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

City of Coeur d’Alene moving ahead with purchase of old Atlas Mill site

From staff reports

The city of Coeur d’Alene is moving ahead with plans to buy the old Atlas mill site in May for $7.85 million.

The former mill property encompasses 47 acres along the Spokane River. City plans call for a mix of commercial, residential and public space on the property.

During a public workshop earlier this month, some local residents said they would be willing to support more intensive development on parts of the property in exchange for improved open space and possible preservation of all 3,600 linear feet of shoreline for public use.

More than 40 community organizations answered questions intended to help city officials and the local urban renewal agency, ignite CDA, determine what citizens’ priorities are.

Heartland LLC, of Seattle, and Welch Comer Engineering, of Coeur d’Alene, have done financial and market analysis for the property.

The Atlas Mill site represents one of the last, large undeveloped waterfront parcels in Coeur d’Alene. The Atlas Mill occupied the site for nearly 100 years, making cedar and pine boards for decks, trim and fencing. About 120 people were working at the mill before it closed.

More information is available at cdaid.org/atlaswaterfront. Additional public workshops will be held in the future.