Dirt starts moving for future Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center

 An exciting project for the arts scene of the Inland Northwest has just become even more real. Workers recently kicked off site work for the future Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, coming soon to Spokane Valley.

Planned to be constructed at the corner of Mansfield Ave. and Mamer, next door to the existing Tru by Hilton hotel. Once complete the 59,000 SF facility will house a 480+ seat main stage theater, 200 seat flexible studio theater, acting conservatory and event/meeting spaces. The center is a project of the Spokane Valley Summer Theater and will be used for their shows and plays with the first production planned to be in 2024. 

Until the performing arts center opens the Summer Theater continues to perform with three shows planned for the 2023 season and season tickets available. For a schedule and more information about the organization visit http://svsummertheatre.com . Donations are still being taken to complete the new performing arts center, with some naming opportunities still available, contact Georgia Oxford, capital campaign manager at georgia@icsvpac.com or 619-518-8523 to give.

For more in ICSVPAC, including renderings of the completed project are online at http://icsvpac.com 

Project update- CHAS health care training center

 Community Health Association of Spokane continues to expand and among other projects the group is in the progress of building an exciting new facility within the Iron Bridge Office Campus. As part of today's project update feature, we went by to take a look at just how far along this new facility is...

General contractor Divcon, Inc and subcontractors appear to have framing complete and outer walls up with spaces open for future windows and entry spaces. When we went by a few days ago, many people we're also obviously working on the interior spaces of the building. 

There isn't an opening date for this new building as of the present time, but we do know it will be used by CHAS as a health care training facility. Permit data shows the new structure is 91,715 SF building with three floors and a space set aside for a future cafe. The project cost according to the permit is slightly over $9 million with ALSC Architects acting as the architect.

An article about the building from our friends over at the Journal of Business reports the education portion of the building will support 200 students in apprenticeships. Planned is a number of medical training exam rooms, dental training operatories, full sterilization area and laboratory (that story- https://www.spokanejournal.com/local-news/chas-plans-new-health-care-training-center-at-iron-bridge/ ). 

CHAS also has a couple of other projects in the pipeline, which we will also be following. For more information on all of the clinics and services offices by CHAS visit their website at- http://chas.org

Work starting on new building for Latah Creek Animal Hospital

 Work has commenced for a new facility for Latah Creek Animal Hospital. The project is in preparation for the business's upcoming move into their own standalone facility, that's significantly larger than their current home. Although customers of Latah Creek won't have to go much further once the move is complete as the new building will be built across the street from the current leased location.

Rendering of the completed new building for Latah Creek Animal Hospital, top photo is what will face Cheney-Spokane Rd.

The new building will be built at 4302 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd. and is to be about 5000 SF, slightly more then double their current 2400 SF clinic. Elmer Construction is the general contractor for the project, which according to permit data is estimated to cost $1.4 million, architectural work is listed as being done by Architectural Ventures of Spokane.

They report the building is to be complete either late this year or early in 2024. For more information on Latah Creek Animal Hospital visit their website at http://latahcreekah.com

Floor & Decor to open in former North Spokane Lowe's

 Floor & Decor, an Atlanta based chain retailer of flooring has its sights set on Spokane. The company has been growing quickly of late adding new warehouse style stores across the country, with 166 locations open as of 2022 according to Wikipedia. The company's stores sell tile, wood, laminate and natural stone flooring products as well as decorative and installation accessories and already operates stores in Everett, Tukwila and Tacoma.

The chain recently filed for building permits to occupy about 55,000 Square feet on the eastern side of the formerly abandoned Lowe's store building at 6902 N. Division. The building has been vacant since Lowe's moved to a new larger store nearby in 2012. This project still leaves the western half of the building empty with no tenant mentioned, however having life back in the structure will surely assist in the leasing of the remaining space(s).

Permitting info shows the new Floor & Decor store would have a 40,877 SF sales floor area with the remaining space to be used as warehousing and office space for the new store. There is no indication about when the store might open or how many will be employed at the new Spokane Floor & Decor store just yet. The general contractor for the project is also currently to be determined, but the architectural design is listed as being completed by St. Louis based Architectural Design Guild.

Floor & Decor stores are open to both professionals and do it yourself customers. Additionally, the company also sells their flooring products online at http://www.flooranddecor.com

New Afghan Grocery Store opening on N. Monroe

 

The signage on 3004 N. Monroe still indicates the building is a defunct convenience store called Andy's. But inside the 4000 +/- square foot building is a new business catering to Spokane's Afghan and Middle Eastern community.

Afghani Grocery Store opened recently in the space and they do say banner signs are coming. The new store has a selection of grocery items in addition to Afghan clothing and household items. The store is open daily from 10a-8p and more information can be found by following them on Facebook at- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089473437975

Spokane Art School announces move to larger home in the University District

 The Spokane Art School has announced they plan to close their Garland District home to move to the a new space in the University District. They plan to celebrate a grand reopening during First Friday on March 3rd. The opening show in the school's new gallery space will be a Women's History Month invitational.

Located two blocks from the Catalyst Building the school's new home will be at 503 E. 2nd Ave, at the corner of Second and Sherman. The new space is three times larger than the old facility, has a dedicated parking lot and will allow for expanded class, gallery and event offerings with room to grow.

The new Spokane Art School at 503 E. 2nd.

"We searched for our new home for more than six months and couldn't be happier with the new space" said Tad Wisenor Spokane Art School board president.  Founded in 1968 the school has been located in the Garland District for the past 11 years but was located Downtown before. The new space will allow for up to four classes to be held concurrently in larger more comfortable spaces, and long-term plans include a ceramics classroom and private studio rentals for local artists.  

Juliet Sinisterra, University District CEO is also excited to welcome the Art School to the neighborhood. "We are thrilled that the Spokane Art School will be located within the district. Developing an innovative, culturally-rich district around education is central to our mission. The Art School will serve as a fantastic public destination for all ages"

The school's current home in the Garland District likely will be replaced also as the building sold a few months ago to a new owner. The Spokesman Review recently reported that the new owner is considering the demolishing the buildings at 809 & 811 E. Garland for a new building with retail & restaurant space. However, this is not set, and is getting to be older info so stay tuned for more on what might be in store for the Art School's former home.

For more information on Spokane Art School, visit their website at http://www.spokaneartschool.net

New Beard Papa's in Spokane Valley to hold grand opening Saturday, January 28th

 Beard Papa's, a world-famous cream puff chain, with a cult following is coming to the Spokane Valley. The "dessert destination" is set to officially open on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at 10am.

Originally founded in Osaka, Japan in 1999, Beard Papa's started as a small bakery and quickly grew to more than 400 locations, in 15 countries and territories while gaining global recognition for their light and airy cream puffs. Guests are able to create their custom flaky confections by choosing between eight cream puff shells. Guests are then presented with a selection of airy cream custard filling flavors, with seasonal flavors often included.

"We are thrilled to bring Beard Papa's unforgettable cream puffs to Spokane" says Marc and Sawoko of Beard Papa's Spokane. The menu extends beyond just puff pastries with offering such as cheesecake, chocolate fondant, savory pastries, and an exclusive blended drink menu.

" The cream puffs are baked fresh on-site daily and are some of the largest cream puffs you will ever experience. The all-natural recipe is simply addicting. I've never met anyone that has tried Beard Papa's that doesn't crave it again in the days following" says Mark Nathan, marketing director for the franchise. The new Spokane Beard Papa's will be opening on Saturday, January 28th at 10am and is located at 4808 E. Sprague Ave. #204. Noteworthy, on the grand opening day the store will be having giveaways to the first 100 customers.

For more information on Beard Papa's, check out their website http://www.beardpapas.com

Spokane's Lunar New Year Celebration returns this Saturday.

 Spokane's United We Stand, a multi-cultural community organization is hosting Spokane's 2023 Lunar New Year Celebration this Saturday, January 28th at the Spokane Convention Center. Coeur d'Alene Casino is the presenting sponsor for the event.

This year's event will be in a bigger venue, the Spokane Convention Center starting at 1pm on Saturday. Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural organizations will host artists, food samples and live cultural Proformance's throughout the day. The event will kick off with the Dragon Dance and culminating in the ever-popular Lion Dance and the night will be topped off with a fireworks display at 7:00pm to ring in the year of the Rabbit.

This year's celebration will feature over $20,000 in giveaways and door prizes throughout the day with more giveaways enclosed within the traditional red envelopes, including chances to win lift tickets, Spokane Indians Baseball tickets, Spokane Chiefs hockey tickets and gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. 

The first 500 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with goodies for the new year. The event is free for all ages.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.spokaneunitedwestand.org 

Construction underway for The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls

 Sometimes I get asked what to be watching for, and this is one of the more exciting projects in our area that I recommend keeping an eye on. Construction started late last year on a new 42,000 square foot commercial building, rising now at the Prairie Falls Golf Club on N. Spokane St in Post Falls.

The project nicknamed The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club is to be completed around May 2023 and is being led by course owners Rob & Emily Clark who purchased the property during the Summer of 2021 with this as a goal for the 18-hole 6,500+ yard golf course. The improvements will replace the former clubhouse but, that's not all that it will do as the new building will also include-

-A 17 suite hotel

-5200 Sq Foot event center

-New restaurant called Iron, Wood and Ice Urban Kitchen & Bar (also owned by the Clark's)

-Golf club and new pro shop

-Six golf simulators, two which will be multi-sport.

- Four commercial spaces that will house a River City Pizza location, new market called Prairie Falls Market and 2 more spaces that they are currently working to fill.

According to building permits filed with the City of Post Falls this new project is estimated to cost $4.5 million. J Rob Construction is the general contractor and Bernardo Wills listed as the architect on the project. We plan to keep an eye on this project, but more info is also available the Prarie Falls Golf Club website at https://www.prairiefallsgolfclub.com/

New Love Coffee planning to open two new locations soon

 New Love Coffee is a bit of a hidden gem in the Spokane area coffee scene. The Liberty Lake based specialty coffee roaster opened their first coffee shop on Valentine's Day 2022 at 21802 E. Indiana Ave. within the new NoLL development.

Since then, business has been good for New Love, with almost entirely positive online reviews. In fact, off the record I recommend check them out if your given the chance. But, with not even a year under their belt they are now planning two more coffee shops in the Spokane area. 

The first will be opening as early as next month in North Spokane with a location to in the same building as Canopy Credit Union at 1212 W. Francis. This New Love will feature their current coffee / espresso menu but will also have pastries from Bean & Pie, which is a local company that New Love Coffee owners Ike & Tiffany Bubna also recently acquired.

Sometime after the New Love Coffee opens on Francis, they will open a new location at Kendall Yards in the newer buildings on W. Summit Pkwy, steps away from N. Monroe. That location will also likely have the same menu and Bean & Pie items.

We will keep an eye on both for more precise opening dates but for now check them out in Liberty Lake or online at https://newlovecoffee.com