Business Development Changes Face Of Post Falls

The view to the west of Highlands Hill just west of Post Falls is especially pleasant when the sun is low on the horizon.

But the view just changed some. Instead of seeing the shimmering prairie grass, you see sparking lights of businesses and vehicles. And that’s rapidly becoming more intense.

Two new businesses should start building structures in June at the base of the hill as the first phase of Ross Point Court. The 10-acre development is bounded by Seltice Way on the north, Ross Point Road on the east and Third Street on the south. If the final part of the plan evolves, a new street will extend from the base of the Interstate 90 exit, cross Seltice Way and end at Third Street.

This street would provide the primary access to a new 50,000-square-foot Albertson’s store that would replace the Northern Beverage (Coors) building now on the site. The store probably would employ about 100 people.

While this new Albertson’s is a “probable,” two definite businesses in Ross Point Court would be KFC restaurant and Casey’s Pub.

The KFC, which will seat 70 customers and employ 20-25 people, will be on Ross Point Road just south of Seltice Way and the railroad track. Construction should start at the end of June, and the place should be open in September.

The restaurant will include the traditional KFC menu, a full buffet, a drive-through and (eventually) home delivery. Hours will be 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Owners are Tom Burns and Diane Coley. A Spokane native, Burns currently is manager of the Coeur d’Alene KFC, a position he will leave to manage the Post Falls store. Donna Byrd and John Egan will manage the CdA store. Originally from England, Coley has been in the Northwest about 30 years.

Casey’s Pub will combine a micro-brewery with a restaurant that offers a menu introducing customers to items made with beer and the traditional foods eaten with beer.

“We’ll have some diversity in pub grub,” explained Kent Roberts, who will own the place with his wife Cheryl. “The usual sandwiches, burgers and fish and chips will be upscaled with steaks, seafood and pasta. Beverages will include three or four beers brewed on the premises, 10 to 15 “guest” taps and wines.

The decor will display historical photos of the region. The 4,000-square-foot building will seat about 70 customers at tables and bar. Casey’s will employ 15-25 people and will be open 11 a.m. to midnight daily.

Kent has about 18 years’ experience combining beer brewing, retail management and restaurant work.

According to a plan offered by Monte Risvold of Tomlinson-Black Realty, Ross Point Court includes at least two more business pads that will be directly served by the new road extension connecting Seltice Way and Third Street. Possibilities include a bank, restaurant and strip mall of small stores.

Downtown Sandpoint is gaining a growing business as the Incredible Christmas Store expands to the original J.C. Penney building kitty-corner from Cedar Street Bridge.

The 5,000-square-foot facility offers holiday ornaments from around the world, 15 lines of brand-name collectibles and the work of glass-blower Harold Smith, who owns the business with his wife Susan.

Originally from Michigan and Lewiston, Harold and Susan came to Sandpoint eight years ago and started the glass-blowing business in a 600-square-foot space in Ponderay. The store expanded to 1,800 square feet and will continue to house the glass-blowing shop and store. The Smiths employ eight people at the new store and four at the original. Downtown hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Real estate appraiser Sandy Emerson has opened Emerson Valuation in the Bank of America building, 401 Front Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Ironically, years ago the facility housed the First Federal banking offices of his father, Tom Emerson, now a North Idaho historian and author.

A former Army engineer, the younger Emerson previously owned a real estate firm, was manager of the chamber of commerce and was employed by Energy Products of Idaho.

“Violence in the Workplace” is the theme of a seminar next Wednesday at Templin’s Resort. Presenter is Dave Schilke of the Federal Protective Service, and sponsor is The Women’s Forum. Sessions are 3-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. For information phone 667-1212.

, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Nils Rosdahl The Spokesman-Review