The upper floor of the old Armstrong Hotel is now apartments, as it has been for 40 some years. The ground floor, however, has what is, on Sprague Avenue at least, a unique story. It (the ground floor) has been occupied by a single business since the hotel was built. Opened by P.M. (Pete) Jacoy in 1903 or 1904 (depending on the source) as the Washington Cigar Store, it continues in business today as P.M. Jacoy’s, operated by descendants of Pete Jacoy. In the interim it was also named P. M. Jacoy Tobacco for a few decades.
Armstrong Hotel
402 W. Sprague Ave - Historic Name: Armstrong Hotel
Built: 1903 - Style: Commercial Vernacular
Builder: unknown - Architect: unknown
Classification: Historic Contributing
Description: This three-story brick building has a plain bracketed cornice with terra cotta copings on the parapet. Ground
floor storefronts have been altered but original bays and tile remain. The upper floors retain integrity. The south facade has an
original arched opening with a wood framed glass door with fan light overhead. An elaborate terra cotta hood occurs above the entrance and features ornate brackets and a finial above the hood. Circular terra cotta rosettes flank the keystones. A metal stringcourse separates the first and second floors. All upper story windows are double hung, wood, one over one with flat gauged arches, and terra cotta sills. The third story has terra cotta lion and shield iron ornaments between window bays.
Cultural Data: This SRO housed the Armstrong Hotel from 1907 to 1975. The ground floor was occupied by the Washington Cigar Store in 1903, founded by Pete Jacoy. By 1917, this store was called P. M. Jacoy Tobacco. The store sells tobacco, magazines, small gifts, and is known for having the largest selection of out-of-town newspapers in Spokane. This business, still at this location, is operated by the descendants of Pete Jacoy.
From the NRHP Nomination Form