This historic working-class neighborhood is known for its diverse mix of housing, some dating back to the 1870’s. It was known as the “Park District,” since it features three large parks: Liberty Park, Underhill Park, and Grant Park.
The Carl Maxey Center is an important Black/African-American focused cultural center in East Central, dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and transforming the African American community from the inside out.
This large neighborhood encompasses the South Perry and University Districts, explored on other pages int his series.
Urban Village Life
The expansive nature of East Central doesn’t lend itself well to the Urban Village concept. The smaller districts it contains like South Perry would more likely fit the description than the larger area of East Central, the boundaries of which extend from Spokane Falls Boulevard and Trent Avenue on the north side, to Havana Street on the East, and Division Street on the west. It southern boundary follows a zig-zag pattern.
Recreation
Liberty Park was once considered one of the finest parks in Spokane and the wider region. Recent restoration of the park has added multiple basketball courts, a lighted softball diamond, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, and numerous picnic tables throughout the park.
Underhill Park is a city-owned park located in the East Central neighborhood with a public playground, ball fields, trails, and other recreational activities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and football. On the steep side of the park, there’s a long, fast sledding hill popular during Spokane’s snowy winter months.
Dining
One special dining destination in East Central is Fresh Soul Restaurant. It’s a non-profit soul food spot dedicated to teaching job skills to teens. They serve catfish, ribs, fried chicken, greens, cornbread, gumbo, and more.
Sonnenberg’s Market and Deli is known as the oldest meat market in town since 1891. Inside you’ll find a large selection of quality meats, fast friendly service, and low prices. Alongside the meat case, the store is packed with other grocery, deli, beer, and wine options.
There are other dining options in the commercial district of this area at the Thor/Freya exit from Interstate 90.
The many other dining options in South Perry and University Districts are on their individual pages
Shopping
There are a variety of small shops to satisfy your shopping urges.
Back Alley Vintage Formerly named Spokane Antique Vintage, this little shop has an eclectic mix of home furnishings, home decor, and clothing. It’s a bit like a rummage sale packed inside a building.
Global Neighborhood Thrift Its mission is to offer pathways to employment for folks who have come to Spokane as refugees, providing work through the sustainable, accessible thrift and vintage store. Refugees receive job training, income, and a community of support. The wares range from racks of clothing to racks of books, and jewelry.
If you’re in East Central looking for a larger box store, Fred Meyer should do the trick.
