The 1902 Paul Building is eligible under Category A because it is a relatively intact example of a modest two-story brick commercial building that included single room occupancy (SRO) lodging and a retail commercial space on the first floor. It was constructed during the city’s most significant period of growth, 1900 to 1910. As an early storefront and downtown single room occupancy hotel, the building is a specific property type within the downtown district. The relatively plain and unassuming building exhibits the characteristics of a single room occupancy hotel, with commercial use on the ground floor and living space above lit by interior windows and a lightwell. The living units were small rooms with no kitchen or bathroom (bath and toilet down the hall), and only a sink. This floor plan and room configuration is characteristic of SROs in Spokane. The building provided ground floor space for a variety of business enterprises and provided lodging for working class clientele in the ten rooms on the second floor. Daniel Paul, the building owner, was a farmer and rancher and ex-state senator from the Coulee City area and partnered with Fred Zahn, a Spokane barber and real estate investor to build the building.

Management Agreement (PDF)