Historical preservationists excited to come to Inland Northwest | News

Spokane and the Inland Northwest are known by its residents as a place with rich history. The roads are dotted with homes and buildings that were constructed in the 19th and early 20th century. Every place you go, from the Davenport Hotel, to Browne's Addition, to the mining towns of North Idaho, can tell its own story. That's the kind of atmosphere that caught the attention of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The Trust announced earlier this year that the Inland Northwest will be the host of their annual conference with Spokane at the center from October 31 to November 3.

Spokane was in the running with Phoenix, Ariz. and San Jose, Calif to have the conference in their city. However, the Trust liked Spokane the best because it had the complete package. 

"We are looking at cities that would be a great place for attendees. Not only does Spokane have a rich history that would attract preservationists, it has a rich coffee culture, shopping downtown and all our events would be within walking distance of the convention center," said Lori Feinman, Director of Conferences and meeting for the National Trust.

The variety of historical value is evident in community efforts to preserve and acknowledge the region's history. In Browne's Addition, the Museum of Arts and Culture covers regional history while a walking tour mobile site exists for the neighborhood to help visitors learn about the rich history of the historical homes.

The trust recognized the vast wealth of history, but also know it will reach appeal with those who plan to attending the conference.

The conference will play host to hundreds of lawyers, architects, business professionals and other preservation enthusiasts from around the country. Those attendees have the option to attend hundreds of field events in the area in addition to main conferences in downtown Spokane. Conference events include house tours in Browne's Addition, tours through the Hanford B reactor near Tri Cities and tours in the mines of North Idaho.

According to Feinman, some of the tours are already selling out: "We have a few (field events) that are (selling really well). A lot of people are interested in the Kirtland Cutter (and Spokane's Age of Elegance) tour."

Feinman also expects a huge economic impact for the area.

"We expect about $4 million to be brought in during the conference," said Feinman.

Registration is available for members and non-members. The super early deadline ends July 31. Click here for registration prices. To learn more about the conference and the National Trust for Historic Preservation click this link.

Nicole Hensley contributed to this report.