Everybody has heard of New York’s Lincoln Center. But 2,500 miles to the west, the progressive city of Spokane, Washington, features its own smaller yet notable facility with the same name. Offering a touch of elegance carried over from its origins nearly a century ago, Spokane’s Lincoln Center is an attractive venue for corporate meetings and other events.
Constructed in the 1920s as a church, the updated facility features an Art Deco-inspired interior design complemented by 21st-century technologies. Located in the downtown area with nearby buildings also preserving mission-style architecture, it exudes an old-fashioned charm many guests find appealing.
Over the years the facility evolved in a number of ways. Known by several names, including John G. Lake Church and Second Harvest Christian Fellowship, it eventually took on a secular role. In the 1980s, a concrete block structure was added with a gym that has since been converted into one of the center’s two ballrooms, along with a two-story wing with classrooms that have been redesigned as kitchens and conference rooms.
Today, the Lincoln Center stands out as one of the region’s most attractive meeting venues. Relying on low-key marketing and benefiting from great word of mouth, it seems to have a bright future.
“A lot of people don’t know we’re here,” said events coordinator Trudy Dodd. “But when they experience this place, they like it. And we’re eager to cater to the needs of meeting planners.”
Along with the historic charm offered by the center, she pointed to the availability of several choices for meeting rooms, which range from ballrooms to conference rooms. But Dodd said the facility’s staff may be its strongest point.
“We have a great staff,” she said. “It’s like a family. Everybody takes a hands-on approach and pitches in, especially with corporate events.”
The center’s location is also a plus, Dodd said. “We’re one block from the city arena, two blocks from the Little Spokane River and three blocks from Riverfront Park.” The latter features engaging scenery along with attractions including a carrousel, a sky ride, an Imax theater, pavilion amusement rides and an outdoor covered ice palace.
Meeting Spaces
The Lincoln Center’s 29,000 square feet of space includes the Lincoln Ballroom, with 6,300 square feet of space and a capacity of 450, and the 5,200-square-foot Monroe Ballroom, which accommodates up to 350 guests. Other spaces are a 990-square-foot conference room with a capacity of 123, another conference room with 805 square feet of space and a capacity of 85 and a boardroom seating up to 16 people. An attractive foyer, with 6,850 square feet of space, features an artwork suspension system and gallery lighting. It can be ideal for prefunction events or check-in for the adjacent ballroom.
Tip-Top Dining
The center has earned a reputation for outstanding food-and-beverage service through its arrangement with Red Rock Catering and Events. Users have praised the quality of their menus, their attention to detail and the willingness of the chef and other staff to work with clients in creating individualized selections. Typical choices include continental, buffet or plated breakfasts; soup and deli buffet, chicken picatta or fajita buffet, or plated meals for lunch; and for dinner, a choice of pasta buffet, classic dinner buffet, or plated and full-service meals with one or two entrees. Cash and hosted bars are also offered.
Meeting Support
The center’s old-fashioned atmosphere is complemented by the latest in technology support and meeting amenities. Both ballrooms feature drop-down screens and professional audio, and stages equipped with stage lighting. Guests also have access to high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi. Specialty lighting includes gobos and LED color lighting that may be used to highlight a meeting theme. Portable audiovisual equipment is also available for the conference rooms, and the boardroom has a wall-mounted high-definition television monitor with Internet connection. Other amenities include free ground-level parking, assistance with design of event space, flexibility in use of tables and chairs, linens and fresh floral arrangements.
Wide-Ranging Events
A popular choice for weddings, the center also hosts a variety of other events. Along with multiday conferences, the facilities can be right for product launches, shareholder meetings, team-building events, demonstrations and sales kick-off events. Other possibilities include recruitment events, board meetings, news conferences and networking events, as well as town halls, open houses and customer appreciation sessions.
With its combination of midsize and smaller rooms, the center accommodates educational activities such as workshops, seminars, lectures and continuing-education classes. It can also host trade fairs, job fairs, motivational speakers and regularly scheduled meetings of clubs or civic organizations.
The Lincoln Center
Location: Spokane, Washington
Type of Venue: Off-site meeting center
Capacity: 800 max
Contact Info:
509-327-8000
www.thelincolncenterspokane.com
