Spokane has had many years of building teardowns and remodels throughout the years. However, there are lots of buildings that have existed for a long time and now have a historical significance to the town. 

The Garland Theater was first opened in 1945 at the end of World War II. The Garland has always served as a single screen theater and at the time of its opening could house 1,000 people. 

“Showing on opening night was a double feature: It’s a Pleasure (starring Sonja Henie) and Double Exposure, the Garland Theater website said. “The luxurious lobby was filled with baskets of flowers from studio well-wishers along with congratulatory telegrams from Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Dorothy Lamour, Bob Hope, Ginger Rogers and Eddie Cantor.”

That night the garland opened its doors to decades of art, culture, and entertainment. It has been open for 76 years and although it has had some changes through the years, it still runs as intended when it opened. 

“I have two favorite parts,” Sara Ray, a frequent customer said. “First is the Art Deco style of the building. It is lovely. Second is the snack bar… especially now because of the variety of foods available.”

The Garland Theater has been a part of the Spokane community for decades but everyone remembers a different favorite part. Some remember the dollar movies, while some remember the record and gift shop that existed in the front of the theater until the 1960’s. 

“The building is supported by the original foundation and walls made of reinforced concrete” the Garland’s Registration of Historic Places Nomination Continuation Sheet said. “The outer walls are clad with terra cotta, brick, and tile. Settlement cracks are evident in the brickwork slightly beyond the southwest corner, the tiles of the west door, and the steps and surrounding concrete of the north and south east exits.”

When looking at the building from the street, the history exudes from the walls and is accompanied by the warm small town, mom and pop shop feel of Garland Street.

“The east side retains a slot booth originally used by ushers to dispose of tickets,” the nomination sheet said. “Above the booth, movie posters are locked behind glass amidst a wide frame of plaster.”

This historical theater has been a part of the garland district history for years and its sign can be seen for blocks.

“A forty-eight foot tower marquee at the southwest corner of the south lot features a triangular reader board above a trapezoidal base,” the nomination sheet said.

The building as in its complete has had some restoration construction throughout the years, but as a whole it has stayed close to the original. The threat of COVID-19 made the theater close its doors, but they have recently started viewings in smaller quantities. 

“It would be a great loss to the community to have the Garland close,” Ray said. “Their showing of older movies is so much fun. Older people get to relive the memories and also can share them with their younger loved ones.”

It was the first of its kind on the West Coast and has become a staple for quick, inexpensive family fun for everyone in Spokane. Whether it is watching a movie with the family complete with a milkshake from the milk bottle down the street, or a visit to the tavern, the garland district gives a sense of community in every aspect.