Project Name: US 395 North Spokane Corridor – Phases 1 & 2
Location: Spokane, Washington
Building Type: Transportation Infrastructure (Highway Retaining Walls & Overpasses)
Architectural Feature: Large-scale murals, custom textures, and barrier rail designs
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) aimed to elevate a critical transportation corridor into a visual and cultural landmark. The challenge: integrate large-scale, meaningful public art into retaining walls, overpasses, and barrier rails, while meeting strict schedules, durability requirements, and DOT-approved texture standards.
Spec Formliners provided custom urethane formliners and WSDOT-approved textures to transform concrete into a storytelling surface.
Collaborated with artist Melissa Cole to feature regional elements—feathers, Ponderosa branches, Red Band trout, moose, and wild horses—along with medallions inspired by tribal beadwork.
Delivered three major murals (Train, Day & Night, and Running Horses) across two production plants (California & Missouri) to meet aggressive timelines.
CAD-based custom design translation for precise mural reproduction.
Tooling photos approved in place of concrete mock-ups, saving production time.
Dual-plant coordination for large-scale, multi-site production.
155mil multi-use plastic liners utilized for barrier rails above Running Horses.
Liner Material: Custom urethane formliners for all murals
Pattern: #1613 Fractured Concrete and Pattern #1550 Fractured Basalt (WSDOT QPL-approved)
Phases spanned from Sprague Avenue to Spokane River (Phase 1) and Spokane River to Columbia (Phase 2)
The corridor now serves as both infrastructure and public art, connecting commuters with Spokane’s natural and cultural heritage. From tribal motifs to industrial history, each surface reflects community identity while maintaining long-term durability with minimal maintenance.
Enhanced architectural aesthetics
Created a landmark corridor with regional character
Integrated meaningful public art into essential infrastructure
Streamlined production through tooling and photo approvals
Demonstrated coast-to-coast production capabilities
“If you can include artwork in infrastructure, it’s great. It’s nice to beautify big slabs of concrete.”
– Melissa Cole, Artist, Phase 1
Manufacturer: Spec Formliners
Sales Executive: Mike Castillo
General Contractors: Hamilton Construction Co. (Phase 1), Max Kuney (Phase 2)
Owner: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
The US 395 North Spokane Corridor showcases what happens when functional infrastructure meets artistic vision. Through custom formliners and collaborative design, Spec Formliners helped create a corridor that’s not just a passageway, but a permanent canvas for Spokane’s story.
