The American Planning Association (APA) announced today that Spokane neighborhood Browne’s Addition has been designated one of 10 Great Neighborhoods for 2009 by APA's Great Places in America program, according to a City of Spokane press release. Great Places are selected annually and "represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement and a vision for tomorrow," according to the APA website.
APA singled out Browne’s Addition for its historic residential architecture, its scenic views, timeless neighborhood design and local citizen activism and engagement.
“Browne’s Addition is a great historical neighborhood that’s rich in culture and bursting with community activity,” said Mayor Mary Verner. “The city is very proud to have the neighborhood chosen by the American Planning Association as one of its 10 Great Neighborhoods in 2009.”
"We’re very excited to single out Browne’s Addition as one of this year’s Great Neighborhoods,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP. "Historic residential architecture, landscape designs from the Olmsted brothers, access to the Spokane River gorge and a full range of housing prices and choices are just a few of the many characteristics that contribute to the neighborhood’s distinctive sense of place.”
Located west of city center, the 176-acre Browne’s Addition was Spokane’s first neighborhood. It was originally platted from the 160-acre homestead claim of John J. Browne, who moved to Spokane from Portland in 1878. Designated a National Historic District in 1976, the neighborhood has 239 historic buildings and includes Coeur d’Alene Park, Spokane’s first public park.
A neighborhood committee was also organized in 1976 to reverse what had been a decades-long period of decline. In 1980 the committee secured federal Community Development Block Grant funds to draft a neighborhood design plan. By 1984 a plan was completed and a special overlay zoning ordinance adopted. Since then, victorian-style street lights, signage, bus shelters and other elements consistent with the neighborhood’s character have been installed.
Today Browne’s Addition is the site of numerous community events including the annual ArtFest, the Elkfest, the annual Lilac Bloomsday Run, summer concerts and monthly walking tours.
The nine other APA 2009 Great Neighborhoods are:
Bungalow Heaven, Pasadena, CA
Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans, LA
The Haymarket, Lincoln, NE
Village of Kenmore, Kenmore, NY
Downtown Fargo, Fargo, ND
Franklin Historic District, Franklin, TN
Montrose, Houston, TX
Historic Hilton Village, Newport News, VA
Ladd’s Addition, Portland, OR
For more information about these neighborhoods, as well as the 2009 APA 10 Great Streets and 10 Great Public Spaces lists, click here.
This year's Great Places in America will be celebrated as part of APA's National Community Planning Month in October 2009. For more information about the special month, click here.
