If you have visited the Garland District recently, you have likely seen the changes: new apartment buildings, restaurants and businesses. The area dates back more than a century, but it has seen significant growth over the last few years. The growth has also brought controversy over development and concerns about crime.
In 2024, Spokane Police received 1,006 reports of property crime in the district. Business owners say the community has since worked to turn things around.
Danielle Amstrup, owner of Pleasantries, a home décor boutique that opened in Garland two years ago, said the district has a lot going for it. “Garland is just so walkable, it’s such a cute street, it’s got a retro feel, it’s been here for so long and there’s a lot of history here,” she said.
Amstrup said she chose the neighborhood for its character. “I just kind of bet on the neighborhood. It’s just such an iconic neighborhood in Spokane and it’s kind of seen its day over the years,” she said.
Federal grant funds neighborhood improvements
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amstrup said, the district received an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant. Business owners used the money on public improvements.
“We had a pretty significant chunk of money and we used it to do improvements like sidewalks, we trimmed the trees, we did lighting with security purposes,” Amstrup said.
Those changes are beginning to show results. Property crime fell about 35 percent in 2025. Business owners say new lighting, public art and more people walking through the district have made Garland feel livelier.
New businesses add to the district
Taylor Rainwater is one of the newest business owners in Garland. He and his wife recently opened Temple Tavern, an Italian restaurant and bar in the heart of the district.
“It draws a lot of people to the neighborhood, because they want to see the local artists and the stuff like that happening,” Rainwater said.
“We’re just happy to bring a fun new spot to the Garland neighborhood,” he said. Rainwater said the response to the restaurant and the growing attention on Garland has been exciting.
Parking concerns remain
Growth has brought concerns. When new housing projects were first proposed, some neighbors worried about parking and whether the street could handle more people.
Amstrup said she heard those concerns. “There was a lot of fear around parking and overcrowding in the district with new apartments coming in. But to be honest, I feel like the more foot traffic the better,” she said.
Amstrup said business owners are still pushing the city for more parking options. She also said parts of the area can still feel unsafe at night. Even so, she said she sees more visitors. “We’ve been seeing a big increase in foot traffic and people visiting the district who haven’t come here for many years, and who are coming out to check it out because they have great things to say about it,” she said.
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