SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane's historic Hillyard neighborhood is embracing a new era as it officially claims the title of Spokane County's first creative district!

The designation, granted by the State Arts Commission, opens access to grants and gives local businesses hope that the recognition will attract more visitors to the neighborhood that has been experiencing momentum over the past several years.

"There's a lot of change coming in the last couple of years, really the last 4 or 5 years. You can really feel the momentum coming back to Hillyard," said William Burris, owner of Red Dragon restaurant, who has watched the neighborhood begin to flourish from his restaurant window.

Burris believes the creative district status will bring more foot traffic to local businesses.

"I kind of see i

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