Group Revitalizing West First District

The view from Dale Dupree’s office window used to consist of prostitutes and drug users shooting up in the alley.

But Dupree, president of the Pella Window Store, 152 S. Jefferson, says times are changing as the downtown’s West First neighborhood gets a much-needed facelift.

A year ago, Dupree was fed up after a neighborhood crime surge and considered moving his business to a different location.

It was right around that time, however, that he became involved in the Market District Board, of which he is now chairperson. The board is made up of area business owners who grew tired of the goings-on in the neighborhood and wanted to do something about it. So they came together last October to figure out ways to make West First a more desirable place to live and work. At the same time, police worked to get the area cleaned up following a series of shootings, said Dupree.

Once the group members met, their priority was to create an environment attractive to businesses. So they set out to recruit an anchor tenant. “It’s best to use the garden analogy,” said Dupree. “Now that we’ve got the bed weeded, we’ve got to get some seeding.”

They were delighted when they landed the Spokane MarketPlace, Dupree said. Since that time, the area has seen vast improvement. “Jefferson and Madison look great. And the 2MT Art Gallery is a great addition to the neighborhood, too,” he said.

None of the improvements will change what has gone on in the past, so the board is working to change perceptions and fight the stigma attached to the neighborhood.

They aren’t the only ones interested in restoring the area. The Market District Board wants to share information and resources with other groups working toward the same goal. With the support of business owners in Carnegie Square, Steam Plant Square and the Davenport Arts Board, the Market District Board will approach the Spokane City Council to seek funding and support in establishing themselves as a city-recognized neighborhood.

They propose to be called the West End neighborhood. With a new name, they hope to create a rebirth - ridding themselves of negative perceptions in Spokane. They have also collaborated with the Downtown Spokane Partnership, an organization taking a lead in improving downtown.

Board members hope strides to enhance the neighborhood’s image will continue in the future with new streetscaping - adding benches, lights, garbage cans and more greenery that will improve the look and feel of the area.

How can Spokanites do their part to help?

Dupree urges community members to come and check out the progress that’s already been made. The Spokane MarketPlace is great, he said. It’s probably the most tangible of the groups’ efforts thus far.

“Patronize the shops. Refer them. Recommend them. Help them grow,” said Dupree.

For more information, call Dupree at 624-4281.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

MEMO: Created in support of the Spokane County Health Improvement Partnership, Discoveries highlights people working to improve the community.