Walking down Market Street in Hillyard, you can’t help but notice the history around you. As one of Spokane’s oldest historic business districts, with many buildings dating back to the early 20th century, you’ll also notice that it’s seeing somewhat of a revival.
Initially established as a town by railroad magnate James J Hill in 1892 to avoid municipal taxation, the local business community is enjoying improvements along Market Street, attracting new entrepreneurs to set up shop and bring new life into this community.
Thanks to a federally funded pilot program and collaborative effort between residents, artists, and business owners, Hillyard was designated as Spokane’s first designated arts district in 2025.
It seems the future is now, as construction of the Future 395 is heading into its final phases, estimated to complete by 2030. Considering this highway has been in planning since the 1950’s, the remaining timeline will seem to pass in a relative instant. Its path runs through Hillyard, which will likely provide an increase in business to this vibrant and vital neighborhood.
Urban Village Life
While currently considered a district, rather than a formal urban village, there are characteristics that align with the concept of an urban village.
There are plans in the works to promote additional mixed-use zoning to encourage commercial and residential uses.
Market Street, running through the business center of Hillyard currently provides a very walkable environment with small shops and restaurants along the way.
There are plans to continue the revitalization efforts by attracting private investment, increasing economic opportunity, and addressing infrastructure, such as transit-oriented projects.
Dining
Restaurants are continuing to explore setting up shop in Hillyard, both on Market Street, but also in the outlying areas of the neighborhood.
Want to meet up with friends for a drink? Hillyard has a lot to offer here in the form of bars and taverns.
Crazy Train Eatery Located in the United Building on Market offers a variety of burgers, sandwiches, and salads. There’s also a kid’s menu.
Kismet Just off Market on Queen Ave, you’ll find Kismet offering a variety of upscale dishes with a Latin influence.
The Bad Seed A few blocks off the main drag, enter The Bad Seed and you’ll find “Tex-Mex Eats & Craft Cocktails in Hillyard’s Historic Haunted Library”.
There’s plenty more to explore in this historic part of town. Take a weekend day or evening and see what Hillyard has to offer.
Shopping
From antiques to unique vintage second-hand items, you’ll find them on the historic stretch of Market Street in Hillyard. These shops have been in business for a long time and their eccentric owners can speak for the walls.
Market Street Antiques Antiques fill this two-story historic building with everything from kitchen items to glassware to clothing to furniture to toys. You’ll almost always find something you didn’t know you needed in this store. The friendly owners somehow seem to know where everything is; just ask.
Vintage Mercantile & Auction Think garage sale inside a building that also offers online auctions. That’s Vintage Mercantile & Auction. A very eclectic mix of everything is what you’ll find here. From small unique items to furniture and everything in between.
Karenoia It’s like walking back in time to the 60’s and 70’s. The hodgepodge of items in this store ranges from toys, lunch boxes, vinyl records, vintage posters, cookware, utensils, and various other objets d’art.
