When the Trade Winds Motel was first opened in 1962, it was considered modern and vibrant with its amazing moai sign flanked by two tiki torches, unique curved structure, kidney-shaped pool and bright colors perhaps more reminiscent of Los Angeles or Miami than Spokane.
The plan of the 4-story building is a graceful curve, with rows of rooms with balconies which face an inner court. It was designed by Donald E. Neraas, a prolific local architect who was noted for his many Mid-Century Modern designs for buildings throughout the Pacific Northwest. The building displays characteristics of the International Style.
But the motel fell into serious disrepair later on its life, languishing for years as an eyesore and shadow of its former glory. The sign was taken down and replaced and the pool filled in.
In 2018, this location underwent a badly needed renovation that improved the property a great deal. As of November 2018, it opened as the Baymont by Wyndham Spokane.
There are several historic Trade Winds features that developers kept intact. Those include the outline of a kidney-shaped pool (now just a filled-in patio), a parking garage, two elevators and the balconies. They appreciated the bones of the structure and have commented publicly that they just don't make them like this anymore. It may not have been restored to its tiki glory but is now a nice modernized hotel on the order of a Holiday Inn.