Chesrown set to begin RiverWalk construction

Developer Marshall Chesrown plans to start construction this spring on 412 new homes, condos and lofts along the Spokane River.

The RiverWalk project will have architectural echoes of The Club at Black Rock, Chesrown’s luxury golf resort on Lake Coeur d’Alene. But the audience is more eclectic.

“It’s designed for everybody from a college student to a professional,” Chesrown said. “There’s going to be a wide breadth of people living there … from (age) 18 to 80.”

Seven styles of living quarters range from 750-square-foot lofts to condos, penthouses and detached single-family homes. Chesrown isn’t releasing sales prices yet, but said they’ll appeal to an array of income brackets.

The development includes a boardwalk along the river, public plazas and boutique shops.

“It’s fairly typical of waterfront development in other parts of the country,” he said. “The architecture will have a Western flair, with lots of wood, timber and stone.”

RiverWalk is part of Coeur d’Alene’s redeveloping waterfront. The parcel was once part of a sawmill site that is being transformed into offices, retail and entertainment space.

Last year, Chesrown bought the 3,000 feet of waterfront, tweaking the original plans to include more housing and less private beach.

“We think it’s a better use of the property,” he said.

The people who live in RiverWalk will be drawn by the urban feel and the energy created by the public space, he said.

RiverWalk was approved by the Coeur d’Alene Planning Commission this week. Chesrown said he hopes to break ground within 45 days, and expects to complete all 412 units within two years.