Moore Building

In 1889, Frank Lockwood Moore and his wife Sarah Frances Sherlock Moore began working on the Spokane residence. Moore became well-known in the local community. He was the first president of Washington Water Power, which would later become Avista Utilities, and was an investor in mining and real estate. The site on Spokane's Lower South Hill was chosen because it overlooked the young city and was popular among the rich and well-to-do.

Moore commissioned architect Kirtland Cutter to build the mansion. Carter's designs brought him notoriety, and he brought his considerable talents to the task of designing the Moore Building. In the spirit of a European country estate, Carter designed a house that looks as if someone has lived here for centuries. The result is a unique structure that is impressive at once, but is also the subject of some jokes told by locals.

After Moore's death in 1895, the house was purchased by Senator George Turner. Turner made the house and gardens the center of many of Spokane's social activities. After Turner's death, the house sat vacant for several years until its owner, the bank, demolished it in 1940