Plaza Nears Tenant Decision

The remaining space between the Target and vacated Ernst stores in Coeur d’Alene should be filled by a new building before next summer.

Earlier this fall an Office Max store filled some of the space adjacent to Ernst. The new building will be about 16,500 square feet on a 1.5-acre site at Silver Lake Plaza.

The question regarding what will be in this space remains unanswered because the owners are weighing the options and waiting for signatures.

The most likely major tenant will be a national name apparel store, said Max McNett of Marshall Clark Commercial Real Estate in Spokane.

“This would be a familiar name that would not be moving from a previous area location,” he said. “We have so much interest now (in the space) that we don’t want to announce the exact possibilities too soon in order not to exclude anyone bidding for space.”

Panco Construction plans to start work on the $2 million building in March. The owner, WAM Enterprises of Spokane, may put the facility on the market after it is occupied, McNett said. WAM, a development company owned by Bruce Miller, is named from the company owned by his father, architect Walter A. Miller. Contact McNett at (509) 325-3333.

‘Tis the season at Silver Lake Mall. Seasonal vendors fill the aisles while established retailers offer holiday specials and extended hours. Adding to the mix is a new food court player.

Kiosks include: North West Made, with candles, leather, pottery and hand-painted jewelry; The Calligraphy Workshop, with pictures, pottery and stained glass; Hickory Farms, with cheeses, meats and other specialty foods; Cable Alternative, with satellite dishes; Idaho Gift Co., with holiday sweatshirts, T-shirts and lotions; Showcase Glass, with hand-blown glass objects; Century Communication, with free installation of cable TV service; Comfort Zone, with therapeutic heat/cold packs and massagers, and Silverwood Theme Park, with season passes and logo merchandise.

And Santa Claus has a new setting.

The new Chicken & Ribs store has opened in the central food court in former Burgers & More space.

The store, which has 10 employees, offers broasted chicken, smoked ribs and sausage, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, cornbread, chicken strips and four flavors of frozen yogurt. Take-out food is available.

“The ribs are really special; they’re smoked three and a half hours,” said Paul Schwartz, who owns the business with his wife, Genia. Both are Coeur d’Alene natives. They have the Sterling Stop in the mall and Silver Safari stores in NorthTown and Valley mall, Spokane.

With an emphasis on “Series 2000,” Silver Lake’s GTE Phone Mart store this spring will expand into the neighboring space once occupied by Kids Fair.

“We’ll provide for all communication needs for residences and small businesses,” said Jeannine Crum, manager. “We want to help people prepare for the Year 2000.” The Series 2000 store will be one of three for GTE, which also will provide customer learning centers. The others are in Everett and Kennewick, Wash.

Correction from last week’s column: Silver Lake’s Footlocker and Lady Footlocker stores and the mall offices report these stores will not be closing after the holidays.

Silver Lake Mall holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays. This weekend’s hours are 8 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Those eager for the opening of the new Outback Steakhouse can whet their appetites for next week.

Featuring a rustic Australian theme, the Outback will open Monday with a celebration benefit for The Children’s Village. Tickets, costing $20 will be available at the door for the 6-9 p.m. event. General public opening will be Tuesday.

Promoting “consistently high-quality food and service with generous portions at moderate prices,” the Outback features seasoned steaks, prime rib, chops, ribs, chicken, seafood and pasta. House specialties are the “Aussie Tizers,” including the signature Bloomin’ Onion Rings, and numerous desserts. The full liquor service includes Australian beers and wines.

The Outback is at 1381 Northwood Center Court, with access off Ironwood Drive in the southeast corner of Interstate 90 and its Northwest Boulevard exit. Phone 666-1500.