A consideration of urban change related to Spokane, Washington's Davenport Hotel renovation

Catherine Marie Dixon

This study aims to discover and provide definition around a single project's contribution to the revitalization of a mid-size regional city. Walt and Karen Worthy's purchase and subsequent restoration of Davenport Hotel to its original grandeur converted an entire city block from a vacant eyesore into a historical showpiece. The research question is "How has the Davenport Hotel renovation contributed to the revitalization of Spokane, Washington?" To provide a framework for discussion, the terms "mid-size regional city" and "historical renovation" are discussed and related to Spokane, Washington and the Davenport Hotel, respectively. The virtual construction of a one-eighth mile focus zone perimeter allows for the collection and interpretation of data and impacts. A literature review related to case studies, district definitions and historical preservation value assessment is also provided. Jackson, Mississippi's 2009 historical King Edward Building renovation is presented as a point of comparison for the Davenport Hotel. From interpretive historical research methodology (Groat and Wang 2002), empirical data, including a comprehensive history of the Davenport Hotel and focus-zone tax valuation, and stakeholder impressions are collected and analyzed. The core theme of "stability" is identified, defined and discussed related to the interpretation of economic, social and aesthetic impacts. Ultimately, this study shows that the Davenport Hotel renovation has positively impacted Spokane, Washington. • The 1/8 mile focus zone around the Davenport Hotel experienced more stability or "lessened volatility" in tax valuation compared with county and city annual percentage changes from 2002- 2010. • The Davenport Hotel has come full circle in a century and is once again the most sought-after location for a variety of events and the hotel of choice for national and international dignitaries. • Following the completion of the Davenport Hotel renovation, several high-profile Focus Zone revitalization projects were started and finished, including the Montvale Hotel, Bing Crosby Theater and Fox Theater. New knowledge includes a multi-attribute geo-spatial database and historic timeline documenting a segment of Spokane's urban revitalization correlated to the Davenport Hotel. This study also adds description and understanding to existing literature focusing on economic, social and aesthetic impacts of historical restoration.

A consideration of urban change related to Spokane, Washington's Davenport Hotel renovation

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