The iconic clock tower is all that is left of the railroad depot that originally dominated this piece of land. Burlington Northern donated the land for Expo 74 and the result is a lovely park that anchors various events in downtown Spokane.
This is what it looked like before it became a park:
The former passenger depot, built in 1902
The old rail yards became the location of Expo ’74. Now known as Riverfront Park, the Spokane River flows past meadows used for outdoor concerts, the opera house, the convention center, sculptures, walking and biking paths, and an historic 1909 Looff Carousel.
Above photo found at https://flic.kr/p/6kNWCz
This is a “recipe” that was used by another city just 12 years later, when Vancouver, British Columbia, hosted Expo ’86. Old rail yards and run-down property were turned into a beautiful showplace for the city to enjoy long after the Exposition left town.
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**The photograph showing an Expo ’74 official program was found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/expomuseum/3505956193/in/set-72157617763182810
**All other photographs are my own, although obviously I took photos of old public images that were on display for all to see at Riverfront Park.
Spokalulu 
That’s a great idea. Pity the Olympics can’t be done in a similar way.
Amazing transformation! Most cities would just allow the property to rot as brownfield. Well played, Spokane!
It looks like the saved the most beautiful part – that clock tower – and made a new beautiful space.
*they* saved.
Ha! I didn’t even catch that… I must be tired. Two hours of sleep does that to a person.