New traffic study set for Elks Lodge site

Whipple Consulting Engineers is holding a second traffic study meeting for a proposed multifamily development on the former Elks Lodge site in Spokane Valley.

Todd Whipple of Whipple Consulting Engineers, who is the project engineer, filed permits with Spokane Valley last year to demolish the former Elks Lodge at 2605 N. Robie Road to make way for the Spokane Valley Elks Apartments.

The plan proposes more than 322 apartments on 12 acres with a clubhouse, parking and amenities.

The traffic study meeting will be held at Trent Elementary from 6 to 7 p.m. at 3303 N. Pines Road on Feb. 26.

Residents at the first traffic study held last April expressed concerns that the project’s size will increase traffic on Pines Road by more than 800 daily trips and change the character of their neighborhood, citing plans to extend a driveway through a neighborhood cul-de-sac.

The site is zoned multifamily residential, limiting the project to 22 units per acre, according to Spokane Valley’s zoning regulations.

Dennis Crapo of Diamond Rock Construction, Inc. purchased the land from Elks members for $1.7 million, according to Spokane County assessor’s records.

Spokane Valley Elks Lodge Secretary Lynn Hurd told the Spokesman-Review last year the club had outgrown the building and that was why they chose to sell the land and relocate.