What is the Community Building Project?
In the heart of Spokane, Washington, the Community Building Campus stands proudly as a hive of restored historic buildings, where diverse people, nonprofits, and local businesses gather and thrive. This space truly embodies the spirit of community, built on the rallying cry: WE BUILD COMMUNITY. With a blend of tradition and innovation, the Campus offers a tangible feeling of connection, drawing in locals and visitors alike to enjoy a setting that uniquely fuses history with modern vibrancy.
Main Benefits of Community Building
- WE BUILD COMMUNITY – a mantra that defines every brick and beam.
- Located in Spokane’s vibrant center, the Campus is a collection of restored historic buildings.
- Hosts social change initiatives that inspire and catalyze transformative ideas.
- Offers 6 distinct buildings with each supporting a unique extension of the Community Building mission.
- Features green innovations such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, upcycled and recycled materials, water conservation measures, and a reduction of CO2 emissions.
- Empowers local organizations through the Community Building Foundation, fostering justice, vibrancy, and sustainability.
- Connects neighborhoods by uniting Main Avenue’s east end at the junction of downtown, the Convention Center, and the University District.
Mission and Vision for Social Change
The mission is clear: to host, inspire, and catalyze social change in the Spokane region. Within these storied walls lies a beautiful collection of brick and mortar environments that enhance connectivity and uphold human dignity. The narrative is compelling – learn why social innovator Jim Sheehan, alongside local citizens and community leaders, has spent two decades leveraging an unexpected inheritance to build community. It’s a story that flows like a conversation at a neighborhood café… a tale of perseverance and a belief that even the slightest spark can ignite social transformation.
Historic Charm Meets Modern Sustainability
The Campus is much more than a collection of buildings; it is where historic charm meets modern sustainability. Emphasizing green features, the Campus utilizes solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling to create eco-friendly spaces that respect both the past and the future. Upcycled and recycled materials are woven into the very fabric of the structures, and water conservation measures are in place to ensure that every drop counts. A reduction of CO2 emissions speaks to the commitment of a community that cares deeply about its environmental footprint… an effort that is as practical as it is inspirational.
A Vibrant Neighborhood Experience
On Main Avenue’s east end, the surroundings are as engaging as the Campus itself. The area is described lovingly as a collection of groovy neighbors united in the pursuit of making Spokane more vibrant and inclusive. Here, the pulse of downtown meets the lively energy of the Convention Center and the academic spirit of the University District. It is in this melting pot of ideas and cultures that the real work of community building happens—each interaction amplifies the notion that inclusivity and connectivity are at the heart of social progress.
Empowering Through Community Foundations
The Community Building Foundation serves as a catalyst for local empowerment. By providing support to local organizations, the Foundation helps the community experience justice, vibrancy, and sustainability on a daily basis. This isn’t just a lofty ideal; it is a tangible, working model where community-driven initiatives come to life. The Campus functions as a critical support system, encouraging local organizations to take bold steps towards creating a better, more sustainable future for all its residents.
Project Impact
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – through the use of solar panels and geothermal systems.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by restoring historic buildings and creating inclusive neighborhoods.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing CO2 emissions and embracing water conservation measures.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and community leaders.
Local Connectivity and Future Prospects
Situated in key locations, the Campus spans multiple addresses that tell the story of its evolution. From Commons at 19 W. Main to the Saranac Building at 25 W. Main, the Community Building at 35 W. Main, and Main Market at 44 W. Main Ave, every location contributes its own chapter to the larger narrative. It’s not merely about where the buildings stand; it’s about the inherent connectivity they inspire. Visitors are encouraged to explore how to become more water wise, contributing actively to local sustainability efforts. The narrative is dynamic and evolving – a reminder that the future of Spokane is being written in real time, as collaborative efforts continue to create spaces where social change is both nurtured and celebrated.
