Library, Chamber buildings striking downtown assets

Talk about impressive assets to Coeur d’Alene. Both the new public library and Chamber of Commerce buildings opened this week in key downtown locations. These magnificent structures and the proud people in them are really strengths for this community.

Both buildings take advantage of their locations with huge windows offering views of the lake and parks. And both have terraces and plazas opening toward the lake. They also proudly display, by different methods, the names of the donors who made these places possible. Of course, there’s room for more.

“Awesome” is the word you hear from people seeing the new library. Its openness makes it appear to be larger than its 38,500 square feet. It has something for everyone. The real special touches are for children with a huge area on the lower floor, which is accented by bear-paw carpet. This quarter of the building includes a children’s theater with a special puppet stage and an activity/art center. The community room features an array of historical photos.

Other special touches include the quiet fireplace settees, the huge clock on the outdoor entry and the utilization of landscaping, which includes retaining grand trees near the structure. Special artwork also accents nearly every area of the place.

Unfortunately, scaling down the building from three stories to two eliminated the area for a coffee shop. (Uh, some of us “need” a beverage while we’re reading.) However, spokesman David Townsend said patrons may bring covered beverages into the library. Director Bette Ammon said what they need now are volunteers for shelving, covering books and working in the bookstore and, of course, additional funds for purchasing more materials.

The Chamber of Commerce building is a super visitor center with its location across from the clock tower. It offers all types of information for visitors and relocation packets for those considering moving here or locating a business here.

The building is very usable for public events with double doors leading out onto the terrace and plaza. Inside, the information kiosks are on wheels, moveable to allow for an event in the main space. It has large and small conference rooms and offices for related associations.

With 18 employees, hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and will expand during the summer.

Storybook Bridal opens Monday

Taking advantage of the entry location to the Coeur d’Alene Plaza Shops, Storybook Bridal Boutique is expanding into the space vacated by Candy O’Brien’s Boutique (upon her retirement).

Storybook owner Rosalie Alexander said her inventory won’t be exclusive to wedding clothing and accessories. She is adding more versatile women’s clothing with evening and cocktail outfits and more everyday items. Check her Web site at www.storybookidaho.com.

Alexander also will retain her original store, which opened last winter in Hayden Creek Plaza. She has three employees who rotate between the locations. Originally from Napa Valley, Calif., Alexander grew up in Sandpoint, where her family has had Truby’s Health Mart for 32 years.

Dahlberg Architects still open

The death of Bill Dahlberg didn’t close Dahlberg Architects at 211 Coeur d’Alene Ave. A graduate of the University of Idaho and an architect in the Seattle area for nine years, his daughter Kim joined the firm in 2005. And Chris Quandt, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, joined in June. Their projects include custom residential, residential remodels, commercial buildings and medical offices. Phone: 765-2639.

I admit Kim’s prettier than her dad, but I sure miss his happy face (and taking notes for me when I was absent) from our Tuesday morning Peddler’s Tips Club meetings.

This week’s tidbits

“While visiting the new library, an outside visitor near the entrance looked up at the neighboring condo “skyscrapers” and mentioned that the top floors ought to have a public use. Good idea.

“Well, the Seattle Mariners are sinking, but the Super 1 Foods same-old radio commercial lives on and on and on. Man, I’m tired of that train whistle in that tape.

“Uh, someone responded to my request for information about a certain vehicle, but I lost the name/number. Sorry.