It's a Go!
Introductory Information on the University District/Sprague Avenue Planning Study led by the City of Spokane
Phase I Conversion of Sprague Avenue Corridor to a major multimodal transportation facility supporting transit oriented development. This multi-phase project combines outreach, transit, and changes to the built environment to achieve these goals: mode shift, increased physical activity, pedestrian and bicycle safety, lower GHG, energy conservation, infill development, and job growth. Phase I work plan incorporates the successful Spokane GTEC Plan outreach and incentive activities and prepares to expand the capital improvement objectives.
Download the Power Point presentation here.
Partners will collaborate to develop public improvement alternatives integrating Complete Streets elements, transit configuration, ITS, and green infrastructure technology to support low impact, multimodal development within and connecting to the corridor. Alternatives, analysis, concept development, and modeling will address transitioning the existing development pattern to high density residential mixed use through changes to the City’s land use and design standards. This activity will secure public participation in the generation of alternatives, selection of a preferred alternative, and zoning amendments which will complete Phase I under this application. Future phases include engineering, construction, and GTEC outreach. Partners and contributors: Spokane County, Spokane Transit, Spokane Regional Transportation, Spokane Regional Health District, Downtown Spokane Partnership, University District Development Alliance, East Central Neighborhood, East Spokane Business Association, and Washington State Rideshare Organization.
For more information on the Planning Process click here.
The Division Street Gateway Project
The Division Street Gateway project will identify needed streetscape improvements as well as motorized transportation improvements throughout the corridor to provide not only “entrance” statements into the downtown, but strong linkages that provide east-west access between the Downtown and the University District. Improvements to this transportation corridor are intended to enhance Spokane’s visual image and be a safe and effective transportation corridor for all modes. This project will also address State requirements for Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Vehicle Miles Traveled targets.
For more information on the Division Street Gateway Project click here.
University District Bicycle & Pedestrian Bridge
As the Type, Size and Location (TS&L) Study nears its final phase, Please take a few minutes to review the PROJECT DETAILS.
Happening Now: Martin Luther King Jr. Way!
Getting around during construction...
Improving our roads is an excellent way to make getting around in the University District even that much easier. We are very excited to have Martin Luther King Jr. Way under construction as it has been a long anticipated project that will prove to be catalytic for the entire University District. But now that it is happening, we want to help get the word out to our students, faculty, employees, and most importantly our visitors and customers! Recently, foreseeing the impacts from construction, a group of organizations combined efforts to bring you Spokaneroadfix.net , a web site to share information about construction projects in the area, as well as ways to communicate to customers that you are open for business. Please take a minute to visit Spokaneroadfix.net to learn about construction projects in the University District.
Click here for the "It's Still Easy To Get Downtown!" map.
Click here for the "Business Survival Guide."
If you can't find what you're looking for and would like additional assistance, please contact University District Project Manger, Brandon Betty at bbetty@downtownspokane.net.
America's Next Great Academic Health Science Center
Local leaders have made substantial progress in advancing the effort to bring a full medical school to Spokane's University District to meet the growing need for increased physicians in Eastern Washington. In addition to meeting that basic medical need, the full medical school is likely to be the next major economic engine for the region. You can follow the latest information on this exciting opportunity by following the link to Greater Spokane Incorporate's website:
A Glimpse of Major Projects: 2010-2012
The University District Development Association monitors projects occurring in the University District. The images below illustrate such projects unfolding in the next couple of years. Each project's colored label on the photograph is represented on the map of the University District using the same. This color identification will help to orient viewers to each project location within the University District. To print these images, download the files here and here.
Spokane University District Housing Study
Recognizing an all around need for specific market analysis in the University District, the University District Development Alliance commissioned Zimmerman/Volk Associates Inc., to complete a formal housing study of the market area. Zimmerman/Volk Associates, Inc. has a national reputation for innovative market analysis based on its proprietary target market methodology. The woman-owned company specializes in the analysis of compact and sustainable development; mixed-income, mixed-tenure redevelopment; mixed-use urban revitalization; traditional neighborhood developments; and integrated-use master-planned communities. Zimmerman/Volk Associates is recognized by the leading practitioners of the New Urbanism as the national expert on the market feasibility of New Urbanist communities.
Follow the link to the Housing Study, Appendices 1 & 2, and Appendix 3.
Project Management
The University District initiatives have been mindfully coordinated using Project Management methodologies. This is an appropriate approach to a successful district because of the various programs that must be synchronized. Above is a chart communicating the layout of such programs, allowing easy identification of goals and objectives for each, as well as their respective projects. Ultimately, program focused communication sets the stage for managing and defining the functional work required of the University District’s individual projects.
Infrastructure Projects Take the Spotlight!
The ultimate destination for the University District is economic development through investment and infrastructure. Key stakeholders in the development process are working together to make that investment in both research and infrastructure projects. Further, through the University District’s marketing and communication strategies, new businesses and economic opportunities will be attracted to the area.
The key infrastructure projects include:
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Riverside Extension Phase I
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Division Street Gateways (Main, Riverside, and Spokane Falls Blvd.)
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Pedestrian Safety Railroad Overpass
