Crane Company Building

Year Built: 1953

Style: Modern

Architect: Whitehouse & Price

Address: 207 N Crestline Street

Designed by noted Spokane architectural firm of Whitehouse & Price, the building at 207 N Crestline Street was built in 1953 to act as the new office and warehouse of the Crane Company, a Chicago business founded in 1854 that specialized in plumbing, heating, air conditioners and other home hardware. The Spokane location was one of 148 branches nationwide. The Crane Company left their old location at 126 S Post after occupying the building since 1904.  Interestingly, plans were in place to demolish the old Crane building and replace it with a 250 car “pigeon hole” parking unit.  The Crane Company was an active business in the community and installed the first “Kohler Electric Sink” in Spokane in a 1927 Model Home.  By 1953, when they expanded into the building at 207 N Crestline Street, the company was “one of the largest manufactures of valves, fittings, pipe and plumbing and heating materials in the world.”  The building is now home to “Insight Distributing.”

Decidedly modern, the office building is an excellent example of mid-century modern architecture in Spokane and, looking as it did when constructed, retains excellent integrity of material, feeling, and design. Due to its association with Whitehouse & Price and being a great example of modern commercial/industrial architecture, it would be eligible for listing.

Images left to right: south facade; January 28, 1956 Spokesman-Review advertisement; east facade; Crane Co. vehicle at 126 S Post in 1920 [MAC L87-1.17327-20]