more residential tenants missing payments, landlords and property managers in Spokane County say most tenants made rent in April.