We saw it as an opportunity to purchase an iconic downtown building and create a building to benefit all of Spokane.”

Up and Urban Spokane: Repurposing a local gem for a new era

Spokane’s former downtown Macy’s building was repurposed into a mixed-use building called The M. New building owners envisioned the building’s modern function as two reconfigured floors of retail and multiple levels of residential space. The M’s primary concrete columns, beams, and floors were salvaged (originally built in 1914, 1921, and 1950) and strengthened. Two skywalks were rebuilt to connect to the Bennet Block building and Urban Outfitters to promote pedestrian activity.

DCI Engineers provided primary structural and civil engineering services for The M. The structural team analyzed the existing building conditions to determine a concrete shear core design which removes some of the lateral demand from existing first floor columns. They also reinforced the foundation with micro piles; reinforced the new window façade openings on the eastside of the building; designed the staircase for the retail levels; designed the new framing systems for the skywalks, wall and floor systems for the residential levels, and structural systems for the below-grade parking level.

The civil team worked on the project’s erosion control plan, grading plan, storm water and utility plan, and signage and striping plan.