The Bagel Authority planning new location in North Spokane

Locally owned and operated, The Bagel Authority is expanding to North Spokane. The restaurant has operated in Downtown Spokane at 903 W. Riverside since 2023 and will remain open there, just adding a second location.

The new second location of The Bagel Authority will occupy the former Starbucks, by Rosauer's grocery store at 9335 N. Newport Hwy. Just a bit north of The Y. This location will have the same menu, but the owner notes they are working on updates to the menu and process to continue to improve the quality of product they serve. The new restaurant will also have a drive thru window, able to serve those in a hurry. 

The Bagel Authority specializes in steamed bagels and sandwiches, additionally they offer coffee and lattes, Lotus Energy drinks and more all available for online ordering. Catering service is also available, contact the restaurant for more information on that service. For more information on The Bagel Authority, visit their website at https://spokanebagelauthority.com/

Large new shopping center planned at the Jacklin Ranch development

 

A large new shopping center is in the pipeline for the Jacklin Ranch commercial development site, located just east of the intersection of Hwy, 41 and Prairie Ave. in Post Falls. The new plaza is currently in the permitting process with the City of Post Falls, with an actual groundbreaking coming soon. If all goes as planned the developers plans to have new businesses opening at the site during the winter of 2026 or in early 2027. This is just one part of the greater Jacklin Ranch development site which also has several pad sites, many of which will also be home to new businesses.

Already open at Jacklin Ranch is new Human Bean coffee shop, Peak Fitness and Kootenai Classical Academy. Two new dental clinics, a pharmacy and BankCDA are in various planning phases for the sites along Prairie Ave. also. Additionally, this project is across Prairie Ave. from the under-construction Kootenai Health Campus. It also borders another similar commercial development to the west, where a new Super 1 Foods grocery store recently entered the building process to be constructed soon.

The planned new shopping center will be built directly to the south of Peak Fitness with two buildings, one being a 13,600 square foot building with nine individual business bays, across the surface parking lot will be a second smaller building with three business bays. A build site, recommended for a restaurant is also included within the shopping center site. Ginno Construction will be the general contractor for the project. We checked in and we're told there are no business that can be announced as opening at the site. However, there is a lot of interest already and more recent marketing flyers show at least a couple of the to be built spaces, already in pending status. They do mention however that they are focusing on local businesses and restaurants for this project.

Leasing for this new shopping center, and the rest of Jacklin Ranch is being done by Wade Jacklin of Berkshire Hataway Jacklin Real Estate, who can be contacted at 208-755-5075 email wpjacklin@gmail.com or Donnie Murrell of 7 Fold Realty Advisors at 208-758-7539 email donnie@7foldrealty.com 

Charlie's Produce breaks ground on new facility on the West Plains

 

Charlie's Produce, a leading independent employee-owned produce distributor, serving the Western United States recently announced plans for a new 66,000 square foot facility, just west of Spokane in the 6500 block of W. 40th Ave., until the new distribution center opens Charlie's Produce will continue serving the Spokane market from their current smaller location at 3530 E. Ferry Ave. in Spokane. This new site will be designed to strengthen warehouse efficiency, support future growth, and enhance service across its regional distribution network.

The building is expected to include 56,000 square feet of warehouse space, with the remaining 10,000 square feet to be utilized for office space. The new Spokane facility will include multiple temperature zones, increased vertical storage, improved warehouse flow, and 17 docks to support inbound and outbound movement. In addition, the site will expand parking and staging capacity to accommodate as many as 180 employees across shifts. 

The Spokane operations currently serve customers across Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana. Construction of the new facility is currently projected for completion in April 2027. For more information on Charlie's Produce, visit their website at https://www.charliesproduce.com/

People's Waffle coming to Coeur d' Alene

 

People's Waffle, a locally owned and operated restaurant that been a staple in Downtown Spokane for the last few years at 15 S. Howard has its sights set on a new second location in Coeur d' Alene. The Coeur d' Alene People's Waffle will be located at 400 N. 4th, a few blocks north of Downtown Coeur d' Alene and the Lake. They are planning to open this new location sometime in May and are currently looking for employees. An exact opening date will be announced on their social media, which will be linked below.

Both People's Waffle locations will serve the same menu of waffles and wafflewiches, with options for breakfast or lunch. There also is a selection of coffees and teas, as well as specials which I'm told the Coeur d' Alene will likely have different specials then the Downtown Spokane location. Noteworthily is that People's Waffle also is a 100% gluten-free kitchen using Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-1 Baking Flour.

For more information on People's Waffle, visit their website at https://www.peopleswaffle.com/ as well as the new Coeur d' Alene location's page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574514880890

New Taco Bell under consideration on the West Plains

 

Taco Bell is expanding in the Spokane area. The franchise ran fast food restaurant recently started work on a new location planned adjacent to the new Mead North 40 Outfitters store along Newport Hwy., just north of Spokane. But now Washington State SEPA application filings show there will be at least one more Taco Bell location planned beyond the new one in Mead.

The chain is also in the process of developing a new restaurant on W. Aero Rd. on the West Plains, in front of the Fairway Plaza shopping center and directly across the road from the Petro Truck Stop. The SEPA application public record documents show this new Taco Bell being similar size to others with indoor dining, drive thru and a surface parking area.

There is no information about when this new restaurant will open, however it is indicated that it would have an approximately six-month construction period once physical construction begins at the site. Taco Bell, the brand is owned by Louisville,KY based Yum! Brands with over 8,200 locations scatter around the United States. Many more locations are also operating in other countries as well.

The BLVD Coffee Co. opens in the Wonder Building

BLVD Coffee, named after their original and still open location at 1127 W. Northwest Blvd. is expanding off of the boulevard. Today the locally owned and operated coffee shop is beginning their soft opening phase within the Wonder Building at 835 N. Post, north of Downtown Spokane and nearby the Spokane Arena. The business also has a space open on the ground floor of Downtown Spokane's Bank of America Tower at 601 W. Riverside that is open during the week.

The new location is within the building's Wonder Market food hall space, the same market that recently welcomed a new second location of the iconic Soulful Soups. That unrelated business brought their existing soups to the market recently but also boasts a larger sandwich menu.   BLVD Coffee Company will also serve their same menu at their new space.

BLVD Coffee Company has a good selection of hot and cold coffee drinks, energy drinks including Lotus and Zip fizz, smoothies and Jet Teas. Additionally, they offer some food items bagels, breakfast sandwiches, muffins and similar. For more info on BLVD Coffee Co, give them a follow-on social media via Facebook and Instagram

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New apartment building coming on the Lower South Hill

 

Another new housing project is joining the roster of multi-family developments coming to the Lower South Hill. Plans call for a modern style new construction building to be built soon at 619 S. Cedar, a couple of blocks south of I-90 and nearby Deaconess Hospital.

The new building will offer 20 new apartments, and construction is estimated to begin this Summer. The completion date for the project is currently planned for some time around June of 2027. The units will be market rate, which will be set during the latter half of the construction. In all there will be 17 one bedroom one-bathroom units, two units that will have two bedroom and two bathroom and one unit that will offer three bedroom and three bathrooms.

The new project is being developed by local developer, Quartzsite Ventures,LLC, KCI will be the general contractor, with the architectural work done by Press Architecture who also provided the project rendering that is seen above. 

New flex building project planned on Flight Dr. in West Spokane

 

While it's still in the planning phase, a new construction project called Flight Drive Business Park was announced recently to be coming soon to 9870 Flight Dr. , next door to the Garage Lodge development on the western side of the City of Spokane. The project is planned to bring new flex space to the area, which has proven to be an in-demand type of listing for some time. Flex space can be used for multiple types of business from commercial to light industrial, maybe even some storage. These are perfect for small businesses. 

The new Flight Drive Business Park is estimated to be completed sometime in 2027. It will include eight total units in two 6,000 square foot buildings. Each unit is 1,500 square feet and can be built out in a number of configurations. The development is being marketed by Chris Bornhoft, CCIM a managing broker with SDS Commercial of Spokane, he can be reached at 509-599-6504 or by email chris@sdsrealty.com .

The new buildings will boast modern design with high-clearance space and convenient access to Spokane International Airport, Downtown Spokane and several major transportation routes. 

World Market applies for tenant improvement near Spokane Valley Mall

 

Alameda,CA based retail chain, World Market appears to have its sights set on a new store in Spokane Valley. This is based on a recent tenant improvement permit application filed by the company to remodel the former Joann Fabrics store at 15110 E. Indiana, in a plaza nearby the Spokane Valley Mall. The company already has one location in our area, nearby the intersection of Division & Francis in North Spokane, so this would be the company's second location in the Inland Northwest market. 

As this is based of city permit data there is no opening date given. The space included in the permit is 23,425 square feet, with Yost Gallager Construction listed as the general contractor and architectural project work done by Studio+ Architects, which are both local businesses. World Market reported 258 stores in 2020 and sells primarily furniture and decor, appeal and international foods. For more information on World Market, visit their website at http://www.worldmarket.com

Mor Furniture to replace Rite Aid in Hayden

 

San Diego,CA based furniture chain, Mor Furniture is adding one more location, this time in Hayden,ID. The company recently leased the former Rite Aid store space at 43 W. Prairie Shopping Center, nearby the intersection of W. Prairie Ave. and Government Way in Hayden. The new store is planned to open sometime in May.

Founded in 1977, Mor Furniture, which often uses the name "Mor furniture for less" operates 29 stores and 10 warehouses in 7 states. This includes a location in Spokane at 1201 N. Division, which will remain open. Mor Furniture sells furniture for the whole home and is considered one of the largest furniture retailers in United States. For more information on Mor Furniture, visit their website at http://www.morfurniture.com/

Holy Donuts opening soon in Coeur d' Alene

 

A new local family owned and operated donut shop is coming soon to the north side of Coeur d' Alene. The new business is called Holy Donuts, and they are currently working towards their opening day at 6055 N. Government Way, a bit north of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in Coeur d' Alene. They tell me that hope to open their doors sometime during the month of April.

Holy Donuts plans to try to make their donuts from scratch with the standard donuts and some fancier ones as well. The business will be small with no indoor dining option, but they will have a drive though for those in a bigger hurry to get their delicious sugar fix. Also, Holy Donuts will have a menu of espresso drinks with a selection of energy drink options like Red Bull and Lotus Energy.

For more information and to keep track of their progress towards opening day check, http://holydonuts.com . Or give them a follow-on Facebook .

Soulful Soups planning new second location

 

Fun Fact: Did you know the word soup, is believed to come from "Sop", a medieval dish where bone broth was poured over slices of bread. Another fun fact is that I stole that fact off of the Facebook page of Soulful Soups! Soulful Soups and Spirits is a locally owned and operated restaurant serving a selection of several delicious soups from a Downtown Spokane storefront at 111 S. Madison after changing ownership a few months ago. And now, the new owners of Soulful are expanding with a new second location.

The new location will be slightly different however with a bigger focus on sandwiches and doing business as Soulful Soups and Sandwiches. They will still have a menu of soups and their classic beer bread as well. This new space will be within the Wonder Market building at 835 N. Post Ave, just north of Downtown Spokane and nearby the Spokane Arena. Soulful will take over the space that was formerly used by the now closed High Tide Lobster Rolls business. Work is underway and they tell me that they hope to open there sometime during the month of April.

For more information on Soulful Soups, visit their website at https://soulfulsoupspnw.com/

Kootenai Health breaks ground on new campus in Post Falls

 

Earlier this week, Kootenai Health in partnership with Multicare Health System broke ground on their new Prairie Medical Campus, nearby the junction of Hwy 41 and Prairie Ave. in Post Falls, expanding access to care in a growing region. The Prairie Medical Campus will be built out in multiple phases on a 30 acre campus style development.

Phase one includes a micro-hospital with a 12-room emergency department, advanced imaging services, and rooms for overnight stays, along with a three-story medical office building featuring clinic offices and lab services. Future expansion plans at the campus include a full-service hospital. "This campus represents our responsibility to plan ahead and serve our community; not after the need outpaces us, but now, when we can meet the need as it arises." said Jameson Smith CEO of Kootenai Health. "We exist the serve our community and advance medical care in our region. The Prairie Medical Campus is a direct reflection of that commitment"

Construction of phase one of the Prairie Medical Campus is expected to continue though 2027 with this development ultimately serving more patients than Kootenai Health's main campus in Coeur d' Alene. This groundbreaking actually follows another smaller nearby investment by Kootenai Health in Post Falls. 

The organization also held a ribbon cutting in January for Kootenai Health Pharmacy less than a mile south of this site at 4129 E. Early Dawn Ave. Suite A106. The new retail pharmacy allows for drive-thru and walk-in service for pick up of prescriptions. 

For more information on Kootenai Health, visit their website at http://kh.org and for more information on Multicare Health System who they are partnering with visit their website at http://www.multicare.org

Range Market opening at Millworx in Post Falls

 

The new Millworx mixed use development at the corner of Idaho St. and 4th in Post Falls is about to gain an exciting new tenant. Work is underway at 949 E. 4th St (ground floor of the North Yards building) for The Range Market. The new business is described as a one-of-a-kind, modern artisan butcher and market offering the finest meats, cheeses and wines, along with a thoughtfully curated selection of grocery items and unique gifts.

The new locally owned and operated Range Market will open in the coming weeks as they are currently in the process of building permit approvals. The ownership notes that they believe family is at the heart of everything they do. With a story-based generations ago with their grandparents, The Halls, who owned a small-town grocery store. The Range Market will also offer some quick service foods as well.

For more information and to follow along their progress towards opening day, follow their social media pages: Facebook , Instagram or TikTok

New neighborhood market coming to the West Hills Neighborhood

 Citing a need for a market type business in the neighborhoods along W. Sunset Hwy, west of Downtown Spokane a local business owner has leased a building with big plans. Plans are now underway to renovate the former Linnie's Thai Cuisine building at 5306 W. Sunset Hwy in the locally owned and operated West Hills Neighborhood Market.

There is no opening date for the new market just yet, other than mentioning it should be ready and open by the end of the year. They say they plan to carry standard grocery items, including those that might have been forgotten on a recent shopping trip, in addition to traditional convenience store items. They also note that since the closure of this restaurant there is little for quick meals too and while they don't plan to operate the business as a restaurant they are looking into offering ala carte offerings and a seating area for travelers, area employees and residents alike.

As of now the West Plains Market has no website or social media pages set up, be we will keep an eye on their progress. 

Crumbl opens in Spokane Valley this week

 

The Utah based cookie chain, Crumbl Cookies is expanding in the Inland Northwest with the grand opening of their new Spokane Valley location this week. The new store is set to open tomorrow, March 20th 2026 at 8:00 AM. This location is nearby Walmart at 15735 E. Broadway Suite 3B2, east of the Broadway and Sullivan Rd. intersection.

Crumbl also already operates a location in Spokane at 7808 N. Division Ave. Suite 4 and in the plaza out front of Costco in Coeur d' Alene. Crumbl was founded in 2017 and has enjoyed rapid growth to become a well-known brand with over 1000 stores in the United States and Canada. The Spokane Valley location, like all Crumbl stores will carry a selection of about 7 classic flavors and 5 rotating cookie flavors that the brand claims to have over 300 flavors that they rotate thru.

Carry out and delivery are available as is catering. For more information, visit their website at https://crumblcookies.com 

Eddie's Kitchen & Tavern planning Spokane Valley location

Eddie's Kitchen & Tavern, the rat pack-inspired neighborhood favorite known for its generous comfort food and a lively welcoming atmosphere, is expanding. The restaurant has announced plans to open a second location in Spokane Valley at 12928 E. Mansfield Ave. with an anticipated opening in April 2026. The restaurant also will keep their original location open at 10115 N. Newport Hwy in North Spokane. 

The new Spokane Valley restaurant will feature the same crowd-pleasing menu that has made the original Eddie's a local go-to, including stacked burgers, house-made classics, and a robust gluten free selection. Guests call also look forward to an expanded steak line-up. The restaurant will feature a full bar, plus a variety of games and entrainment options such as: Trivia nights, shuffleboard, Golden Tee Golf, Pinball machines and pull tabs (pending license approval).

"Our goal has always been to create a place where friends, families and a few lovable misfits can gather, relax, and have a great meal," said the Eddie's team. "Spokane Valley has been on our radar for a while, and we're excited to bring the Eddie's experience to the neighborhood." For restaurant information and updates visit Eddie's Kitchen & Tavern on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Fireweed Baking Co. opening storefront near Downtown Spokane

 

A new locally owned and operated bakery is coming to Spokane. Lynette Pflueger, who once managed the Common Crumb Bakery in Downtown Spokane's Saranac Commons Building is going off on her own with plans for a unique new bakery called Fireweed Baking Co.

Fireweed Baking Co. is currently planning to open sometime in April with an official grand opening to be held on Bloomsday weekend (Saturday, May 2nd). The new business will be located within "The Dormitory" building at 1516 W. Riverside which is also already houses a coffee shop and office spaces. Fireweed Baking Co. plans breakfast and lunch fare including soup, salad, sandwiches, and bowls in addition to fresh baked goods and grazing boards (charcuterie, cheese, etc.) as well as retail items of some of the house made components like cracker, granola, spiced nuts, etc..

Also, they will offer hot beverages including drip coffee and hot tea. They say their tea selection will include signature blends and custom options to suit every mood and taste. The business will be open during the morning and daytime hours but plan to have occasional evening events such as private or ticketed dinners, bringing in guest chef and brand collaborations.

While the new Fireweed Baking Co, storefront will open regardless they are also hosting a Kickstarter to get them off the ground. It closes on Sunday but if you would like to donate to help Fireweed, check out... https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fireweedbakingco/a-storefront-for-fireweed-baking-company?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=fireweed%20baking&total_hits=1 

And, for more information on Fireweed Baking Co., visit their newly created website at https://www.fireweedbakingco.com/

BECU planning new location in Liberty Lake

BECU (Boeing Employees Credit Union) is open to all and is expanding in Spokane County, to be more accessible to its growing membership here. The credit union announced recently that they are planning a new neighborhood financial center in Liberty Lake. This would be the fifth BECU location in Spokane County as the credit union also has already operating locations in Spokane Valley, North Spokane, South Hill and nearby Division St, just north of Downtown Spokane.

The new Liberty Lake BECU Neighborhood Financial Center will be a 3,000 square foot new construction facility. Located at the corner of Harvard and Indiana, part of the NoLL mixed use development there. They say the new location will offer a convenient option for the credit union's 29,000 members in the region. BECU is deeply invested in communities across Spokane, supporting organizations such as Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, The Scale House Market, Launchpad Inland Northwest, and more.

"As one of the fastest growing communities in Spokane County, Liberty Lake is a place where families, local businesses and community organizations are thriving," BECU Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer, Jason Rudman said. "By opening a location here, we're making it easier for members who live and work between Spokane and Coeur d' Alene to access the financial services they need, while strengthening our ongoing commitment to the greater Spokane region."

BECU continues to grow elsewhere in the Northwest as well as the Washington-based credit union also announced new neighborhood financial centers coming soon to Auburn and Mercer Island,WA. The new locations will feature both in-person and digital services, such as video banking. Member consultants will be available to support member with opening accounts, mortgages, personal loans, auto loans, business services, and more. For more information on BECU, visit their website at https://becu.org

Beyoutiful Local Market opening in Hillyard

Locally owned and operated business, Beyoutiful Local Market will open their doors tomorrow (March 10th, 2026) in the heart of the Hillyard neighborhood. The business was previously Beyoutiful Bath, Body and Burn and has spent several years as a tenant at Northtown Mall. During their time in the mall, the owner also launched a weekly market of local vendors in the mall's food court area during the holiday season. It's that market that is now expanding into this new year-round space, only a few miles away. The bath and body store will move with the new market store opening as well.

Beyoutiful Local Market will be located within the former Hillyard Variety space at 5009 N. Market St. The owner says the new store will have several local vendors selling items from bath and body, candles, jewelry, art, pet items and more. The new location will also offer some extra space allowing for future events like DIY parties and classes as well.

For more information on the new Beyoutiful Local Market, give them a follow-on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Spokane nominated for Strongest Town competition

 

Spokane is a Strong Town (or city?), we all know that but now the nation has a chance to take note as well as Spokane is one of 16 cities nominated in the 2026 Strongest Town competition from the Minnesota based non-profit organization Strong Towns. The organization is dedicated to cities and towns in the United States and Canada achieve financial resiliency though civic engagement. For information on what Strong Towns advocates for, visit their website at https://www.strongtowns.org

Spokane is as of my writing this, one of 16 cities that will be removed tournament style, similar to March Madness over the coming weeks. Spokane is joined by cities like Madison,WI , Stowe,VT and even the much larger Chicago,Ill. with voting done online at https://www.strongesttown.com/ . The site also allows voters to read about what the origination and its members deem making the cities listed the "Strongest town". Voting is open to all, however.

Spokane was presented to the competition by Spokane based Spokane Reimagined ( https://spokanereimagined.org ) who meets and advocates for many similar local level issues. The Spokane page of the Strongest Town competition page notes the "building opportunity for all" ordinance, which legalizes fourplexes citywide and encourages denser development near transit. The city has also eliminated parking mandates for all uses and lifted height restrictions on new buildings in the Downtown core. Among a few other things including building a better transit system by boosting and encouraging ridership on Spokane Transit. 

Inland Northwest Business Watch owner/writer Matt Behringer with Chuck Mahron, founder of Strong Towns

There is also a page on https://www.strongesttown.com that explains what Spokane stands to win should the Lilac City win the competition. This includes a documentary on the city produced by Strong Towns and a screening with (in-person or virtual) appearance by Strong Towns founder Chuck Mahron. Who I (Matt Behringer, owner of this blog) am seen with above after the documentary screening in 2025 Strongest Town winner Marion,OH.

I think many in the Inland Northwest would love to see the Strongest Town 2026 title come to Spokane. So, vote now on https://www.strongesttown.com , with the first round of voting now through Mar. 13 at 11:59pm CST

New coffee & chocolate shop planned in Liberty Lake

 

A unique new locally owned and operated coffee and chocolate shop is coming soon to north side of Liberty Lake. The new business will be called Fox & Onyx and will be located at 1948 N. Harvest Pkwy., by the corner of Harvest and Indiana in the space that was formerly Sweet Annie's ice cream shop. Work is already underway to remodel the space, which the new owner hopes to have ready for opening as early as the end of March if all goes as planned.

They plan to make the space cozier and more intimate than before and include lots of artwork and plants. The new business will have a menu of many coffees but will also have a case of chocolates made from a chocolatier in Oregon. All chocolate served at Fox & Onyx will be Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance certified. They will also likely carry some pastries as well and the owner is currently in discussion with a few local producers to serve their products at the new Fox & Onyx.

For more information on Fox & Onyx and to follow along with their progress towards opening day, give them a follow-on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/foxandonyxcoffee/

Auto Zone planning new "mega hub" in Spokane Valley

 

Tennessee based Auto Zone,Inc. is investing in Spokane Valley with a new location. But this store's plans are different from the others as it will be considered a "mega hub" for the auto part retailer. Currently in the permitting and SEPA application phase the new Auto Zone Mega Hub will be built soon at 102 S. Dartmouth Rd. in Spokane Valley, by the former University City Mall site and Spokane Valley City Hall.

Mega Hub stores operate as part retail auto parts store like any other Auto Zone store but also have a warehouse area under the same roof with an expanded merchandise selection. This also allows the company to quickly ship products to other Auto Zone locations within the market area and their commercial clients. In Spokane Valley plans call for a 34,160 square foot building with just under 6,000 square feet being retail store space and the remaining just over 28,000 square feet will be warehouse/support space.

The development plan also calls for 92 surface parking spaces and parking entrance points coming in from both Dartmouth Rd. and Appleway. In the SEPA application documents the company indicates they hope to start construction in late 2026 with an estimated opening date planned for some time in 2027. A recent article from the "Repurposed and Redeveloped Commercial Real Estate" blog indicates Auto Zone is currently planning to open as many as 200 more of these Mega Hub stores nationwide, sometimes even in buildings left behind from recent retail closures. These stores carry as many 100,000 product sku's compared to the typical Auto Zone retail store that carries about 21,000 unique product sku's.

For more information on Auto Zone, visit their website at https://autozone.com

Riverview Retirement Community planning two new senior housing projects.

 

Courtesy photos of the future "The Heights" and "The Crest", provided by Riverview Retirement Community.

Riverview Retirement Community, which is already a part of the Spokane area senior housing market is investing in Spokane with two new construction projects coming soon at their campus site along E. Upriver Dr. . Plans call for the community to add 113 total units, in both apartments and condominiums with a total project cost of $99 million and hopefully assisting Riverview and the senior citizens of Spokane in finding housing as Riverview reportedly has had a sizable waiting list for residency for some time.

Plans call for two developments, one of which will be called The Crest and will offer 31 upscale condominium units, each featuring a private balcony with many showcasing scenic views of the Spokane River. The Crest will be built in the existing gravel parking lot to west of Riverview's main building with a new address of 1777 E. Upriver Dr.. Designed with modern convenience and sustainability at the forefront, The Crest will provide EV charging stations for cars and bikes, a rooftop patio, and an onsite concierge desk. Residents will also enjoy full access to Riverview's extensive amenities and activities. Construction on The Crest will be led by Yost Gallager Construction as the general contractor. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2026, with anticipated completion set for September 2027.

The other portion of the new projects coming soon to Riverview is The Heights. The Heights will feature 82 beautiful independent living apartments situated above a vibrant main floor of community space. Highlights include a new restaurant with patio seating overlooking the Spokane River, a state-of-the-art auditorium, bar, game room, and multiple gathering spaces. The project will also introduce a new Riverview Therapy Clinic and provide convenient access to the existing fitness and aquatic center. Outdoor amenities at The Heights will include a dog park, community gardens, manicured walking paths. and fire pits. The Heights will be located at the same site as the Care Center is now, with that building being demolished for the new project. The address of The Heights will 1841 E. Upriver Dr. with construction led by Bouten Construction. Construction is set to begin in the Spring of 0f 2026 with anticipated completion set for the Spring of 2028.

Riverview Retirement is a 55+ community on a 35-acre campus. For more information of these new projects and the existing offerings of Riverview, visit their website at https://www.riverviewretirement.org

New mixed-use project to revive two Downtown Spokane buildings

 

Courtesy photos of the No-Jeff interior provided by Rencorp Realty.

Several construction projects are bringing new businesses, shoppers, diners and residents to Downtown Spokane. But one of the newest is the planned renovation of the Norman and Jefferson buildings in the 1100 block of W. 1st Ave. (at the corner of First and Jefferson). The buildings have both sat vacant for years with a historic past as a hotel. But they are now in the SEPA application / permitting phase to do a full remodel of the historic structures into a new development called No-Jeff.

The development is listed as being a project of Urbin Development, which is at least in part controlled by local developer Chris Batten who also has RenCorp Realty. Rencorp is also who is already actively pre-leasing the commercial spaces at No-Jeff. The ground floor at No-Jeff will offer commercial space, with a total of 13,300+ total square feet of space with no tenants announced as of yet. The marketing flyer for the development indicates that there could be as many as seven new businesses in these spaces, however some can be leased together when possible. Stay tuned to Inland Northwest Business Watch as we plan to watch what goes into these in demand commercial spaces.

The two upper floors at No-Jeff will be converted into residential apartments. The development will be home to 40 new apartments with studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom floor plans available. The basement of the buildings will also be remodeled, and a portion will be bike storage for the new residents. Information in the project's SEPA application show that they plan to start construction on the project as soon as March 2026 with occupancy currently planned for towards the end of this year.

Permits show the general contractor for No-Jeff is still to be determined but the architectural work is being done by Spokane based Olson Projects. The project is estimated to be valued at $4.5 million. For more information on leasing space at No-Jeff and other Rencorp projects reach out the Chris Batten via chris@rencorprealty.com or https://rencorprealty.com

Work underway for new intergenerational housing on Northwest Blvd.

 

Courtesy photo by Courage Housing

A new building is rising at 2303 Northwest Blvd on the Northwest side of Spokane that will provide a new kind of housing for the area. That site will be the Excelsior Wellness Intergenerational Living Community. The community is designed to foster a sense of mutual stability and mentorship be intentionally pairing transitional-age youth (ages 18-24) with older adults (ages 55 and over) in a 24 unit apartment complex.

Ground was officially broken on the new community back in September and they hope to have the project complete and ready for move ins during the Summer of 2026. Multiple organizations are driving this new project including Courage Housing of San Diego and locally based Millenium Northwest for development. Bernardo Wills is in charge of the architecture; Yost Gallagher Construction is the general contractor with financing from Washington State Bank (and a $1.5MM equity-investor with community focused terms).

The ground floor units in the completed project will be specifically designed for accessibility. Architectural plans show various physical amenities like and open lawn area with a dog area, BBQ area with picnic table, a bike path with dedicated bike storage, EV power/charging, EV ready and EV compatible parking stalls, and accessible parking stalls.

New pizza place, Spokane Slice, opens in Downtown Spokane

 

Courtesy photos- Spokane Slice

Pizza is back in the Saranac Commons building at 19 W. Main in Downtown Spokane. The Talotti family, who own some other local businesses recently opened a new space called Spokane Slice in the building that is also home to Black Label Brewing, Boots Vegan and others. 

Spokane Slice is open Mon-Sat 11-8 and offers a less common square shaped pizza, with pizzas by the slice or whole pie available, additionally vegan and gluten free options are also available. In addition to some awesome pizzas, Spokane Slice also offers a couple of sandwiches and salads. Indoor dining is also available in the Saranac Commons building.

For more information on Spokane Slice, give them a follow on Instagram.

The Temple Tavern opening in Garland District

 

A new restaurant is coming very soon to Spokane's Garland District. Work is underway to open The Temple Tavern at 706 W. Garland Ave Suite B, within an historic Masonic Temple's building. The space was previously used for another restaurant called North Hill on Garland that closed down a few weeks ago and was operated by an unrelated owner.

The Temple Tavern will be a locally owned and operated business and is even the owner's first ever restaurant. They plan to open sometime in February 2026 and will serve a menu of fresh pasta, hand tossed pizzas and craft cocktails. Opening date (once announced) and more information on The Temple Tavern will be coming soon on their Instagram page at https://www.instagram.com/thetempletavern/

The Flying Pickle coming soon to Post Falls

 

Courtesy photo- the Meridian location of The Flying Pickle, which will be similar to the new Post Falls location once open.

A large new indoor pickleball court business is flying into to North Idaho. The Flying Pickle is a Meridian,ID based indoor pickleball business that recently announced their planned new franchise location coming soon to Post Falls. They are also planning another franchise location in Nampa,ID as well as many others in the pipeline in other states. The Post Falls Flying Pickle was recently granted a building permit from the city, with construction now underway at the new businesses site at 140 N. Beck Rd, just off of I-90 at the Beck Rd./W. Pointe Pkwy exit (exit 1).

The Flying Pickle currently plans to open sometime in June of this year. The new place will feature 24 fully-fenced indoor pickleball courts, a full kitchen, and a bar. Pickleball fans might also notice the location as being in the same building as well known locally based Pickleball manufacturer Selkirk Sport. The Flying Pickle's owners indicate their new location will house a Selkirk Pro-shop and they plan to collaborate closely with them on events,etc. 

The club will be open to the public with both membership and guest options. Construction on the tenant improvement project is estimated at $5 million with The Flying Pickle occupying approximately 85,000 square feet of space in the building. For more information on The Flying Pickle, visit their website at https://www.theflyingpickle.com and be sure to check out the Post Falls location's social media pages via Facebook or Instagram

New multi-tenant commercial building planned in Riverstone

 

Courtesy photos - Daines Capital

A new commercial building is coming to the Riverstone mixed-use development in Coeur d' Alene, meaning new businesses and likely at least one new restaurant coming soon to the area. Plans call for the building to be at 1570 W. Tilford Ln. a short distance off of the Spokane River and near the entrance to Riverstone Park. Stancraft Construction Group will be the general contractor, with architectural work done by Eric Hedlund Design,LLC both of Coeur d' Alene, completion will be a yet to be announced date in 2026.

The main restaurant space is already leased; however, the tenant isn't able to be announced as of my writing this. Adjacent to that space is two more units that are currently for lease and being marketed by Daines Capital (info on leasing below). The other spaces are marketed as a smaller restaurant space with 1,500 +/- square feet, that would be ideal for a new coffee shop. And, a 1,100 +/- square foot retail space that could be any number of new businesses or could even be converted into office space if needed. Separately 700 +/- square feet of executive office space is also available for lease on the second floor.

We plan to keep an eye on this new development at Riverstone so stay tuned for more on the project and the businesses coming there. For more information on leasing space contact Steven Daines or Seth Peterson with Daines Capital at 509-209-4920 or check their website at https://dainescapital.com

New Vietnamese coffee & tea shop opens on the South Hill

 

There is a new coffee and tea option on the South Hill. Ca Phe Nguyen Coffee & Tea opened recently in space shared with the D'Lux Beauty Bar at 2718 E. 57th Ave Suite 108. But customers don't have to patronize the affiliated beauty business to stop in for piping hot (or cold) caffeinated beverage (although they definitely can also take advantage of the services at D'Lux)

The new business features a menu of Vietnamese coffee, both hot, iced or as an iced latte. In addition to a few teas, milk teas, boba teas and even an iced matcha latte. The space is small with no indoor dining as of right now but a good selection of coffee and boba that they say speak for themselves. For more information on Ca Phe Nguyen Coffee & Tea follow them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

New Wandermere area boutique gym grand opening set for Sun, Jan.18th

 

Spokane area residents who want to meet their New Years' resolutions related to exercise have a new boutique studio option opening later this weekend. Movement PNW will host its grand opening at 5pm on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 321 W. Hastings Rd Suite 105, with a drawing and snacks available. Local owner Bob Selle is opening the Movement PNW gym in the Wandermere area to offer support and acceptance for people of all fitness levels. "Disenchanted with box gyms, we wanted to create a community rather than just a place to sell training or workout," he explained. "We choose the top trainers that are passionate about helping people in a way that fits into their lives."

"Our trainers get most of the profit and make the decisions on how the gym operates best for their clients" he said. "They have the autonomy to make their own service and grow their own client base with their own strategies. This will create a diverse opportunity for our clients". Selle shared he is a fitness enthusiast and certified personal trainer joining five other trainers at the new gym.

Every service includes a free intake session and ranges from group classes, to massages, to one-on-one training. Each member will also get two free buddy passes. For more information on Movement PNW, visit them, check their website at https://www.movementpnw.com or call 509-903-8484

The Breakfast Club opening soon on the South Hill

 A new restaurant called The Breakfast Club is opening soon on the South Hill, and despite the name we've confirmed it is a new breakfast restaurant and not a retailer selling memorabilia from the 1985 John Hughes classic film by the same name. Which incidentally is one of my favorite movies. 

The exact opening date hasn't been announced for The Breakfast Club just yet, but it will be located in the same shopping center as Target and Petsmart at 4919 S. Regal in the space that was formerly an Ezell's Chicken restaurant. The new Spokane location will actually be the third location for The Breakfast Club as they also operate locations in Missoula and Helena,MT. and will offer the same menu as those locations.

They tell me The Breakfast Club is a quick service establishment that focuses on take-out, but the new Spokane location will offer some indoor dining. The restaurant will offer several different types of breakfast burritos, scrambles, biscuits and gravy, and more. The breakfast burritos can even be done on spinach, wheat or wheat flour tortillas. With gluten free tortillas also available for a small charge and a few kids breakfast items also available on the menu.

The Breakfast Club is unlike the other Spokane area breakfast restaurants. Once opened the new restaurant will be open Mon-Fri 6am-2pm and Sat-Sun 7am-2pm. For more information on The Breakfast Club visit their website at https://www.thebreakfastclubmt.com/ and we hope to have more on this site about them once they open.

Five Below and Box Lunch coming to the Northtown area

 Two national retail brands that already have locations in Spokane Valley are evidently investing even more in the Inland Northwest with new building permit applications for new stores in the Northtown Mall area of North Spokane. Those stores are...

Box Lunch

California based Box Lunch is a pop culture gift, memorabilia and fast fashion retailer that recently applied with the City of Spokane to develop a new store within Northtown Mall in suite 2200 on the second floor of the mall. This is going off of public building permit data so there is no opening date listed. However, the store will take 2,570 square feet of space with an estimated remodeling project worth of $180,000.

Box Lunch also already has a location on the ground floor of Spokane Valley Mall. The company is a division of Hot Topic which also owns Hot Topic itself and Torrid, both of which are also already located in Spokane Valley and Northtown Malls. For more information on Box Lunch, visit https://www.boxlunch.com

Five Below

The Pennsylvania based Five Below brand of discount retail stores officially opened their first Spokane area location just a couple of months ago, located in the Evergreen Crossing shopping center by the corner of Evergreen & Indiana in Spokane Valley. But now Five Below is also coming soon to Spokane proper.

Five Below recently applied for a building permit to remodel and build out a store at 4727 N. Division, while not listing a suite number this would be located at the Northtown Square shopping center across N. Division from Northtown Mall. Also, there is no opening date for this new Spokane Five Below store but on building permit data it is noted as an 8,645 square foot store with an estimated remodeling project worth of $170,000

Five Below is a discount retailer with most of their merchandise marked at $5 or below. Except one department of each store selling items, like electronics, above $5 but still discounted. For more information on Five Below, visit their website at https://fivebelow.com

Unique new local grocery store coming to North Spokane

 

After a few revisions, and possibly a delay or two, construction is now underway for a new $200 million-dollar mixed use project called The Village at Midway at the junction of US 395 and Hatch Rd. just north of the City of Spokane. One day the project will be home to several new, yet to be announced restaurants and businesses. In addition to a new 665-unit apartment community called The Gem at Midway.

But first is a new grocery store and fuel station that's already under construction on the site. The new store will be locally owned and operated and called Midway Market. We're told the new store will be an 18,000 square foot retail store with gas pumps outside and is currently planned to open sometime during the summer of 2026. Hiring will start later this year, with information on jobs on their website (linked below).

Once open Midway Market will be a boutique style grocery store that includes a contemporary bistro and espresso bar, meat department, produce, bakery, beer & wine, on-site coffee roaster and more. They also plan to carry many natural and/or locally produced products and say they plan the new store to be "upscale, but competitive". The owners are actively working with URM Stores,INC. to develop and stock the store.

Keep an eye on Inland Northwest Business Watch as we plan to keep an eye on the planned opening of this and other stores at The Village at Midway. For more information now on Midway Market visit their website at https://shopmidwaymarket.com/ and like them on Facebook

Jefe's Tacos & Tequlia coming to Post Falls

 

Jefe's Tacos & Tequilia, a new locally owned and operated Mexican restaurant from the same owner as El Jefe's Grill in Coeur d' Alene is coming soon to Post Falls. Jefe's will be located in the building that was last The Bullet Bar & Grill along Idaho St, across from the Super 1 Grocery Store.

The opening date of Jefe's hasn't been announced just yet but is expected in the coming weeks and will be announced on their social media pages. Jefe's Tacos and Tequlia will have some of the same menu items as El Jefe's Grill but they will also add new items like ancho chipotle pasta with steak, scratch made empanadas, as well as an expansive dessert menu with scratch made churros, flan and even a horchata hot chocolate. 

There isn't a website for Jefe's yet but for some idea visit the website of El Jefe's Grill in Coeur d' Alene (or visit them in person at 405 W. Best Ave. #104 Coeur d' Alene,ID) at https://www.eljefesgrill.com/