Then and now: TraveLodge River Inn

Much of Spokane’s downtown railroad and industrial infrastructure was removed in preparation for Expo ’74. But some areas weren’t ready for redevelopment until after Spokane’s big moment on the world stage.

Section:Gallery

Mon., Oct. 28, 2019

A 4-acre site on the north bank of the Spokane River, east of Division Street, that had been used for storing coal and other industrial purposes was cleared for a new waterfront motel in 1973. It would be called the TraveLodge River Inn, later Cavanaugh’s and Red Lion River Inn. Today it is the Ruby River Inn, owned by businessman Jerry Dicker.
The Ruby River Inn – formerly named the TraveLodge, Cavanaugh’s and Red Lion River Inn – has stood on the north bank of the Spokane River, east of Division Street, since 1976. It sits on 4 acres that once belonged to the Burlington Northern railroad.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review