River Park Square Celebrates 50th Anniversary
2024 marks a significant milestone for River Park Square as it celebrates 50 years of serving as the heart of downtown Spokane. Since its doors opened on May 1, 1974, just days before the start of EXPO ’74, River Park Square has not just been a premier shopping destination but a pivotal force in the city’s development and modern history.
![](https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/River-Park-Square-Panorama.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=77f482869ede8ef75ead4aa97233bf83 320w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/River-Park-Square-Panorama.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=d30da4f495204d35b45a06e38dbfa2bb 540w, https://visitspokane.imgix.net/images/River-Park-Square-Panorama.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=e39dd59170dc6e7196cae6ff21008c37 767w)
River Park Square Through the Years
The Beginning: The 1970’s
River Park Square first opened on May 1, 1974. Our journey began alongside our anchor, Nordstrom, providing a shopping experience unlike any other in Spokane and setting the stage for decades of growth and transformation. In 1978, we expanded to include a 55,000-square-foot second level and two skywalks linking River Park Square to JCPenney and Nordstrom. By the 1980s, our footprint had increased to 800,000 square feet of retail space, with notable anchors like The Crescent and The Bon Marche linked by a newly constructed skywalk.
Changing Times: 1980’s & 1990’s
The late 80s and early 90s were challenging times for urban centers across America, and Spokane was no exception. In 1987, Osco Drug, a longtime tenant, shut down, and Thrifty Drug promptly took over the space. In 1991, JCPenney closed its downtown doors, prompting a reevaluation of our strategy. This led to a monumental phase in the mid-90s when discussions to build a larger Nordstrom began, aiming to revitalize downtown Spokane.
A New Era Begins: 1999
The revitalization efforts culminated in a $110 million redevelopment, unveiled to the public in August 1999. The new shopping center featured an 80-foot glass atrium and a stunning new home for a 50-foot Christmas tree illuminated by over 10,000 lights, a spectacle that has since become a cherished holiday tradition.
The 2000’s: A Decade of Growth
The early 2000s saw a surge in energy and enthusiasm around the downtown area, driven by the modern appeal and comprehensive offerings of River Park Square. In 2005, the former JCPenney building was converted into a mix of shops and restaurants, including 24 Hour Fitness, P.F. Chang’s, and Jos. A. Banks Clothiers. This blend of local shops, restaurants, and major national brands brought a renewed vigor to the urban core, ensuring a vibrant downtown life.
The Future is Bright
As we celebrate this golden jubilee, River Park Square remains committed to evolving with Spokane’s community. We continue to be a hub where families, friends, and visitors gather, not only to shop but to experience the finest in retail, dining, and entertainment. Join us as we look forward to many more years of memories, growth, and community engagement.
Celebration & Legacy
River Park Square continues its legacy by providing downtown's best shopping, dining, and community events and activities.
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River Park Square
Downtown Spokane 808 W Main Ave Phone: (509) 363-0304
River Park Square808 W Main Ave
Spokane, Washington 99201