Unstable Ground Factor In Rebuilding Tidyman’s

Managers of the Tidyman’s store on Cedar Road have that sinking feeling.

It is evident in the floors, the ceiling, the foundation and the concrete walls. The entire building, in fact, is slowly sinking into the soft boggy ground that was once a landfill.

Although there are no safety or structural concerns about the building, the cracking concrete was one factor in Tidyman’s decision to eventually raze the Linwood grocery store and rebuild it nearby.

“We’ve got a problem there and if we’re going to stay competitive we’ve got to do what’s right,” said Ric Odegard, acting chief executive of Tidyman’s Inc.

Odegard thinks the footings of the store never set in bedrock. As a result, there’s been some movement. The cracks are slight on the outside walls, the floor and the inside walls, and hardly noticible throughout most of the store.

But coupled with Tidyman’s need to modernize, the problems are enough to warrant demolition.

Odegard isn’t revealing the site of the new store, only saying it will be “within walking distance,” of the existing grocery store at 6401 N. Cedar.

The company plans to complete the new store by 1998. The existing store will remain open until that time.

The new 50,000-square-foot store would feature a produce section, deli and meat counter.

Odegard said the amenities are necessary to keep the store competitive.

“You can’t expect the people to come to your store just because it’s owned by the employees or Spokane based,” said Odegard.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo