SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane’s University District has spent the past five years engaged in strategic planning to develop the area into a more walkable and accessible community. The district announced a move toward that goal on Monday.
Seattle-based developer Mithun will lead the conceptual redesign of the University District (UD).
District CEO Juliet Sinisterra looks forward to working with Mithun, who will oversee the planning of a significant overhaul of the riverfront area containing Eastern Washington University and Washington State University’s Spokane satellite campuses.
“We are excited to work alongside Mithun…including implementing sustainable, regenerative urban design that supports lasting community prosperity, and environmental health and biodiversity,” Sinisterra said.
Mithun will receive $200,000 for the conceptualization and will work with the district, biodiversity consultants and community members to craft the designs.
Strategic planning has been ongoing for several years as additional higher education funding has moved to the UD.
A Nov. 2023 strategic plan entitled “U Vision 2044” set ambitious goals for the district, including creating better public transportation options and recruiting more diverse talent for Spokane’s workforce.
Mithun will deliver a conceptual plan to the University District Public Development Authority, who will be responsible for assessing next steps after redesign plans are completed.
