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Brook Kellogg
sfcc.brook.kellogg@gmail.com
What was once an expanse of weeds and dirt has now been reclaimed and turned into a bustling and impressive urban development: The Kendall Yards.
Once a parcel of polluted land 77 acres large, Kendall Yards was cleaned up, and all the contaminated dirt disposed of properly. The plan was finalized, set into place, and construction began.
The name Kendall Yards is named after Charles Kendall, the man who created the first bridge between the north and south banks of the Spokane River. Construction began on the development in 2010. In that time, it has grown a staggering amount. Going down Summit Parkway into the development will show someone the many things that are on offer.
It has a sustainable and walk-able design that allows people to walk or ride a bike to get anywhere within the development. There is a focus on art, so there are many works around the community by local artists such as Harold Balazs, Bill and Karma Simmons, David Blaine, and other local creative artists who have chosen to display their work there, as well as there being a gallery called the Marmot Gallery and the William Grant Gallery and Framing.
25 acres of the community have been reserved and used for parks and other such recreation. There is the Nest, named for the osprey nest nearby, where live music is held often along with other outdoor events, as well as the Olmstead Brothers Green, which has a playground and picnic shelter, both right next to the Centennial Trail.
This nearness to the trail is a big plus to at least one of the business in the development, MonkeyBoy Bicycles, owned by Patti Nepean, and her siblings Don and Lynn.
“We’ve been in the location since 2014. One of the things that impresses me is the sense of community here. You get to know people here. The residents are always helpful. We have people who rent bikes and explore so that’s been fun to provide people with that,” Nepean said.
Food is also a big part of the development. They have a Farmer’s Market that is held each week on a small concourse through the development, and there are several restaurants such as Veraci Pizza, Yards Bruncheon, and the Wandering Table. For wine and beer aficionados, there’s the Craftsman Cellars and Nectar Wine and Beer.
As if all of this weren’t enough, there are low-rise, mid-rise, high-rise, and townhouse living options within the development, with apartments as well as condominiums. All of these are in high demand, with waiting lists that are continually full, for up to a year long.
The development has without a doubt added to the economy, and will in the future. Being on the Centennial Trail and close to downtown it pulls people in and helps with revitalization and gentrification of the downtown corridor and surround environs.
And it has spurred on other such revitalizations with similar elements, elsewhere in town. It is a place to share community, meet friends, and even to live.