[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14391]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 THE RESTORATION OF THE DAVENPORT HOTEL

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR.

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great pride as a native of 
Spokane, Washington, to recognize the reopening of the historic 
Davenport Hotel. Mr. Speaker, this historic event would not have been 
possible without the commitment and perseverance of Walt and Karen 
Worthy, the owners of the property.
  Designed by renowned architect Kirtland Cutter and built in 1914 by 
Louis Davenport, this grand hotel has been the centerpiece of downtown 
Spokane and an immense source of community pride. It has played host to 
American presidents, generals, statesmen, an stars of the opera, stage 
and screen. During the 1980s and most of the 1990s, the Davenport fell 
into great disrepair. Over almost two decades several owners tried to 
save the Davenport Hotel, but could not gather the necessary resources 
or assemble community support behind a restoration project of this 
magnitude.
  The project needed someone who was willing to be completely dedicated 
to this monumental venture of restoring a part of our local history. 
Enter Walt and Karen Worthy. Walt and Karen purchased the Davenport in 
2000, and made the top-to-bottom restoration of this landmark their 
labor of love. With great attention to detail and personal investment, 
Walt and Karen, with the help of many highly skilled tradesmen, have 
brought to life the Davenport lobby in all of its original splendor. 
They have restored the elegant beauty and fine points of the thematic 
ballrooms, fine restaurants and guest rooms to a state that would make 
Mr. Davenport proud.
  On behalf of the residents of Spokane and the 5th Congressional 
District of Washington, our thanks go to Walt and Karen Worthy for 
preserving and restoring this magnificent part of our Pacific Northwest 
heritage.

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