Rockwood

Designed by the Olmsted brothers, this district is a nod to the tree-lined streets and beautiful landscapes Spokane offers.

 

Curving streets with triangle parks, lined with extraordinary historic houses and home to Rockwood Boulevard, a designated historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

While Rockwood is located close to downtown Spokane, it offers residents a quiet, sophisticated neighborhood in which to live. Historic homes and buildings suffuse the area among the grand Ponderosa Pine and Douglas fir trees. Homes are set back from the tree-lined curb, offering privacy along beautiful lots.

In the 1800s, the area was originally named Montrose by its founder, Francis Cook, for its hilly topography dotted with wild roses. By 1907, the preeminent landscape architects, the Olmsted Brothers, were called upon to plan and design the neighborhood. Montrose, or Mount Rose, became Rockwood, the beautifully historic neighborhood of today.

Combining a vast blend of architectural home styles gives Rockwood a distinctive personality and emphasizes its historical transformations. Strolling along the picturesque streets, historic buildings are set among exquisite Queen Anne, English Tudor Revival, Craftsman, and Modernist homes. Classical homes, as well as luxurious apartments, are available for all lifestyles.

Rockwood residents appreciate this neighborhood's quiet suburban atmosphere and enjoy downtown Spokane's urban amenities. Many of its cafés, restaurants, and stores are within walking distance so that locals can admire the historical sights and verdant scenery. The area is dog-friendly, allowing residents to accompany their furry friends as they stroll through the neighborhood.

Rockwood has a strong sense of community. With its many local events and attractions, residents are afforded various opportunities to come together. Ample parks and green spaces allow families to gather for outdoor activities.

Rockwood Bakery is located in an early 20th-century market building east of Manito Park. Today, the bakery in this historic building offers a variety of sweets, coffee drinks, and delicious lunch options.

Manito Taphouse

Republic Pi

Rockwood residents can find abundant attractions to keep them active while having fun. A favorite destination is Riverfront Park, located on the Spokane River. The park boasts one of the best urban falls in the nation and provides a range of activities, including biking the Centennial Trail, walking on the well-groomed paths, and attractions such as the Looff Carrousel. At Riverfront Park, one can take the SkyRide over Spokane Falls.

Just minutes from Spokane's Manito Park. Comprised of five major garden areas (the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Duncan Garden, Rose Hill, Lilac Garden and Ferris Perennial Garden), Manito Park is nationally recognized for its diverse horticultural displays. View A Walking Tour of Manito Park Brochure (PDF 1.2 MB) to locate your favorite gardens.

The Parks and Recreation Department maintains Manito Park's 78 acres of native and cultivated landscape and 20 acres of world class botanical gardens. Other Manito Park features include: Mirror Pond, a favorite of those who enjoy watching ducks and other water fowl; the Park Bench Café, open in season for light meals; Loop Drive and Bridge, offering majestic views of the Rose Garden; Upper and Lower Playgrounds – a favorite gathering spot of children; and the large basalt rock office building constructed in 1912. Central to the Park is the Gaiser Conservatory, where beautiful flowing displays change seasonally.

A leisurely drive through Rockwood on Spokane’s South Hill will take residents along four grassy, picturesque parks. These parks, known as the Olmsted Triangle Parks, provide delightful green spaces for residents. This community park is a year-round attraction.

Rockwood is a tightly-knit neighborhood that enjoys community activities and events. The Rockwood Neighborhood Council ensures the community’s continued prosperity through a variety of pre-planned events, such as the Rockwood Neighborhood Block Party. Offering live music, food, and games, this event is free and open to the public. The Hutton Elementary School is another organization that facilitates neighborhood cohesiveness. The school hosts its Hawk Walk annually, bringing the community together to enjoy a children’s fun run.

 

Rockwood has many highly-rated schools from which residents can choose. Among these excellent educational opportunities are: