Expansion Keys Moves
Probation and parole offices have moved in Coeur d’Alene.
Tuesday, the regional Idaho Department of Corrections Department moved its 23 employees from 1115 Ironwood Drive to 202 Anton Ave., Coeur d’Alene. The move allows an increase from 4,000 to 9,000 square feet in the building that historically housed Idaho Job Service, which is just completing an addition to its spaces now at 1221 Ironwood.
Scott Grant, corrections sectional supervisor, said his employees supervise 920 felony offenders through probation and parole.
The corrections office moved from downtown Coeur d’Alene to Ironwood eight years ago. The new quarters occupy the entire main floor of the 202 Aton Building, which is owned by John Krapfl of Hayden.
Doubling its space, expanded parking and owning rather than renting are among the reasons Northwest Kenpo Karate is constructing a new building at 245 Bosanko Ave. Located near Coeur d’Alene Cinemas, the 5,000-square-foot structure should be complete in August.
Leaving its 2,300-square-foot facility at 2504 N. Fourth St., owner Steve Hirst said most of the space in the new building will be for two major training rooms and various types of training and weight equipment. He and Tim Kinney instruct several karate classes of various ages and abilities. They emphasize karate kickboxing, cardio-kickboxing and personal training.
Hirst described kenpo karate as the combination of an eclectic system of martial arts styles.
“Kenpo combines traditional karate with styles that are constantly evolving,” Hirst said. “It’s not about fighting; it’s about discipline and exercise. It’s for personal growth mentally and physically. It makes you mentally tougher; it gives you drive.”
Hirst grew up in Boise, where he became involved in karate in high school because of interest spurred by actor Bruce Lee. He came to North Idaho in 1983 for the “smaller-town atmosphere,” he said. He has 20 years’ experience in karate, including 16 as an instructor. Phone 664-6380.
Personal physical training is the emphasis of Bodies in Training, now open at 7352 Government Way in Dalton Gardens. The 1,500-square-foot space is next to Paradise Pets in Dalton Court.
Owner Robert Howard said most customers seek weight management, weight loss, injury rehabilitation, nutrition counseling or personal training.
Originally from Post Falls, Howard was educated at North Idaho College, the University of Idaho and Seattle Pacific University, from which he graduated in exercise physiology. He has 10 years’ experience, including working with wellness programs in Colorado. He hopes to add a second trainer to the business, which also offers a tanning area. Phone 762-3928.
Construction has begun at 7719 Government Way in Hayden on the eighth Pawn One store. The 20-year-old company has five stores in Spokane and outlets in Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls. Additional stores are planned for North Monroe in Spokane and Airway Heights.
The 6,000-square-foot building in Hayden is in the planned Prairie Plaza development at Government Way and Aqua Avenue. Five employees should occupy the new store by Aug. 1.
“We strive for good customer service; we spend time with our customers,” said Mark Silver, who owns the business with Lewis Rumpler and Mark Lax, all of Spokane. “We offer our customers a pleasant atmosphere.”
Tidbits:
I’m ambivalent about constructing a new library in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Combining a new facility with a community center to encourage downtown activity by residents may be a good idea.
And the library does need more room for its collection.
However, the current facility on Harrison Avenue could expand into the neighboring properties it owns.
The parking lot is never half full, and Internet use no doubt has cut library traffic.
Don’t hold your breath about a “fuel center” moving into a North Idaho Albertson’s property.
Although the Idaho-based supermarket chain has added combination gas pump-convenience store pads to about 30 of its stores, the company is only in the “evaluation” stage of fuel centers for this region.