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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane’s AmericanWest heads east with new North Idaho locations

Nils Rosdahl Correspondent

AmericanWest Bank must be quite confident in the economic health of North Idaho. The Spokane-based, full-service bank is building three new facilities: in Hayden, Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint.

The Hayden branch (AmericanWest calls them “financial centers”) is under construction next to its temporary quarters at 255 W. Hayden Ave. The two-story, 7,600-square-foot building should be open by Sept. 1, and the temporary structure will be removed. Expanding from 10 to 19 employees with the move, the team will be led by manager Julie Droogmans and commercial lender Karen Oaks.

Located at 223 Ironwood Drive, in front of ShopKo, construction on the Coeur d’Alene branch should start in July and be complete in December. Johnna Hendricks, now in the Hayden branch, will manage at least seven employees in the one-story, 3,500-square-foot building.

Sandpoint’s branch will move from its temporary location at 710 Superior St. to a one-story, 5,000-square-foot building on the west side of Fifth Avenue between Fir and Larch streets. With a January opening probable, the 10 employees will include Cassie Gilmore, vice president and North Idaho commercial banking team leader; Dennis Dye, commercial banker; and Phil Morin, sales and service manager.

The expansion will give AmericanWest 10 branches in North Idaho and 42 in the Inland Northwest. The bank was founded in 1974 as United Security Bank. It has more than 400 employees.

“North Idaho is an expanding market with a great quality of life, a strong sense of community and exceptional economic growth,” said Robert Daugherty, president and CEO. “Our customers have asked for additional locations in North Idaho, and we are pleased to provide a resounding response to their requests.”

The Web site is www.awbank.net.

New owners at Java on Sherman

Coeur d’Alene’s oldest coffeehouse has new owners in Sam and Wendy Wallin. Java on Sherman, at the southwest corner of Sherman Avenue and Fourth Street, has seating for 30 customers inside at tables and in the lounge area, and six tables outside.

The fare includes a variety of coffees, espressos, cold and blended drinks and smoothies, breakfast and lunch items and pastries made daily in the store. The store has 11 employees with more planned for summertime open-hour expansion.

Originally from Cambria, Calif., the Wallins visited friends in North Idaho five years ago and moved here in 2004. They have extensive experience in the coffee business. Hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Phone (208) 667-0010.

Boulevard Deli opens soon

A drive-through window and revamped patio are major changes for Boulevard Deli when it opens in mid-May at 1527 Northwest Blvd., Coeur d’Alene.

The menu will include several coffees, espressos, baked goods, deli sandwiches and salads, and hard ice cream. Hours will be early morning to late evening.

Owner Jack Cameron is adding a fenced patio to shield customers from the street. The place previously was Blondie’s and later Coeur d’Gourmet. Originally from Texas, Cameron came to North Idaho from Montana’s Bitterroot Valley in 1985. He plans to have about 10 employees.

Tidbits

“Watch for information next week on possibly two new trendy pubs and a restaurant move in Post Falls.

“Lately I’ve had numerous comments on service businesses, such as oil-change companies, closing so early that daytime employees can’t stop for help on the way home. More competition may change that.

“The building permit for the “shell only” of the 18-story Parkside Condominium on Front Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets was issued in mid-April. The value for just this portion of the structure is nearly $28 million.