Central Block: A New Landmark Rises on Riverside Avenue

The year 1889 can be set down as an epoch in the history of Spokane Falls. In future ages, encompassed with massive iron, stone and brick blocks, under the shadow of wires illuminating the location of palatial houses of worship, within earshot of the rattle and bang of spendid factories and workshops, surrounded with all the marks of metropolitanism, its street railroads, electric light towers, the rush of an endless current of humanity, etc., the ancient inhabitant will lift up his voice in the midst of a crowd of intelligent listeners and tell of the wonderful growth, the original 'boom,' of the great city of which they are merely pigmy factors, that took place in the year of grace, 1889. And the strides that Spokane has made this season are worthy of remembrance. Lesser buildings by the score have been added to the pile, while blocks of bricks have been constructed that will always be considered handsome pieces of architecture even after the growth we predict has been realized. Among these magnificent blocks, the result of the labors of the year, is one that we now wish to call particular attention to. We refer to 'Central Block.' We have seen many much more imposing edifices, but few that have been better built, and for finish and general appearance, both inside and out, it will compare favorably with the sister blocks that have so far been built in this city. Central Block was commenced last June, the parties interested in the building being E. H. Jamieson, Wolverton Bros., and the Boyer Est. When but partially finished John L. Wilson and J. M. Armstrong, of the United States Land Office, purchased the Boyer interest, and under the joint ownership the block is being finished to completion. E. H. Jamieson, one of our most enterprising and successful townsmen, was the prime mover in inaugurating this improvement, and through him were the other parties induced to go into the pool. The plans were drawn by our resident architect and builder, H. Preusse, Esq., who has had charge of the construction, and the work in its primary stages was supervised by the active leader in the enterprise. Laboring under the inconvenience of drawing supplies, iron work, etc. and other material from a long distance, the progress of the work has been greatly retarded, a source of annoyance, by the way, which we hope to see obviated in another season by the establishment of foundries at this point. However the building is pushed ahead as rapidly as the nature and condition of things would permit, and the building is now only awaiting the finishing touches, which will be applied before the expiration of the year. It is so far advanced that an idea can be formed of its ultimate appearance, and an opinion based upon the looks of the structure as it now stands can only be of the most favorable character. Central Block is situated on the south side of Riverside avenue, between Mill and Post streets, the north walls joining on the lots cornering on Post. The building is of modern style of architecture, the beauty of which will be enhanced when the cornices and trimmings are added. The brick work has been put together with great care, the joints being very close, no expense having been spared either in material or the work. The bricks are the best the market affords, the front being laid with sand rolled brick costing six per thousand. The block is two story in height, with a basement the full size of the building, high ceilings on both floors. It has a frontage of about 100 feet, with a depth of 70. The first section to the east belongs to the Wolverton brothers. They also own the lot adjoining and have left irons in position to add on another brick building next year. The store room of this part of the block is 24x70, and will be occupied by E. Klopfert's tin and stove store, that gentleman expecting to get in very soon. The central section is owned by E. H. Jamieson, is 28x70, and is now occupied by M. Thompson & Co., as a commission house. The west section is the property of Messrs. Wilson and Armstrong, and will be used as a land office by J. T. McCarther. Leading to the second story is a wide, roomy stairway with a centre landing. Swinging doors will be hung on the first landing to shut out the air that has a bad habit of taking that means of entry into the building. The upper floor is cut up into suites of rooms, all of which have been spoken for and a portion already occupied. The U. S. Land Office also is situated on the second story. A large hall illuminated by skylights extends the full length of the building, with lesser hallways branching off. The front and rear rooms are flooded with light from large windows while every inside room is lit with skylights. The finish of the interior is very tasty and neat, with an absence of all gaudiness, and from the hard boards to the wainscoting, and from the plaster to the painting everything shows care and a disregard for expense. Mr. McCarther, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Schmidt have rooms with their families on this floor and are most pleasantly located. The other suites will be occupied either as living rooms or offices. Mr. Jamieson has a suite of rooms that he will monopolize for a law office, and when he gets down his velvet carpet, puts up his lace curtains, and weaves his mahogany and rosewood furniture from the East he will be fitted up like a nabob. But to put aside joking, friend Jamieson has as handsome, convenient and cozy an office as can be found in the city. Besides the front stairway there are two others leading up from the rear. The store fronts will be finished in keeping with the interior style of the building, and the outside work yet to be done will add greatly to the present attractive appearance. The block will cost the builders $20,000, an investment we hope to see them realize a big income from. Mr. Preusse deserves his share of credit for the academy of the work, as the block is warm in workmanship manner from the foundation stone upwards. Mr. Jamieson has such faith in the growth of the city that with him the expenditure he will immediately proceed in the spring to put up another brick block on his lot at the corner of Mill street and Riverside avenue. It is to be hoped that he will look favorably upon the undertaking.