Historic Register Tour - Carnegie Library, Main Branch

HISTORIC NAME	Carnegie Library, Main Branch
COMMON NAME
DATE BUILT	1904
ARCHITECT/BUILDER	Preusse & Zittel
PROPERTY STYLE	Beaux Arts/Neoclassical
ON THE SPOKANE REGISTER	Yes - added 12/14/92
ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER	No
IN A DISTRICT	Yes - added 7/30/76
DISTRICT	Riverside Avenue Historic District
NEIGHBORHOOD	Riverside

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Spokane’s Carnegie Library, main branch, is historically significant for several reasons. Built in 1904, it was the first true library structure in the city, occupying an entire block at the east end of Browne’s Addition donated by mining magnate Amasa B. Campbell. Famed philanthropist Andrew Carnegie funded construction of the building and it has been included on the National Register of Historic Places as part of a nomination for Carnegie Libraries in the State of Washington. The library is also a contributing building in the Riverside Avenue National Historic District. The well-known Spokane architectural firm of Preusse & Zittel designed the structure, after winning a Spokane Society of Architects design competition judged by Professor William Ware of Columbia University. It is an excellent example of neo-classical styling, exhibiting many unique features. After a long period of vacancy, Integrus Architects of Spokane renovated the building in the 1990s to serve as their offices.