Mad Mary’s site to be redeveloped

COEUR d’ALENE – Mad Mary’s will meet the wrecking ball next spring.

The former Thai restaurant on Northwest Boulevard – known for its funky blend of ‘60s kitsch and tropical hut décor – will be razed, probably for a future office building.

“We’re looking at some options, but we don’t have any plans,” said Realtor John Beutler, who bought the 1.2-acre site in August. “We’ll build to suit.”

Mad Mary’s was designed by Pat Tagliaferro, a former Hollywood art director who described the look as “Bangkok meets Elvis.” The restaurant opened in 1997, and closed the next year. But the corrugated tin roof and the Kon-Tiki design remained.

A bar and grill called I Dunnos later operated out of the building, which is located on a triangular piece of land adjacent to the onramp for U.S. Highway 95. The restaurant had been closed for several months when Beutler bought it.

“It’s got great visibility, it’s almost like being on a corner,” said Beutler, who owns Century 21 Beutler and Associates. “I don’t think it’s a great spot for a restaurant, though.”