The Dirt: Avista buys former AAA site

Avista Corp. has purchased the former AAA Washington property at 1717 W. Fourth Ave., with plans to consolidate downtown service operations at the new site.

The transaction closed at the end of July, with Avista paying $2 million for the 2 acres and two buildings that combined have 28,800 square feet of space. AAA Washington put the property up for sale after moving its downtown operation in 2014 to a leased space at 1314 S. Grand Blvd., on Spokane’s South Hill.

Avista spokeswoman Jessie Wuerst said details are still being worked out but the utility plans to move operations now at various locations to the one property.

“We have multiple sites now downtown for personnel, materials and vehicles,” Wuerst said.

Avista plans some construction improvements to the buildings, she said.

Wuerst didn’t yet know how many employees will be based at the site, but she said the move is expected to improve cost and work efficiencies. The property also has loading space and easy access for service workers.

SRTC leasing in Paulsen Center

The Spokane Regional Transportation Council has leased 4,200 square feet of office space in the Paulsen Center for a future move.

The agency, which is responsible for planning and funding regional transportation projects, plans by early spring to occupy offices on the fifth floor at 421 W. Riverside Ave. SRTC is currently in the Spokane Intermodal Center at 221 W. First Ave.

Jeff McGougan of Black Commercial represented SRTC in the lease transaction.

Build It Athletix leases Valley site

Build It Athletix LLC, a Spokane competitive cheerleading program, recently leased quarters at 5615 E. Broadway Ave. in Spokane Valley.

The business occupies nearly 7,000 square feet.

Jody Johnson and James Black, both of Black Commercial, were agents involved in the transaction.

Manufacturer at business park

Lamination Technology Industries Inc. has leased about 40,000 square feet of space within the Spokane Business & Industrial Park at 3808 N. Sullivan Road.

The business provides lamination of decorative overlaid panels and components.

Chase Breckner of Spokane Business & Industrial Park handled the lease activity.

Treva Lind