Historic Register Tour - Masonic Temple

HISTORIC NAME	Masonic Temple
COMMON NAME	Masonic Temple
DATE BUILT	1905, 1924
ARCHITECT/BUILDER	Rand & Dow/ Rigg & Van Tyne
PROPERTY STYLE	Beaux Arts/Neoclassical
ON THE SPOKANE REGISTER	Yes - added 7/29/91
NATIONAL REGISTER	No
IN A DISTRICT	Yes - District
DISTRICT	Riverside Avenue Historic District
NEIGHBORHOOD	Riverside

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The Masonic Temple is a significant example of Neo-Classical Revival architecture. Considered one of the grandest fraternal lodges in the west, it exemplifies the disciplined classicism that evolved from the Beaux-Arts movement and the influence of the Columbian Exposition of 1893. A principal structure in the Riverside Avenue National Historic District, the Masonic Temple is representative of the City Beautiful movement as it was expressed in Spokane. Historically and architecturally significant, the building drew on the talents of many of Spokane’s most influential and prominent citizens during its construction and development. It is a reflection of the importance of the fraternal and social organizations to the fabric of the community during its growing years. Originally completed in 1905, the Temple was the collaborative effort of two prominent Spokane architects, John K. Dow and Loren L. Rand.