Riverview Partners with Spokane Fire Department for Training

Riverview Retirement Community Partners with Spokane Fire Department Decommissioning the Care Center

Riverview Retirement Community announced that it will begin preparations for a new independent Senior Living apartment complex at 1841 E. Upriver Drive, marking an exciting new chapter in the organization’s continued commitment to serving Spokane-area seniors. As part of the site preparation, the existing building – constructed in 1959 – will be decommissioned and demolished ahead of the new construction scheduled to begin in Spring 2026.

In exploring meaningful ways to utilize the building before demolition, Riverview Retirement Community’s Chief Operating Officer, Mike Schleigh, reached out to the Spokane Fire Department (SFD) to offer the space as a training ground for Commercial Fireground Operations. The SFD Training Captain and team welcomed the opportunity and expressed appreciation for the unique training environment. Following site tours and coordination, the Spokane Fire Department will conduct training exercises at Riverview throughout January 2026.

“As one of the first care centers in Spokane brought to life by a community of Lutheran deacons, it is hard to say goodbye,” said the organization’s leadership team. “we are pleased to give back to the community by providing a place for our Spokane Firefighters to safely train area firefighters on fire and rescue protocols.”

Riverview Retirement Community looks forward to celebrating its history while preparing for a modern, resident-centered future. Additional updates on the new independent Senior Living project will be shared as development progresses.