Spokane, Washington is located on the Spokane River, a tributary of the Columbia River, and is very close to the Washington-Idaho border. The city’s metropolitan area is home to 456,175 residents. The Northwest Fur Company helped to put the city on the map in the 19th Century. The climate is cold in winter and moderate in summer with approximately 16 inches of rain annually making it ideal for outdoor activities year round.
The River Park Square Mall has provided what the Downtown area needed; a great economic boost. With the redevelopment of the area, there is a new economic outlook for Downtown and its surrounding areas. Many buildings were renovated including the Davenport Hotel and the Holley Mason Building. New businesses are being added to the Washington yellow pages which is always a good indicator.
The city’s neighborhoods have 18 recognized National Register Historical Districts and vary in style of architecture, from the Victorian-era South Hill and Browne's Addition, to the Davenport Arts District of Downtown, to the contemporary neighborhoods of North Spokane. The city is excited by the Kendall Yards redevelopment project that will include residential, mixed and multi-use properties and bridges connecting it all to downtown. The business directory now includes historic societies along with the restaurants and entertainment in the city.
There are several ski resorts in the area, exciting river rafting and canoeing and shopping. Tourism and the service industries, manufacturing, wholesale and retail industries are helping to create a new economic outlook for the city. The art districts in Spokane are Davenport and Garland Village that host the galleries and art festivals. Theatres are venues for touring and local shows.