Built in 1911, the Waldean apartment building at 1428 W. Dean Avenue in Spokane is significant for its association with the wave of apartment buildings that were developed during Spokane’s greatest period of growth to date: 1900 to 1911. The building reflects the tremendous growth of Spokane at this time and the development of new housing types to serve both transient workers and those seeking permanent homes in the Inland Empire. It is also significant as one of the apartment buildings developed north of the Spokane River that catered to middle- and working-class tenants once the Monroe Street Bridge was constructed in 1911. It reflects the speculative development that was occurring at the time, as the construction of housing was a necessary and likely a profitable undertaking, particularly in the newly opened up North Monroe corridor. The Waldean Apartments were built for John W. Withers and his wife, Sarah. John Withers was an English immigrant and business owner. Upon his arrival in Spokane, Wither’s first business was Ware Bros., a hardware store that also sold sporting goods. Later he and his brother Walter J. Withers founded Withers Brothers Taxidermy. John and Sarah Withers resided in the property across the street from the Waldean until 1926.

Management Agreement (PDF)