Symbol of 1974 World’s Fair in Spokane to be renovated

Published 1:30 am Monday, May 1, 2017

Associated Press

SPOKANE — The symbol of the 1974 World’s Fair in Spokane is getting a major renovation.

The U.S. Pavilion is a concrete-and-wire structure that towers over Riverfront Park like a giant circus tent without a cover.

The Spokesman-Review newspaper reports that the Spokane Park Board has approved a contract to renovate the pavilion, and that details about its future will soon be decided.

The Riverfront Park master plan proposes the pavilion become a multipurpose center that could host summer concerts, outdoor movies and serve as a central gathering place during festivals like Hoopfest and Bloomsday.

The pavilion was originally covered with a canvas-like material that made it look a giant tepee. But the canvas was damaged by wind and snow was removed after about five years. A new cover may be installed.