SPOKANE, Wash. — Decades-old neon signs are powering on for viewers in Spokane to enjoy very soon.
Vintage Neon and Print sells posters, t-shirts and prints all adorned with iconic Spokane landmarks.
Owner, Chris Bovey opened his first storefront in the heart of the Garland District in 2022.
Here, he welcomed in a mix of tourists and Spokane locals, who marveled at his artwork.
“Seeing them look at my print wall and experience nostalgia,” Bovey said. “People are like, ‘I remember that. I remember that.’ You know, it’s like, so that’s pretty cool to see you know and to inspire.”
In addition to prints, Bovey rescues and restores vintage neon signs.
He’s collected more than 15, which means he needed more space.
So, as fate would have it, Bovey – who makes a living preserving the past – is moving his store into the Boulevard Building on the corner of Indiana and Monroe. It’s more than 100 years old.
“We were looking around for spaces and we saw this space was available,” said owner Chris Bovey. “I was like ‘This is such an iconic building.’ It’s one of a kind, unique to Spokane.”
Stewart’s True Value Hardware occupied the Boulevard building from 1912 to 2012. Now, the hardware store’s sign can be found inside as a part of the Vintage Print and Neon store’s display.
These are the kinds of Spokane staples that Bovey is trying to preserve.
“it’s humbling because I think we’re like the fifth or sixth tenant who’s ever been in that space,” Bovey said. “I recognize the history and the honor of being in a place like this. And it’s a privilege.”
Vintage Print and Neon will officially open their doors to the new location on May 1.
Bovey is inviting the community to a special celebration at the new storefront on May 3, starting at 11:00 a.m. He says there will be live music and giveaways.
And Bovey says this is just the beginning. He says he wants to change the way he showcases these rescued and refurbished signs.
“You’re actually looking at the start of Spokane Neon Museum as well,” Bovey said.
COPYRIGHT 2025 BY KXLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.
