Spokane’s Growing Demand for Custom Commercial Buildings

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable shift in Spokane’s commercial landscape. More than ever, business owners, entrepreneurs, and developers are looking for custom-built commercial spaces—structures that aren’t just functional, but tailored to fit specific business needs, branding, and growth plans.

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve been right in the middle of this movement, building everything from retail storefronts and service centers to storage facilities, showrooms, and mixed-use spaces. And let me tell you—the demand isn’t slowing down. Spokane’s economy is growing, and with it comes a wave of opportunity for businesses ready to invest in the future.

In this article, I’ll share why Spokane is becoming a hotspot for custom commercial construction, what types of buildings we’re seeing rise, and what to keep in mind when planning your own commercial project.

Table of Contents

1. Why Spokane’s Commercial Market Is Growing

2. The Benefits of Custom Commercial Buildings

3. Popular Commercial Building Types in Spokane

4. Post-Frame Construction for Commercial Use

5. Zoning and Permitting in Spokane

6. Design Considerations That Matter

7. Energy Efficiency and Long-Term ROI

8. The Role of Flexibility in Commercial Construction

9. Working with a Local Builder You Can Trust

10. Conclusion: Why Now Is the Time to Build

1. Why Spokane’s Commercial Market Is Growing

Spokane is no longer just a pass-through city or a quiet corner of the Inland Northwest. It’s become a destination for startups, trades, agriculture-based enterprises, and logistics businesses—all looking to establish or expand their footprint.

We’re seeing growth in sectors like:

• Light manufacturing

• Agri-business

• Service trades

• Warehousing and logistics

• Automotive and recreation sales

• Professional office spaces

As the population grows and local infrastructure improves, demand for purpose-built commercial properties continues to rise.

2. The Benefits of Custom Commercial Buildings

Building a custom commercial structure means you get exactly what your business needs:

• Efficient space utilization

• Branding through architecture and materials

• Room for expansion

• Zoning compliance from day one

• Built-in functionality like loading bays, shop access, or customer zones

You don’t have to retrofit or settle for someone else’s floor plan. We work with clients to design buildings that work today and scale tomorrow.

3. Popular Commercial Building Types in Spokane

Some of the most requested commercial projects we’ve worked on recently include:

• Retail storefronts with built-in office space

• Auto and equipment shops with oversized bay doors

• Farm supply or feed stores

• Climate-controlled storage facilities

• Mixed-use buildings (e.g., shop + office + apartment)

• Contractor shops with attached inventory storage

Each project is tailored to the client’s business model, land, and growth goals.

4. Post-Frame Construction for Commercial Use

Pole buildings (a.k.a. post-frame construction) aren’t just for barns—they’re ideal for many commercial applications because they offer:

• Clear-span interiors with no interior load-bearing walls

• Faster construction timelines

• Lower material and labor costs

• High ceilings for equipment or inventory

• Easily adaptable floor plans

We’ve designed and built dozens of commercial post-frame structures that meet both code requirements and business needs.

5. Zoning and Permitting in Spokane

One of the most important parts of commercial construction is knowing Spokane’s zoning regulations. Commercial builds must comply with:

• Use restrictions

• Lot coverage and building size limits

• Parking minimums

• Accessibility requirements (ADA)

• Signage and landscaping codes

We work closely with the City of Spokane and Spokane County to navigate the permitting process efficiently and ensure your build is compliant from day one.

6. Design Considerations That Matter

Your building isn’t just a shell—it’s the face of your business.

We help clients think through:

• Customer experience and flow

• Office/shop/storage ratios

• Door and window placement

• Exterior aesthetics that reflect your brand

• Interior layout for workflow optimization

The result? A building that’s not just functional, but smartly designed for long-term success.

7. Energy Efficiency and Long-Term ROI

Energy costs can eat into your margins. That’s why we prioritize energy efficiency in every commercial build.

We offer:

• High-R-value insulation

• Energy-efficient doors and windows

• LED lighting systems

• HVAC systems sized for your exact usage

Efficient buildings lower operating costs and increase the long-term value of your investment.

8. The Role of Flexibility in Commercial Construction

Modern businesses need flexibility. Whether you're planning for:

• Future staff growth

• Additional equipment

• A rental unit or storage expansion

• A shift in product or service offerings

We design buildings with modular spaces, optional second stories, and easily modifiable interiors so your space can evolve as your business does.

9. Working with a Local Builder You Can Trust

At Stimson Contracting, we’ve been serving Spokane and the surrounding region for decades. We bring:

• Local permitting expertise

• Trusted supplier relationships

• Honest timelines and transparent pricing

• Design-build services with commercial experience

When you choose us, you get a builder who understands not just construction—but Spokane’s business environment.

10. Conclusion: Why Now Is the Time to Build

Spokane is on the rise—and the businesses that thrive in the coming years will be the ones that build smart today. Whether you’re a growing company, an established service provider, or an entrepreneur ready to invest in your future, a custom commercial building is a move that positions you for long-term success.

At Stimson Contracting, we’re proud to help Spokane businesses grow by building structures that are efficient, flexible, and built to last. Let’s talk about your project and design a space that reflects your vision and supports your growth for years to come.