Browne’s Addition is a neighborhood in Spokane, Washington, United States. It is also known as Browne’s or simply Browne’s. It is one of the city’s oldest and densest neighborhoods, as well as one of the most varied. It is located directly west of downtown Spokane.
It is well-known for the high number of old houses that have been turned into multi-family housing complexes. Despite the presence of some geographical relief in the immediate vicinity, the scenery in the neighborhood is flat.
To the west, Latah Creek carves a steep valley separating Browne’s Addition from the Sunset Hill section of the West Hills neighborhood, while to the north, the Spokane River gorge dips sharply into the Peaceful Valley area, separating the two neighborhoods. Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood is located in the city’s southwest corner.
Browne’s Addition is known as one of Spokane’s cultural hotspots because of its historic architecture, vibrant culinary and nightlife scene, many community events, and the presence of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.
Before European settlers came in what is now known as the Browne’s Addition area, the Spokane people had lived there for thousands of years. The tribe’s members used the location as a wintering ground. As of 2020, tension over development and growth in the area, particularly on tribal burial grounds, is a cause of contention.
The city’s first residential neighborhood was Browne’s Addition. A vast number of historical structures dating back to Spokane’s origins can also be located here. In 1878, J.J. Browne, the man who gave it its name, arrived in Spokane.
Many mining magnates from the surrounding area came here to live opulently while remaining close to the raucous mining sites where they built their fortunes. Browne’s Addition was a popular choice for them since it allowed them to reside away from the mining districts where they made their wealth while yet being close by. As a result of this growth, several massive mansions were built in the area, including the renowned Campbell House.
Many of these mansions still exist today; some are still used as single-family homes, but the vast majority have been converted to other uses. Because of its historic significance, the Campbell House on the grounds of the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture has been preserved, while others, such as the Patsy Clark Mansion, have been transformed into commercial spaces. The majority, on the other hand, are multi-family apartment-style residences, a trend that began in the 1920s and is still going strong today.
Visit Peaceful Valley – Spokane WA
