Fianna Dickson, 509.625.6297
Friday, March 10, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.
Construction on the new building for the Looff Carrousel is underway, with building demolition scheduled to begin Monday, March 13.
The structure was built for Expo ’74 with an eye towards housing the 1909 Looff Carrousel soon after the World’s Fair. Unfortunately, the building is not climate controlled or well-insulated. The lack of climate control aids in the rapid degeneration of the wood carvings, requiring much more intensive care and oversight in the long-term preservation of the Carrousel. The building also lacks adequate space for queueing.
The new, expanded building for the Looff Carrousel will sit at the same site. It will incorporate a climate controlled space to protect the longevity of the wood carvings. It will also highlight the treasure with large glass windows and improved lighting, allow for greater egress around the Carrousel, incorporate a larger event facility, and provide expanded restrooms, concessions and a gift shop. The design came from community input; renderings can be seen on the Riverfront Park Redevelopment website.
The new facility is anticipated to open in Spring 2018.
During the year-long construction of the new facility, the horses and other wooden animals are undergoing a full renovation. The Carrousel is on the National Register of Historic Places, and is one of America’s most well-preserved hand-carved wooden carrousels. It features 54 horses, 1 giraffe, 1 tiger, and 2 dragons.
The Looff Carrousel renovation is one of the 5 bond projects for the redevelopment of Riverfront Park.
Redevelopment details are at www.riverfrontparknow.com and highlights are on the Riverfront Park Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneRiverfrontPark/.
The City of Choice
509.625.6200
parks@spokanecity.org
808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
