Building History

The Spokane architect John Kennedy Dow (1861-1961) designed the Mohawk Building, completed in 1915.

Historic Spokane.org noted that the Mohawk Building had architectural significance and that a landmark nomination had been done on it when it was hastily demolished. The group said: "Located in the heart of the central business district in downtown Spokane, the Mohawk Building was a seven-story steel frame structure with a flat roof and poured concrete foundation and was a good example of the Chicago School style. It was designed and built in 1915 to replace an earlier structure, of the same name, which was destroyed by a fire. The Dodson family, part owners and occupants of the original Mohawk Building, led the rebuilding efforts. It is architecturally significant as the work of master architect John K. Dow and for the high artistic values that his work conveys, especially in its terra cotta detailing, produced by the Washington Brick, Lime & Mfg. Co." (See Historic Spokane.org, "Historic Properties of Spokane: Mohawk Building (demolished)," accessed 11/01/2021.) George R. Dodson, Incorporated, a dealer in jewelry, diamonds, watches, clocks, silverware and silverplate, occupied the storefront at 517 West Riverside Avenue. (See R.L. Polk and Company's Spokane, Washington, City Directory, 1916, p. 323.)

Building Notes

In 1931, the Surety Finance Company, a company selling loans and insurance, rented Room #401 of the Mohawk Building. (See Polk's Spokane, Washington, City Directory, 1931, p. 524.)

Demolition Notes

The Mohawk Building was torn down in Spring 2007.

PCAD id: 19365