Kaniksu Sands development moving forward as planned

On June 27, I received the word that the Kaniksu Sands Resort/Marina/Property Development Project had been signed and sealed and would continue as originally planned last year. As many of you know, the plans hit a brick wall when the credit crunch struck the real estate market. The investment bankers had to crawl away after so much hard work had been invested.

It was bad news all around for many people. Not only did the developer get hit, but the dozens of individuals who had been added to a list of those who had intentions of pursuing a property or condo purchase had to start considering other alternatives for their recreation home.

The original project, named Kaniksu Sands on Priest Lake, consisted of 36 total units; 26 condos and the balance individual cottages/home sites. The common area remains the same with a restaurant and lounge, lagoon/marina, volleyball court and pool.

The Equity Development president, Fred Johnston, expects to have a full model of one of the cottages available later in August for display purposes. Phase I will begin late this summer or early fall, and the second phase will start next spring. All of the parties that had expressed interest in making a purchase have renewed their intent and several more have been added.

The news of the revitalized project comes at the same time the sewer district will be beginning its phase one construction, clearing the land for the sewer disposal area. Timetable for that district is completion by fall of 2009 but weather will always be a variable. If the sewer district is not ready for Kaniksu Sands connection there are alternatives available so that the project will not be stopped.

The former operators of Kaniksu RV rentals and resort, Mike and Roberta Williams, have no specific plans at the moment, but said they will be missing so many of their good friends they have made over the years. However, they are happy that the sale and the purchase came to fruition and that Priest Lake will be getting this development on its shoreline.

I want to wish Mike and Roberta the best and remind them that buildings change but friendships remain, as the lake churns.