Virtual reality gaming business to fill former Starbucks near Gonzaga

A former Starbucks near Gonzaga University will become a virtual reality arcade, according to permits issued by the city.

The building at 1217 N. Hamilton St. will see about $50,000 in interior work to remove walls and build spaces needed for the gaming space. For years, the 2,200-square-foot space housed the Seattle-based chain cafe.

The project is led by Pam Glen, who said Immerse VRcade should be open in early April.

When complete, the arcade will have 10 booths and a variety of games to play. Players can play in 15-minute increments, and it will cost $30 per hour.

Glen said there will be educational and entertaining games will be available. She said her favorite is one in which players walk out on a plank 50 stories above city traffic.

The arcade will feature virtual reality headgear that allows players to experience the immersive technology. When complete, the arcade will join a number of similar gaming facilities in the area, including H.I.V.E. Virtual Reality and Virtual Gamerz in Spokane, and Virtual Reality CDA in Coeur d’Alene.

The property the building sits on is owned by LLC & M, a company governed by Greg Byrd, the managing broker for Spokane’s Byrd Real Estate. The property houses a number of buildings built between 1937 and 1970, though parts were remodeled in 1995, and was most recently sold in 1998 for $873,000.

The general contractor is Branda Building and Design, of Spokane.