YMCA to add South Hill location, and soon...

Just a couple of months ago we learned via a Spokane Journal of Business article that the YMCA of the Inland Northwest intended to open a third Y location somewhere on South Hill. At the time of that article however it indicated no sure location and the assumption was, while it was planned, it would take some time. But, all that has gone out the window with yesterday's surprise announcement from the YMCA. 

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest has acquired the South Hill Gold's Gym location at 2921 E. 57th ( near 57th & Regal ) . The YMCA will convert the Gold's Gym into a new full Y , the conversion will be relatively quick with the changes and new name to take effect sometime around the middle of December. Member's of the Gold's Gym will also be welcomed into the YMCA with new memberships.

The new location will actually remain open during the switch with YMCA management adding $250,000 worth of new fitness equipment. The new South Hill YMCA will also offer several new programs like the LiveStrong program for cancer survivors, a diabetes prevention program and a summer day camp . Plans also call for a new family activity area.

The YMCA of the Inland Northwest has been a part of the Spokane community for over 130 years. The organization also operates two other locations, one just north of Downtown Spokane and another in North Spokane. For more info on the local YMCA visit their website at-

http://ymcaspokane.org

Spike Aerospace might bring their jet aircraft manufacturing facility to Spokane

Ok, so I don't usually post links to Spokesman Review articles but tonight they broke the news big business news and I just don't have enough info on this to post about this myself just yet. So a link to the article is located lower in this post.

Looks like Spokane is in the running for an exciting new aerospace manufacturing facility. Spokane is one of 3 cities in Washington to potential get the new plant from Boston based jet aircraft start-up Spike Aerospace . The company is developing a new jet that can travel from NYC to LA in just over 3 hours!

Interestingly enough the article hints of a land sale for a 300,000+ sq foot building that may or may not be for this company. It also indicates another smaller aerospace company might also be eyeing land here for some sort of facility. Both of those sites are on the West Plains near the Spokane International Airport.

Here is the story:

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/nov/28/supersonic-jet-startup-spike-aerospace-eyeing-spok/

HDG / Propaganda Creative & Others to join a newly re-developed Carr'sCorner building Downtown

Construction work has already begun on what is probably the coolest building re-development in Downtown Spokane for sometime. The project involves basically a complete re-build of the building that formerly housed the Carr's Corner bar at the corner of 3rd & Washington on the south side of Downtown Spokane.

HDG Property Holdings, with financing from Numerica, is replacing the exterior, HVAC , windows ( switching to energy efficient windows ) , roofing , polishing stucco in jet black and more to convert the building for multiple tenants. Two of those tenants are from the owners themselves , both HDG Hissong + Hurtado Design Group and Propaganda Creative will relocate their offices to the building from another site near the Ridpath elsewhere in Downtown. Together they will occupy about 3800 sq. feet of space directly at the corner in the building.

In addition to these two companies some smaller storefronts will be re-built and occupied by other business. These businesses include Paradigm Skate Shop, Raven Tattoo and a new tenant Right Mind Printing a growing apparel printing company.

In addition the all new look the existing large billboards will be completely removed and an existing small parking lot in the back is being turned into a park for all who occupy the building. The re-development project is estimated to be completed sometime just after Christmas. The building owners also plan on renovating more buildings as often as possible so keep watching as we're confidant we'll see more exciting projects from them in future.

Boot Barn to have grand opening for it's new Spokane Valley store in early Dec.

The Boot Barn , an Irvine ,Ca based chain of boot and western wear retail stores has made it's way to our area with the recent opening of a new location in Spokane Valley. The store is already open for business and the chain will host an official grand opening from December 2nd - 4th . Many items will go on sale during the grand opening like $20 off regularly priced boots over $100 and $5 off all jeans.

The new Spokane Valley Boot Barn is located in a 10,887 square foot space at 5605 E. Sprague Ave, nearby the Valley Costco store and in the same small plaza as Dollar Tree and The Country Store. The store like most Boot Barn locations sells boots, lots of boots in fact. But in addition to the boot selection customers will also find jeans, hats, shirts , belts , protective work wear and other accessories for western and work. Some western themed gifts, toys and home décor items might even be found at the store.

Customers of the new Boot Barn will also find some popular brand names in the store with such brands as Wrangler, Justin , Carhartt, Miss Me, Keen, Timberland Pro and many more. The chain also carries some exclusive brands like Cody James , Shyanne and even Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley a line of contemporary boots, apparel and accessories.

Boot Barn has been in business since 1978 , now operating over 200 stores in several states. The company is the official western wear retailer of the PRCA, NFR , PBR , and they are the official sponsor of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The new Spokane Valley store looks to be the only location planned for the Spokane market at this time and is an answer for the many Spokane are residents who would shop at the company's other out of area stores. Until now the chain's closest stores we're in Kalispel & Missoula,MT .

For more information on The Boot Barn, visit their website at-

http://www.bootbarn.com

Bedrosians / Oregon Tile & Marble starts construction on large new facility in Spokane Valley

California based Bedrosians Tile & Marble is investing in the Spokane Valley with an all new warehouse & showroom building along 1-90 near the Barker Rd. exit . Bedrosians acquired Oregon Tile & Marble recently and decided to move forward with Oregon Tile's long standing plan to open at the site which sits at 19119 E. Broadway in between Barker Rd & Country Vista Blvd. . The new building will replace the company's current leased space in the Spokane Business & Industrial Park.

Plans call for Bedrosians to construct a 41,000 square foot building there with 13,000 square feet set aside as Tile & Marble retail showroom and sales offices. In the middle of the building will sit a 19,000 square foot warehouse, bringing the company's new location to 32,000 square feet nearing in on triple the amount of space they had in the Business & Industrial Park. The remaining 9,000 square feet , which will likely face Broadway itself , will be leased out to another business that has yet to be named.

Bedrosians Tile & Marble has been in business since 1948 with locations in 8 states and their products in such high profile projects as the MGM Grand in Las Vegas . They offer over 5000 stone products and work with you on both commercial and residential construction projects. The new location is expected to open sometime in the Spring.

For more information on Bedrosians Tile & Marble / Oregon Tile & Marble visit-

http://www.bedrosians.com

Additionally of note a second large construction site is also underway about 2 doors to the east of the Bedrosians site. It is not affiliated with this project and instead appears to be a new building for Kidds Dental , which is currently not far away in Liberty Lake. We'll have more on the separately as we are still waiting to hear back from the dental practice.

Shadle Park Mod Pizza opens today, second Spokane location to open this month

Example photo, photo is not of a Spokane area location

Mod Pizza is taking Spokane by storm! the Bellevue,WA based chain of made to order personal pizzas opened their first location in Spokane in 2015 at the South Hill's Regal Plaza development. Since then they've opened in Coeur d' Alene and even one right in the heart of Downtown Spokane.

But November 2016 has been a big month for the growing company as they have added 2 new stores in the Spokane area this month. And, although we know of no additional locations planned we can only assume there are more locations on the horizon.

Today is the opening day for the second new Mod Pizza which is now open for business in the Shadle Park Shopping Center at 2503 W. Wellesley Ave Ste. A it opened today at noon. Earlier this month the new Mod Pizza at the Hertiage North Shopping Center in North Spokane, it is one of three new tenants in the completely re-built shopping plaza at 9405 N. Newport Hwy in between The Y and the Northpointe Shopping Center.

Mod Pizza is among the fastest growing restaurant chains right now with the company itself only being founded 8 years ago in Seattle. Today the company has over 150 restaurants with locations in both the US and the UK . It's name is an acronym for " Made on Demand " which is how they make their pizza's . Mod Pizza uses a similar concept to Subway in that customer choose their pizzas and then they are ran through a 800 degree oven for about 3 minutes allowing for a fresh custom personal sized pizza.

Both new local locations will employ around 30 - 40 and are open seven days a week. For more information on Mod Pizza visit their website at-

http://www.modpizza.com

Washington Health Plan Finder opens storefront location in Spokane

With the open enrollment period underway for health insurance under the Washington State Health Benefit Exchange ( also operating as Washington Healthplanfinder ) many are finding themselves confused. With so many plans, so many different prices it can be hard to figure out what works best for you.

And while Washington Health Plan Finder provides a website to compare plans and sign up ( link below ) and a phone number manned by friendly voices in a Spokane Valley call center to assist you sometimes it can help to sit down face to face with someone who can answer all your questions. Hence the reasoning behind Washington Healthplanfinder opening 2 new brick & mortar storefront offices.

One of these locations opened recently at 2001 N. Division north of Downtown Spokane , the other is in Vancouver on NE Vancouver Mall Dr. The exchange explains the reason for choosing Spokane & Vancouver for their first store front offices is because both cities are located in counties with a high percentage of uninsured residents.

The Spokane Washington Healthplanfinder storefront occupies the front half a recently renovated office building. The space is a little over 5000 square feet and is fully staffed by experts Mon - Fri 10a - 6p , Sat. 10a - 2p and closed Sunday . The Spokane location uses the Washington Healthplanfinder name but is managed by Better Health Together.

For more information on signing up for health insurance, stop in at 2001 N. Division or visit-

http://wahealthplanfinder.org

Parrish & Grove opens Saturday in Saranac Commons

The unique Saranac Commons building in Downtown Spokane ( 19 W. Main ) is growing by one with this weekend's opening of yet another awesome locally owned and operated retail shop in the building.

That business is Parrish & Grove Botanicals which will be in suite 2b and while the space is small it is a plant and flower lovers dream come true. Parrish & Grove describes themselves as " your local purveyor of botanical curiosities " . Customers can create their own unique bouquets of flowers  , purchase exotic house plants and even build a miniature ecosystem with something completely new to Spokane , a terrarium bar .The business plans on offering workshops soon and even a floral subscription delivery option in the near future.

Saturday, Nov. 19th will be Parrish & Grove's first day of business , which they will kick off with a grand opening celebration. The grand opening will be from 10 - 7 with prizes , specials and the first 20 customers at the business will receive a mini bouquet compliments of Numerica Credit Union.

And, what's even better? while your at the Parrish & Grove grand opening you can also stop by the other shops & eateries that make up the Saranac Commons building, a unique hidden gem on the eastern edge of Downtown. In addition to Parrish & Grove the building is also home to Caffe Affogato , Mediterrano ( Mediterranean restaurant ), Common Crumb Bakery , Black Label Brewing Co .  and Sun People Bed & Bath , with many more unique local shops also in the same block.

For more information on Parrish & Grove, check them out at-

http://www.parrishandgrove.com

Or, on Facebook at-

http://facebook.com/parrishandgrove

Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice coming to Coeur d' Alene

Many in Coeur d' Alene already travel into Spokane to take advantage of the 2 Spokane area locations of Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice ( 211 S. McKinnon in Spokane Valley & 7630 N. Division in Spokane). But in the coming months the Lake City will have a location of their very own.

Although an opening date and even a timeline for construction have not yet been confirmed the company is planning to build a store just a couple of blocks north of I-90 in Coeur d' Alene. Plans are for a 20,000 square foot store to be built at 208 E. Best Ave. on the vacant parcel behind Wendy's & Atiliano's .

The company's Cash & Carry stores are primarily geared towards business customers like coffee stands and restaurants with a more of a bulk item / large quantity sales method. Despite the sales being geared towards businesses , the stores are open to individuals as well.  All of their stores are open seven days a week and include name brand groceries, meats , produce, catering supplies , janitorial supplies and much more.

Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice is chain of 50+ stores throughout the Northwest & Nevada. It's headquarters is in Portland although it is a part of the larger Smart & Final company which is California based and operates multiple brands of similar stores.

We'll keep an eye out for when we might see the Coeur d' Alene store open for business. And, in the mean time check out the chain's website at-

http://www.smartfoodservice.com

OZ 95.7 FM , launches as new Spokane based classic rock station

Spokane has a new radio station, this one claiming to play the " legends of rock " with a format that includes legendary classic rock artists like Jimi Hendrix, Foreigner , Styx and many more. The station has a relatively weak signal but should be able to be heard in all corners of Spokane.

The station operates as OZ 95.7 FM with the call sign KYOZ . It is a locally owned and operated radio station , with the owner Radio Station KMJY,LLC operating it and another station out of space in the Northtown Office Building at 4407 N. Division . Oz's sister station is 104.5 Hank FM , which has a similar format concept, except it plays legends of country and other classic country songs.

OZ 95.7 is heard on 95.7 FM as stated by the name, however 95.7 is actually a translator station of the main station on 1330 am. Radio Station KMJY,LLC acquired the station at 1330 am from the Moody Bible Institute back in October. Before the transition to the new format the 1330 station had been playing religious programming in Spanish and was the only station in Spokane to broadcast solely in Spanish.

For more information on OZ 95.7 FM , visit their website at-

http://oz957.com

Or, find them on Facebook at-

http://www.facebook.com/oz-957-fm-1686187545038257

Garco Building Systems to shutter Airway Heights factory

Garco Building Systems, a manufacturer of steel buildings with a large facility in Airway Heights has announced they plan to close that plant immediately. At the time of closure Garco employed 112, all of which will be laid off. An additional 50 who hold positions in the company's offices ( at the same site ) will stay on board however.

The closure is unexpected despite what they report as a recent slow down in the demand for their company's buildings. Garco Building Systems is owned by the Houston based NCI Group who will likely shift what orders we're being done in Airway Heights to other NCI Group facilities. Garco Building Systems does bear the same name as popular local construction company Garco Construction, and while that Garco was originally a part of Garco Building Systems the two are actually two separate company's and have been for sometime.

The move to close the Airway Heights facility is unexpected due in part to Garco being in a similar industry to Seaport Steel who has been in growth mode. The Seattle based Seaport Steel recently built an all new 60,000 square foot at 2634 S. Hayden Rd only a short distance away from Garco. No word from Seaport Steel if the company has any current job openings in our area however.

Garco Building Systems facility is located on the southern side of the City of Airway Heights at 2714 S. Garfield Rd . It is not confirmed but believed the building will go up for sale or lease in coming months.

Wellness Bar opens location in Post Falls

Open for only a few years now at their original location in Downtown Coeur d' Alene , The Wellness Bar is an obvious success with the recent opening of a third location in Post Falls. The new Post Falls Wellness Bar is located at 900 N. Hwy 41 in the River City Plaza shopping center which also is home to a Anytime Fitness.

This location is the third location for the business after they also opened a location in the Hayden Creek Plaza ( 8110 N. Government Way ) about a year ago.  The business is locally owned and operated and offers fresh pressed juices, smoothies , espresso and teas in a wide variety flavors . Health friendly food items are also available like acai bowls and quinoa salads.

The Post Falls store offers both an indoor dining area and a convenient drive up window similar to their location in Hayden. All three locations are open seven days a week and for more info on the business, visit their website at-

http://niwellnessbar.com

And, find them on Facebook at-

http://www.facebook.com/northidahowellness