The Spokane Flour Mill, built in 1895, was one in a series of mills built along the falls prior to 1900. It did not come into operation, however, until 1900 because the property became entangled in a complex international lawsuit that was one of the most explosive and long-fought battles in the city’s legal history. The mill was renovated as a shopping center in conjunction with preparations for the World’s Fair that Spokane hosted in 1974. The century old Flour Mill is located on the north bank of the Spokane River and south of the new arena. The shops are locally owned and are truly unique in their offerings.