Military recruiting offices moving to larger space

The military is on the move in Coeur d’Alene.

The 12 servicemen of the military recruiting offices in Coeur d’Alene are moving this month to new quarters on the west wing. Oh, it’s the west wing of Prairie Shopping Center off the intersection of Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue. These representatives of the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force will have about 3,600 square feet of space, up about a third from their current location at 112 N. Fourth St. They and their potential recruits also will enjoy ample parking.

The different services will move at different paces, and phone numbers will change. The open hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and Saturdays by appointment.

Army-Navy Store a ‘Motl’ business

Although unrelated to the above entity except by name, the Army-Navy Store in Coeur d’Alene has a new owner. He’s Phil Motl, who’s been the store manager for 16 years.

Norm and Carol Ridge, who have had the business for 23 years, are retiring and will remain here. They came from Reno 25 years ago and previously had the Midtown Tavern on Fourth Street. Originally from Minnesota, Motl came to North Idaho from Missoula. The store has three employees.

The inventory in the 5,000-square-foot building at 1620 Government Way includes seasonal outdoor gear and sporting equipment, workwear and boots. Very few items are military surplus as they were previously. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 to 4 Sundays. Phone 667-6829.

Holiday Inn Express starts building

A late spring occupancy is planned for the 100 guest rooms of the Holiday Inn Express under construction at 2300 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d’Alene. The hotel is on the river side of the road just west of its intersection with Northwest Boulevard.

The complex will include suites and standard rooms, meeting rooms, reception area, breakfast room, exercise room, indoor pool and a patio. A complimentary breakfast is included. The hotel will have 40 to 50 employees. Owners are Parkwood Business Properties of Coeur d’Alene and K.V. Hospitality of Spokane.

Meanwhile, the facility at 3175 E. Seltice Way that formerly was the Post Falls Holiday Inn Express is now a Comfort Inn. The owners, management and staff of 12 to 25 seasonal employees remain the same. The 14-year-old motel has 47 rooms that include a “more-enhanced” complimentary breakfast, a spokesperson said. Room rates range from $75 to $159.

Sherman building remains mystery

Even the owner doesn’t know what he’ll do with the completely revamped former Henry’s restaurant building in the central area of Sherman Avenue, Coeur d’Alene.

Long-time Realtor Dan Davis said, “I simply have no plans” for the 3,600-square-foot facility. He has added a carport, double garage and golf cart port to the facility on about half an acre. “I’m just improving the property,” he said.

Describing himself as “the oldest Coeur d’Alene Realtor who’s not dead or broke,” Davis said he could put a real estate boutique office there that would deal with expensive properties. A Realtor here since 1969, his office is now at 3735 Fruitland Lane.

The “new” building began in 1971 as a Jr. Big Boy restaurant. It later was the Rocky Mountain Canary Restaurant and last was Henry’s, which closed 10 years ago.

Action Office does office work

Any work needed by an office is provided by Action Office of Coeur d’Alene. Owner Kim Mason said the business gives places “support expertise” for typing, payroll, bookkeeping and transcription to faxing, scanning, presentations and notary public services.

She graduated in human resource management from Gonzaga University and has 16 years experience in office administration. Phone 664-4413. The Web site is http://id.local.yahoo.biz/actionoffice.