Downtown Deals
A number of projects would like to have the notable year 2000 on the cornerstone of their buildings planned for the Coeur d’Alene area.
Some potential plans for major projects will soon surface, if cutting through red tape goes smoothly. Other potential projects may be too complex to be completed this year.
The downtown area is abuzz with rumors stemming from the “sold” sticker applied to the Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty sign on the vacant lot formerly occupied by the Wilma Building at Second and Lakeside. Agent Chad Dwyer said an escrow deal is still 30 days from closing. The only clue he gives is that the potential buyer is a local person or company.
Owned by Coeur d’Alene Mines, the property in question includes the Wilma parcel and the parcel across the alley to the north, which includes the Neff Mall at Second and Lakeside. The unoccupied mall is about 6,000 square feet, and the parcels together are just over one-third of an acre.
The property has been for sale for several years. A few years ago plans were announced for a 10-story building that would have occupied more than half of the connecting city block with upper stories crossing the existing alley, which must remain in place. Those plans, which included commercial, condominium and parking facilities, fell apart.
The potential buyer that surfaces the highest among rumormongers is Hagadone Hospitality, which owns both properties kitty-corner to the Wilma parcel. Another rumored purchaser is Architects West. Neither company responded to calls seeking comment.
A four-story, 64-room motel is planned for 747 W. Appleway in Coeur d’Alene, between the Top of China Buffet restaurant and Panhandle Floor Covering.
Landowner Don “Pepper” Smock said “a major national motel chain” would start construction early this summer and would open by year end if all goes smoothly.
The 1.2-acre site would include parking for 90 cars and the motel with a swimming pool, spa and meeting rooms. The facility has cleared project review through the city of Coeur d’Alene.
Avergran’s on the Green, a dinner and lounge facility, opened Valentine’s Day in the building formerly occupied by Doc & Crockets at 1658 E. Miles Ave. in Hayden Lake. The restaurant is across from Avondale Golf Course and overlooks the 11th green of Hayden Lake Country Club.
New owners Randel and Maria Fe Poole purchased the land and building, which had been remodeled recently with a country lodge decor. The dining area seats 82. A private room can seat 30 more.
The menu offers everything from burgers to beef Wellington, Randel Poole said, and includes several meat and fresh fish entrees, pastas, gourmet pizza, numerous appetizers and a children’s section.
Poole was chef at The Cedars Floating Restaurant after moving to North Idaho five years ago from Palm Springs, Calif., where both he and his wife had been in the restaurant and hospitality business for many years. He is originally from Lake Tahoe, Nev.
Avergran’s, named from a combination of the Pooles’ sons’ names, Avery and Grant, employs 15. It opens daily at 2 p.m. but is closed Sundays. Phone 762-4699.
The Post Falls branch of Interstate Office Supply is moving from 102 W. Seltice Way to a new building at 180 E. Seltice by March 1.
Business owner Gary Ulvan said the 4,000-square-foot space, a former drugstore where he has been since 1993 in Post Falls, was simply too large. The new space, next to Domino’s Pizza, is 1,500 square feet. The business sells office, art and stamping supplies.
River City Framing, which has shared the larger building, is also moving, but to a new space across the street from Interstate’s new location.
Ulvan bought the Coeur d’Alene Interstate Office Supply business 18 years ago.