It’s not often that the opening of a building sets an important tone for the river, but a new building on the Spokane Falls Community College campus might do just that - at least judging by what SFCC chancellor Gary Livingston had to say in a recent Spokesman-Review article.
In “New building begins new look,” published on December 27, 2007, Livingston noted that the new SFCC business and social science building is intended to begin a campus-wide planning shift towards the nearby Spokane River Gorge, something initial campus plans ignored. “We’re turning all of the campus back toward the river more,” Livingston said. “We really want to accentuate the location, which wasn’t done when the campus was built.”
Even though the building has no direct view of the river, the idea that SFCC will begin to embrace its prime location is exciting. With acres of undeveloped, forested shoreline area just a stone’s throw from campus, highlighting the river makes great sense - especially since it helps position SFCC with youth activities and curricula that could capitalize on the river’s proximity. Long-term, housing could begin to replace the acres of asphalt that currently dominate the area, and help draw more full-time students. More two and three-story buildings like this one could help the school grow in size without increasing the overall footprint of the campus.
Though SFCC lies outside of the River Gorge Master Plan, the overall scope envisions linking Riverfront Park with Riverside State Park. Such future planning work would almost certainly include SFCC as an important partner.
Kudos to Mr. Livingston, and to SFCC for recognizing the opportunity, and for beginning an important transition!
