Community Building is committed to:
Hosting dynamic, accessible spaces in thoughtfully restored historic buildings
Inspiring civic participation, creativity, and cross-sector collaboration
Catalyzing grassroots solutions that address social and environmental challenges
Engaging the public in shaping a more just, sustainable, and connected community
Rooted in Jim Sheehan’s vision, our mission is driven by the belief that place matters—and that beauty, sustainability, and democratic participation are essential to lasting transformation.
What is one interesting fact about your space?
The Saranac Building i was the first in Eastern Washington and one of the first in the state to achieve LEED Platinum certification, doing so in 2009. While other cities like Seattle had earlier LEED-certified projects, the Saranac’s high-level achievement highlighted its significant contribution to green building practices in a region between Seattle and Minneapolis.
It was the first building in Eastern Washington to receive this highest certification and was one of the earliest Platinum-rated projects in the entire state.
The project incorporated numerous green strategies, including reusing 85% of the original building, diverting 90% of construction waste, using recycled and local materials, and implementing a rainwater catchment system.
What are your favorite resources that you would recommend to others?
There are two resources that are significantly useful from CSN for me it is the resource library where I can search through others documentation. I find it very useful to see others policies and procedures. I also like that I can ask CSN for one on one meetings to see if they have ideas or can point me in the right direction for help on certain topics.
Center Name: The Community Building
Center Member Type: Center in Operation
Location: Spokane, WA
Center Website: https://www.community-building.org/
Photo Credit: R.L. Miller Photography