Whenever a historic building is demolished in Emerson-Garfield, our neighborhood loses a unique monument to its past. Forever.

Sometimes these buildings are completely beyond repair owing to neglect or damage, but that’s not always the case. And it’s important for us to encourage owners and developers to share in a wider sense of stewardship, especially when their decision could result in irreplaceable loss for an entire community.

Pre-demolition home (summer 2017) at 1320 N Lincoln St.

Demolished home (January 2018) at 1320 N Lincoln St.

A new ordinance from the Spokane City Council offers neighborhoods a bit more oversight and input regarding the maintenance, demolition and replacement of historic properties.

Here’s a Spokesman-Review article written prior to the City Council’s vote that helps explain some of the ramifications, and here’s the final draft of the ordinance (PDF), which was spearheaded by Councilmember Kinnear of District 2.

The Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council is putting together a standing committee of volunteers that would pursue historic preservation in our own neighborhood per the provisions of the ordinance.

If you’re interested in taking part and helping to ensure that our neighborhood’s historic character is preserved for future generations, please send an e-mail with your name and contact info to the neighborhood council. They’ll get back to you with further details and next steps.