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Masonry Industry Promotion Group
Project Focus Building
A Legacy for Spokane's Future Spokane's history can be seen in its downtown buildings, many constructed more than a century ago. Today, Steven A. Meek Architects creates history for the future with the American West Bank Building.
"Our goal was to create a legacy building, for the owner and for the city," said Steven A. Meek, AIA, principal at the firm. "We wanted to give a classical impression that would blend in with the historic environment, but still be a modern building." Brick masonry was the obvious choice for a building which will be passed down to future generations. The site, which is bounded by Riverside, Sprague and Browne streets, anchors the eastern edge of the downtown core. For many years, the neighborhood languished beyond the bounds of the more vital urban center. Older buildings were left to deteriorate and businesses moved away. Only a handful of turn-of-the-century buildings remained. With construction of the American West Bank Building, a new mixed-use development is in the works that will renovate five historic buildings and construct two new ones.
Throughout the structure, intricate brickwork rarely seen in modern buildings complements the classic character. Combinations of raised and recessed bricks set horizontally and vertically create a rich and subtle texture. Craftsmanship obviously played a large role in the successful execution of the design. "It was one of our most intricate jobs," said Tim Spilker, president of Spilker Masonry Company and masonry subcontractor for the job. "There was a lot of detail that required a high level of skill. We had some of our most experienced people working on this job."
The American West Bank Building adds 56,000 square feet to the stock of downtown office space. Already more than sixty percent of the space is leased with Meek's firm slated to relocate there. Creating a modern office building while maintaining historic aesthetics has proved to be as popular with the public as it was with the city design review board and neighborhood groups. "We've had a lot of positive feedback," said Meek. "People really seem to appreciate the design and the masonry craftsmanship." The new vitality of the eastern edge of downtown has given a much-needed boost to the urban landscape creating a legacy for generations to come. Goebel Construction was the general contractor.
Architect:
Steven A. Meek Architects
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© 2003 - 2006 Janet Crosby all rights reserved
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The
American West Bank Building is a five-story building that features a
rounded tower on a diagonal orientation to create a welcoming entrance.
A base of beige and cream colored brick anchors the foundation. The
main body of the building is constructed of red brick and features ribbon
bay windows, a distinctly modern highlight, with a nod to the past.
Arched windows on the fourth level are accented with beige brick lentils.
Above the fifth story a stone cornice crowns the building. On the north
end there is a smaller three-story wing. A plaza and metal awnings welcome
pedestrians.