A Voice For Change
The destiny of downtown Coeur d’Alene is obviously very important to many of you.
And your concern is what helps make this such a great place to live.
Suggestions in this space last week about how to reverse the decline of the downtown area drew more than two dozen responses. Some readers commented on the ideas offered; others had new suggestions.
One message was very clear. People want to be heard if changes are planned in public spaces downtown. These include the beaches, parking lots, McEuen Field, City Park, Memorial Field, the Third Street boatramp, Rotary tennis courts, streets and sidewalks and access to Tubbs Hill.
Those recreational amenities are what attracted most non-natives to this place, and they are what caused native residents to either remain or return.
And in many of the responses to last week’s column, the residents demanded to not be denied these qualities of life - right where they are - so people can play or watch a game, go for a hike and/or swim, stroll on the boardwalk, and eat at a restaurant, all in one area.
And these respondents understand the economic problems of downtown survival.
Most said that it’s silly to have parking lots with spectacular views. So, yes, move the lots to the other sides of downtown.
Then people suggest replacing the parking lots with plazas supporting art work, art shows and outdoor markets, perhaps a skating rink.
Readers want downtown theaters, both motion picture and live performance, maybe even an amphitheater for concerts and plays.
Readers applauded the idea of an expanded museum and Native American cultural center. Bring in the historical aspect, Fort Sherman, pioneers, steamboats and trains, the mining, lumbering, the Mullan Road, old-time sports.
Readers suggested that Coeur d’Alene have an athletic stadium and an indoor tennis-swim facility co-supported by the public, the schools, college and The Coeur d’Alene Resort.
No one mentioned a downtown mall, a concept the city almost adopted several years ago. This could happen someday, maybe when condominiums provide enough downtown residents. And leave space for a light-rail system to connect to Spokane and the airport.
Many of those ideas and others will be discussed at the first public workshop on the downtown issues at 7 p.m., next Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Lake City High School.
Retired resident Joe Connors perhaps said it best: “We want a city that is useful to its people - residents first, visitors second. No one moved to Coeur d’Alene because of its shopping.”
One believer in downtown Coeur d’Alene is Safeway, which is remodeling its 28-year-old store at 1001 Fourth St.
Many people feared Safeway would leave its 25,000-square-foot building when the second store was built on Neider Avenue. Instead, they’re adding a new Safeway signature entry with a breezeway, cart area and video rental service.
“We want to be a part of this community,” said Manager Ron Hayes. “We’re alive and well; we’ll continue to update and modernize.”
The store employs 50 people.
A fascinating new business in Silver Lake Mall is Miracles, an aesthetic day spa offering body and mind rejuvenation.
Situated north of the mall entry to Penney’s, Miracles’ most obvious items are its capsules, nearluminescent space-age plastic devices that provide a soothing combination of massage, vibration, heat, air, light and aroma.
Owner Michael Cord said the capsules and other Miracles’ services, such as body wraps and massages, help with weight loss, stress relief, chronic pain, insomnia, jet lag, headaches, poor complexion, low energy and seasonal affect disorder. He also sells products for body toning and cellulite reduction, along with aroma oils, oxygenated water and the capsules themselves.
Originally from Owyhee, Idaho, Cord worked with the entertainment industry in Los Angeles before returning to Idaho 11 years ago. He’s hoping to move the business into a larger mall location and add more equipment and services. Phone 762-7640.
Life Center Therapies for Well Being is the new name for the certified massage therapy business at 1319 Government Way. The 13-yearold business features massage therapists Dori Rice and Lorrie Cary and acupuncturist Dwight Dansereau. Phone 667-3813.
This sidebar appeared with the story: TO OFFER IDEAS The first public workshop on the issues concerning downtown Coeur d’Alene will be held at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Lake City High School.