139 units coming to West Riverside
A local developer has filed for building permits on a new, six-story apartment building on the site of a former Umpqua Bank branch at 206 W Riverside in downtown Spokane. The project would feature 139 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and 63 parking spaces, plus amenity space and possible retail at the ground level. The $22 million project is located along the City Line bus rapid transit line and the planned Riverside protected bike lane, which should make it appealing for students at the University District and those using alternative mobility options. Unfortunately, because the City does not require the inclusion of affordable units as part of new developments, there are no assurances that rent will be attainable for our local workforce.
The former Umpqua Bank property has been vacant for many years, and has been subject to significant speculation about its future, particularly after it was purchased by developer Kevin Edwards for $1.4 million in 2019. The pending building permits would expire in August, so we should expect this project to get underway before the end of the summer.
The city's Design Review Board, which provides comment and guidance to developers and architects on major projects, recommended the development at a meeting in December. Seattle architect GGLO, which worked on many of the most notable multifamily and office projects in Seattle, designed the project, and Bouten Construction of Spokane will be the builder.