Historic Downtown Spokane Building to Undergo Mixed-Use Transformation

Former hair school site slated for speakeasy, restaurant, arcade, bowling alley, and apartments

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:19am

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A bold, vibrant silkscreen print featuring a repeated image of a vintage bowling ball in neon shades of blue, green, and pink, conceptually representing the addition of a bowling alley to the redeveloped property.The proposed mixed-use redevelopment of a historic downtown Spokane building will bring new entertainment options, including a bowling alley, to the evolving neighborhood.Spokane Today

The downtown Spokane building that previously housed the Glen Dow Academy is set to undergo a major mixed-use redevelopment. According to city records, a construction permit application has been submitted to convert the property at 309 W. Riverside Ave. into a complex featuring a speakeasy, restaurant, arcade, bowling alley, and apartments.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of this historic building represents a significant shift for downtown Spokane, as the area continues to evolve from its roots as a hub for vocational education into a more diverse, entertainment-focused district. The project also highlights the challenges facing former trade schools, as the accreditation requirements and costs make it difficult for new owners to maintain those educational uses.

The details

The proposed plans call for transforming the former Glen Dow Academy building into a multi-purpose complex featuring a speakeasy, restaurant, arcade, bowling alley, and residential apartments. This represents a major shift from the building's previous use as a state-accredited cosmetology and barbering school, which operated at the location for decades.

  • The Glen Dow Academy closed its doors in 2024 after 50 years of operation.
  • A construction permit application for the mixed-use redevelopment was submitted to the city of Spokane in April 2026.

The players

Glen Dow Academy

A state-accredited cosmetology and barbering school that operated in downtown Spokane for over 50 years before closing in 2024.

City of Spokane

The local government entity that received the construction permit application for the redevelopment of the former Glen Dow Academy building.

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What’s next

The city of Spokane will review the construction permit application and determine whether to approve the proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the former Glen Dow Academy building.

The takeaway

The transformation of this historic downtown Spokane building reflects the evolving needs and preferences of the local community, as the area transitions from a hub for vocational education to a more diverse, entertainment-focused district. This project also highlights the challenges facing former trade schools in adapting to changing market demands.