Browne’s Addition historic neighborhood proposal now on the mayor’s desk
SPOKANE, Wash. — The proposal to make Browne’s Addition an historic neighborhood is now in the hands of Mayor David Condon.
The Spokane City Council voted in favor of the proposal on Monday. The proposal also passed among property owners with 54 percent approval.
Browne’s Addition is Spokane’s oldest neighborhood and is made up of historic buildings, many of which are already on the historic registry. The distinction has carried the promise of helping homeowners with property taxes while preserving the history of Browne’s Addition’s old-fashioned feel.
Should it fully pass, homeowners will be asked to review nearly 90 pages of design standards. That means property owners would have to follow certain guidelines for changes to exterior walls, roofs, porches, entrances and windows. Any changes to those elements of a home or building, plus any new construction, would have to be approved through a design review process conducted by the Spokane Historical Landmarks Commission.
Homeowners would also get help with their property taxes. They could receive up to 10 years of reduced property taxes, as well as a 20 percent income tax credit for income-producing properties, like rental apartments or retail establishments.
Condon has 30 days to make his decision on the proposal.
RELATED: What would happen if Browne’s Addition becomes a historic neighborhood?
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