Plan to benefit 100 properties
In addition to the city center development itself, consultants hired by Spokane Valley also outlined a broader city center “neighborhood” that currently includes about 100 commercial properties covering 130 acres that could be prime for redevelopment if the project is successful.
They are owned by some 70 companies and individuals, based on an analysis of property records. The Magnuson family of North Idaho controls about a third of the property in the city center neighborhood, including the University City mall.
Magnuson family members, companies and affiliates have donated $1,800 to the campaigns of sitting council members since the city’s inception, based on reports filed with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission. Councilmen Mike DeVleming, Gary Schimmels, Dick Denenny, Rich Munson, Steve Taylor and Mayor Diana Wilhite received those contributions.
The Pring family is the next-largest property holder, with about 8 percent of the land.
Members of the Pring family contributed a total of $1,500 to the campaigns of DeVleming, Denenny, Wilhite and Taylor.
Other contributions from city center neighborhood property owners include a $100 donation to Denenny’s campaign from Jeff Barton of Barton Jeep.
The part of town where Spokane Valley wants to build a center includes a range of property, from a vacant movie theater to a successful supermarket.
“ University City:
Opened in 1965, the mall was billed as the largest air-conditioned shopping center in Washington. It featured 29 stores and parking for 1,500 cars, according to newspaper archives. No longer the retail center of the Valley, it currently houses a Virgin Mobile call center, the Group Photographers Association and a strip mall anchored by Rosauers.
“ McDonalds:
Owned by Archland Property, LLC, which lists a Delaware address.
“ Taco Bell:
Owned by CLC Spokane, LLC, which lists an address in Missoula.
“ University City East:
The Magnuson family also controls many of the properties east of University City, including the vacant Rite-Aid building.
“ Zip Trip:
Owned by Jo-By Enterprises, LLC, of Spokane.
“ Banner Bank:
Formerly F and M Bank.
“ Vacant land
Property is owned by the Klaue Family Partnership
“ New Life Assembly:
The church is extensively renovating the former Rosauers location for its new meeting place. The property is owned by Stanley Sullivan.
“ Appleway Florist:
The Bartleson family has owned the greenhouse and flower shop since the 1950s.
“ Torgerson property:
Roughly 6 acres, including a now-closed movie theater, are owned by local developers Lloyd and Sharon Torgerson.
“ Peking Palace:
Restaurant and bar property are owned by R and M Yang, LLC.
“ Top of India restaurant:
Property is owned by Manjit Kaur, of Spokane.