Global Neighborhood Thrift, a favorite haunt of Gonzaga University students who appreciate its wide selection of vintage offerings and student discounts, secured a new location to significantly expand its operation last year in Spokane, Washington.
The community icon is a nonprofit organization that provides job training and employment for people who come to Spokane as refugees. The lease of the 44,175-square-foot facility doubled the size of the organization's thrift store, significantly expanding its capacity to provide employment opportunities. The thrift store also operates a substantial recycling operation, which includes textiles, books and other items.
Global Neighborhood supported 18 newly arrived refugees with 3,900 hours of job training and employment skills in 2022, much in part due to the new lease in expanded space. In recognition of its role in serving the local and global community, Global Neighborhood Thrift's lease transaction was selected by a panel of judges composed of local industry professionals to receive CoStar's 2023 Impact Award for the lease of the year for Spokane.
About the Project: Located off East Trent Avenue near Gonzaga University, Global Neighborhood Thrift's new location is a former produce-packaging facility plant built in the early 1960s.
Judges' Comments: "The industrial market in Spokane is particularly tight for space, and this lease transaction represented great legwork by the brokers in sourcing a solution for a community need that existed. Great transaction by all parties," said Gordon Hester, president and CEO of Kiemle Hagood.
"Due to global strife, specifically the Russian invasion of Ukraine, there has been an increased influx of refugees to Spokane. Global Neighborhoods provides job skills to this community, providing a soft landing and a pathway to acclimate to become part of the community," added Gary Ballew of Greater Spokane Inc.
They Made it Happen: Stephen Barbieri of Goodale & Barbieri represented the landlord. Mark McLees of NAI Black represented the tenant.