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Spokane Teachers Credit Union is breaking ground for its 16th branch office at 5711 S. Hailee Lane on Moran Prairie in Spokane.

The branch will serve the area near Palouse Highway and 57th Avenue, one of the busiest intersections on Spokane’s South Hill.

This branch is designed by Spokane’s Nystrom+Olson Architecture. Walker Construction is the general contractor for the 4,096-square-foot building. Construction is estimated to cost $916,000.

Like the recently opened South Valley Branch, this office is designed for earn an LEED Gold certification for high energy efficiency.

Its features include solar panels, heat-reflecting roof materials, efficient lights and heating system, and interior furnishings that are certified low in volatile organic compounds.

It’s expected to open by the end of 2012

While Spokane-area foodies await the much-heralded arrival this year of a new Trader Joe’s, here's a touch of reality, although the news is hardly anything approaching serious.

The California-based food market chain has voluntarily ordered nearly 131,000 pounds of frozen pizzas to be recalled.

It did so in response to a notice by the United States Department of Agriculture that the chain's “Pizza Al Pollo Asado” product failed to mention it contains wheat. Since some people are allergic to wheat, with symptoms ranging from nausea and hives and breathing problems, the company faced possible lawsuits by neglecting to pull the bad packages.

Those pizzas were produced between Jan. 27 and March 27 by Completely Fresh Foods in Montebello, Calif.

Work has begun on the new Trader Joe's on Spokane's South Hill. A fall opening is expected.

Brothers Andy and Glen Gardner have opened the South Hill hangout, The Hop Shop, at 3803 S. Grand.

The Spokane businessmen said their shop will be a friendly neighborhood place with a premium on people talking to one another and enjoying company.

“There’s no TV, no Wi-Fi and just fine music,” Andy Gardner said. “People will have to sit or stand and look each other in the eye.”

This is the first business the brothers have operated together, said Glen Gardner.

Beers on tap and in bottles will be served, along with wine by the glass or bottle.

Hours are 4 p.m. until close, Tuesday through Sunday.