Spokane Neighborhood Business District Activation Grants

Grant funds delivered two major physical improvements at Cornerstone Physical Therapy—the installation of outdoor security cameras and durable parking stubs—that immediately boosted the business district’s functionality and appeal. The cameras provide a strong deterrent to disturbances, increasing security and peace of mind for everyone using the facilities. The parking stubs, meanwhile, streamlined vehicle traffic flow and enhanced pedestrian safety. This successful two-part project earned overwhelmingly positive community feedback, leading to a perception that the area is now safer and more welcoming, supporting the long-term vitality of the neighborhood.

The Spokane Baby Co. grant project successfully enhanced the storefront of Spokane Baby Company on Garland Avenue by purchasing and installing a custom A-frame sidewalk sign and planter boxes filled with seasonal plants. These improvements significantly increased the store’s visibility to both pedestrians and drivers while creating a more inviting, welcoming, and professional atmosphere. Customer feedback confirms that the storefront looks brighter and more attractive, which will draw new shoppers and contribute directly to the overall beautification and vibrancy of the entire neighborhood business district.

Partnering with the team from Spokane Baby Company located next door, the Pleasantries project used grant funding to purchase materials, including planters, gardening supplies, soil, and plants, to create a beautification effort at the front of a store. The impact on the district has been notable, drawing an overwhelming number of positive comments from visitors who entered the store specifically to mention the flowers. Beyond increasing foot traffic and conversation, the project has visibly improved the aesthetics of the street, as evidenced by compliments from passersby and people stopping to take pictures in front of the planters, fostering a greater sense of community pride and visual appeal in the area.

The Gathering House project involved two key repairs to improve the building and its surrounding area: replacing a large, cracked, floor-to-ceiling glass window on the Post Street front and patching and repairing potholes in the paved alley and parking lot. The impact on the district is significant, as replacing the highly visible broken window directly enhanced the neighborhood’s welcoming spirit. Repairing the hazardous potholes in the alley and parking lot improves safety and accessibility for the numerous community members who use the space weekly for the Global Food and Art Market, various meetings, and the coffee shop, ensuring a better experience for patrons and visitors.

This project, centered on the Upward Building (formerly the Garland Dental Building), completed major building upgrades after 15 years of neglect, nuisance, and safety concerns in the Garland District. The exterior transformation included installing a mix of rocks, landscape fabric, and dolomite boulders, which replaced the patchy landscape and successfully reduced unauthorized foot traffic and loitering. This sustainable and water-conserving landscaping earned praise from neighbors, tenants, and landscape professionals in the region. Coupled with visionary new ownership, the building now houses eight local businesses and nonprofits, effectively serving as a community hub and signaling a new era of smart redevelopment in the area.

The Neon Moon successfully completed a complete remodel of the men’s bathroom in its building, which sits on a popular and busy corner in the heart of the Hillyard district. The positive impact extends beyond the organization’s customers, also benefiting guests and the wider neighborhood by enhancing the public face of this central location within the active district.

The lighting project at The United Building, also supported by a separate façade improvement grant from the Spokane Historic Preservation Office, significantly enhanced the visibility and architectural appeal of the United Building by installing four new up/down sconce lights. Housing five different businesses, the building now draws considerable attention during the evening and night hours, making it easier for patrons to find. By adhering to the standards set by the Spokane Office of Historic Preservation, the new lighting highlights the historic architectural features and will further increase patronage as daylight hours diminish.

Click here to see a short video with Dave Musser from the United Building, alongside Mayor Lisa Brown and Councilmember Jonathan Bingle, celebrating the impact of updated lighting on the property. Thanks to the City of Spokane for this video asset!

The Kehoe Building’s activation grant supported the commissioning of “Spring Mural,” a large-scale public artwork by local artist Emma Noyes (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation / Sinixt and Colville Tribes), completed in June 2025 on the south side of the Kehoe Building in the heart of Hillyard. This project had an immediate and significant impact, coinciding with the launch of the neighborhood’s first Third Thursday Art Walk and contributing to the visual excitement that led to the district becoming Spokane’s first Certified Creative District. The mural has already become a celebrated cultural waypoint on Market Street, drawing onlookers and photographers, generating multiple positive features in local media and social media, and serving as a vibrant, inviting visual representation of the creative spirit of Hillyard.

Click here to see a short video with Bobby Whittaker from the Kehoe Building, Mayor Lisa Brown, and Councilmember Jonathan Bingle, celebrating the addition of the mural to the Hillyard district. Thanks to the City of Spokane for this video asset!

The Christ Kitchen project enhanced the organization’s garden and surrounding grounds, primarily through volunteer-led efforts. Key tasks included installing new raised beds, landscaping the sidewalk area, adding gravel around the garden, and setting up a small equipment shed. Volunteers also undertook extensive preparatory work for a future mural, power washing and applying a new coat of white paint to the adjacent building’s wall and installing two trellises. These diligent community contributions resulted in a space that is now cleaner, more inviting, and visually improved for the women utilizing the garden and greenhouse, boosting both the organization’s appearance and the aesthetic of the North Monroe community.

This project realized a long-standing vision to install a significant piece of public art in the form of a vibrant mural on the side of Evergreen Florist’s building. Local artist Miles Toland collaborated with Evergreen to design a mural that has already been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the neighborhood, sparking conversation, generating social media buzz, and drawing people to stop and appreciate it. Its contribution to the district goes beyond mere visual enhancement, serving as a powerful symbol of community engagement, growth, and collaboration while strengthening the identity of the North Monroe Business District as a welcoming and thriving destination supported by the city’s commitment to small business and public art.

Click here to view a short video with Jo Branson from the Evergreen Florist team, Mayor Lisa Brown, and Councilmember Kitty Klitzke, celebrating this beautiful addition to North Monroe. Thanks to the City of Spokane for this video asset!

The project, completed with the help of activation grant funds, transformed the exterior of the Garden Gate property in the heart of the North Monroe Business District. The improvements included beautification efforts such as planting vibrant perennials and annuals, adding white rock trim, and installing new planters to create a welcoming and intentional design. Furthermore, the project addressed safety and aesthetics by rebuilding the deck and stair access to the upstairs apartment and staining and replacing sections of the existing fence. For the new small business, the grant’s impact is already visible: the upgrades have significantly enhanced the building’s curb appeal, making the space feel more inviting for neighbors and visitors and strengthening its potential as an attractive location for local business activity and community gathering, thereby contributing to the overall revitalization of Monroe Street.

This project focused on enhancing the Afghani Restaurant & Market at 3004 N Monroe, specifically addressing the lack of visibility at the corner of Monroe and Fairview. By installing clear, colorful, and descriptive signage and banners, the business is now easily identifiable and welcoming to patrons and pedestrians, overcoming the previous obstacle that the entrance was not visible from Monroe Street. The impact is significant: the new signage achieves beautification for the entire business district, reflecting the growth and adaptation of the family-owned business, and serves as an inspiring transformation that welcomes a delicious addition to the neighborhood.

Click here to view a short video with Naseer Mushwani from the Afghani Restaurant and Market, Mayor Lisa Brown, and Councilmember Kitty Klitzke, celebrating the installation of this sign! Thanks to the City of Spokane for this video asset!

Held in mid-August 2025 after months of planning and coordination, the “Cultural Connections Block Party” was a celebration of culture, creativity, and sustainability made possible through extensive collaboration across North Monroe and the city of Spokane. The event involved a unique partnership of four key intersection businesses (Tune Tech, Monroe Midtown Square, The Hub Tavern & Rogue Heart Media, and the Afghani Market & Restaurant) to host a cross-street block party. Enhancing the community focus further, two nonprofits serving immigrant and refugee families (Manzanita House and International Rescue Committee) and two “zero waste” advocacy organizations (Plucky Duck and Spokane Zero Waste) tabled at the event. A local Sherwin-Williams paint store also supported the event by donating supplies for an ongoing community mural project. This broad collaboration among local businesses, nonprofits focused on diverse community needs, and grant funding helped ensure the event’s success and created lasting assets like safety crossing flags and canopies, lifting neighbors and increasing the beauty and safety of the district.

Click here to view a short video recap of the Cultural Connections Block Party!

The volunteer-led North Monroe Business District board, with support from the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council and the Office of Neighborhood Services, led a successful community cleanup that dramatically improved the neighborhood business district from Indiana to Cora. Volunteers equipped with tools and safety gear tackled an immense task, including trimming shrubs, pulling weeds, planting, and collecting litter, which significantly enhanced the district’s aesthetic and cleanliness despite a soaking rain shower. Their collective effort, including using a free dumpster and a pickup truck for disposal, was celebrated with refreshments, fostering a stronger sense of connection between the volunteers and their neighborhood.

This project involved designing and installing prominent billboard signage at the Dalton intersection on the North Monroe corridor to direct visitors to the Emerson-Garfield Farmers Market’s new location. Installed at the beginning of the season to run until the end, the billboard had a significant positive impact on the market’s operations. Specifically, it has successfully alerted and guided customers who initially drove to the former location, reducing confusion and frustration. The billboard also became an incredibly useful tool for wayfinding and awareness raising, frequently serving as a clear directional landmark when customers call for directions, proving to be a valuable resource the market could not otherwise afford.

Activation Grant funding increased the Spokane Neon Museum’s public presence in it’s new location, enabling it to establish a foundational brand identity with a clear logo, consistent messaging, and a fully built website and social media platform. This critical work has positioned the museum for long-term visibility and community engagement, setting it up to become a recognized cultural destination ready to attract partners and future funding.

The Grant Elementary School mural project successfully transformed the school’s playground with a beautiful, 120-foot mural designed by Karli Fairbanks. This vibrant artwork depicts a Grant Elementary Pride parade, using its narrative theme to celebrate the joy, spirit, and diverse culture of the school and its surrounding neighborhood. With characters holding a sign that declares, “You belong here,” the mural acts as a powerful welcome, fostering inclusion and a sense of place. The immediate, overwhelmingly positive impact is evident, with the principal noting, “This feels like a school now,” and children actively engaging with the art by touching the characters and playing “Eye Spy.” Overall, this public art installation significantly contributes to the school’s identity and promotes neighborhood well-being by creating a joyful, welcoming landmark in the district.

Emmaus Spokane revitalized the church’s exterior on 11th Avenue to enhance community engagement and aesthetic appeal. The project included commissioning a mural, installing native, low-maintenance landscaping, adding decorative patio planters, and erecting a welcoming sign generously offering free parking for the weekly Perry Street Thursday Market as a way to further support visitors in the district!

This project utilized grant funding to activate local artists and launch a comprehensive branding and advertising strategy that achieved a significant, district-wide impact for the annual Pride in Perry event. The new event branding and signage successfully showcased the Perry district as a vibrant and intentionally inclusive destination, fostering community trust and driving new traffic to local partners. Critically, the interactive public art pieces developed for Pride in Perry have proven to be highly scalable and sustainable, having already been successfully implemented at two subsequent neighborhood-wide events, including the South Perry Street Fair. This provides the district with reusable resources for arts-focused community engagement for years to come.

The Wishing Tree Books project successfully delivered a beautiful and professional permanent sign for the beloved neighborhood bookstore, a significant upgrade from the previous A-frame sign. The sign uses quality, low-maintenance materials and received great feedback from customers and neighbors, helping to improve wayfinding and establish the business in the district during its sixth year of operation. (An additional benefit: employees save time since they no longer have the daily task of setting up the old A-frame sign!)

This activation grant project successfully replaced the old, failing white picket fence surrounding the historic Windmill Building (home to Lorien Herbs & Natural Foods) with a new vinyl picket fence. This upgrade provides a significant aesthetic improvement to a highly visible and frequently photographed landmark in the Perry district. The community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the enhanced appearance earning compliments from both surrounding businesses, patrons, and neighbors.

Through successful grant funding for essential promotional materials, South Perry Together directly engaged hundreds of neighbors at three summer events, gathering crucial feedback to commission new public art (like banners and murals) and inspiring volunteer participation for the annual South Perry Street Fair. These materials ensure the district can maintain this vital, direct community connection at future events, helping to continually enrich and grow the neighborhood.

Eligibility: this Activation Grant program was open to business owners, property owners, and non-profit organizations working and serving within the Garland, Hillyard, North Monroe, and South Perry Neighborhood Business Districts. 

Purpose of Activation Grants: these smaller projects aimed to provide and show impact within business districts in the Spring and Summer of 2025. Consider these important and “quick win” projects to support businesses and district needs immediately. 

Funding Available: each of the four districts was allotted up to $20,000 in Activation Grant funding.  Individual projects received grants ranging from $300 to $5,000. Final amounts depended on several factors, including: the project’s requested budget, its overall cost, the review committee’s assessment, and the availability of funds. The expenses must not have been incurred before the signed project agreement date. 

One-to-One Matching Grant Details: this was a one-to-one matching grant, meaning applicants must secure contributions dollar-for-dollar equal to the requested grant amount to fully unlock its potential. For every dollar requested from this grant, you must demonstrate securing an equivalent dollar from your personal funds or from other sources. These matching contributions can be either financial or in-kind. Financial contributions are direct monetary donations. In-kind contributions include the documented fair market value of donated goods, services, or volunteer time that directly support the project. We will utilize the Independent Sector’s volunteer time valuation, currently $40.28 per hour in Washington State. 

Examples of Eligible Projects: Activation Grants fund impactful projects with visible and immediate results in Spring and Summer 2025. Funds may be used to reimburse costs of materials and labor including, but not limited to, the following types of projects: community engagement events and marketing initiatives, safety enhancements, beautification, parking lot enhancement or pop-up parklet activation. Routine or deferred maintenance was not eligible for funding.

Selection Criteria and Scoring Rubric: grants were reviewed by a committee and scored based on set criteria, along with discretion by the selection committee members. Projects were evaluated based on the following criteria, including, but not limited to: alignment with neighborhood values, including clear connections to make your business district more resilient, welcoming, beautiful, safe, equitable, and connected; contribution to long-term district viability; equitable and positive impact on small businesses within the district; enhancement of walkability, access, safety, and sense of place for residents; demonstrated project feasibility and readiness; and alignment with existing city/regional priorities.

Who selected the funded projects? Activation Grants were selected by the Spokane-based Washington Trust for Historic Preservation Team alongside partners from the City of Spokane, using the criteria listed above. This allowed leaders within the business districts to also apply for funding without conflict of interest. 

Funding Disbursement: only approved project costs were reimbursed, and projects were required to have sufficient payment documentation to receive reimbursement. Projects must be completed or implemented by August 31, 2025, to receive reimbursement, unless extensions were approved in advance.