Building On A Solid Foundation

Sculpting an Italian-style building that will reflect the theme of its business’ success, Bella Marble & Granite plans to be in its new facility in Post Falls later in the summer.

The new, 10,000-square-foot structure will include a showroom and shop as Bella moves from its 4-year-old home in Chilco to Polston Avenue on the north side of Interstate 90. The showroom will include kitchen vignettes, one of which will be a working model with a demonstration area.

Bella offers complete works with marble and granite for floors, countertops, fireplaces and specialty items such as bathroom walls, formal entrances and conference room tables. The process can include designing, cutting, polishing and installing. The business offers stone from throughout the world, including travertine, limestone and slate. A second, computerized saw is en route from Milan, Italy, for the new store.

Business owners are Paul and Leah Terrell, who came to North Idaho from Bigfork, Mont. They originally are from San Diego, where Paul was a journeyman with a professional stonecrafter. He is a third-generation stonecutter.

Their work is residential and commercial, including the Veterans Memorial Arena and Nordstrom’s department store cafe in Spokane and the renovated guest rooms in the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Reasons for the move are larger space, better exposure and freeway access.

Phone 762-8200

Hayden Independent Honda Service, specializing in vehicle maintenance and repair, opened last week at 10643 Government Way in Hayden.

Owner Bruce McGovern said he wants to provide individualized service for people who prefer to know their auto technician. He has worked the past seven years at dealerships.

Originally from Albuquerque, N.M., McGovern came to North Idaho in 1984 as an engineer and surveyor with Hecla Mining. Following company layoffs, he pursued his special interest of car repair and completed the program at North Idaho College.

Business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. Phone 762-8761.

Precision Image Photo Express has moved from Appleway Square to Suite 109 (next to Boulevard Express) in Harbor Plaza on Northwest Boulevard. The business’ three employees offer 30-minute film processing, Fuji cameras, film and photography accessories.

Owner Dawn Workman, who has four years’ experience in the business, purchased the company, formerly called Steinley’s II, from Oscar Steinley. Originally from the Portland area, she came to North Idaho in 1996. She plans to add a digital imaging service.

Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Phone 667-9137.

Those Seven Dwarf yard gnomes made famous in the movie “The Full Monty,” fountains and driftwood animals are among items available at Hummingbird Ceramics, which has moved to 9428 Government Way. They join a pet store and tool store in the building that formerly housed Napa Auto Parts.

Ceramics classes and the pouring, finishing, cleaning and painting of ceramics are offered by business owner Donna Smathers and her volunteer helper, Donna White. The move from 2900 Government Way gives her more room and a better location, she said.

Originally from California, Smathers came to Idaho from Florida in 1971. She became interested in ceramics in 1972 and bought the business in 1997.

Open hours vary on weekdays and include Monday and Wednesday evenings and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturdays. Phone 772-6026.

Tidbits:

A few big-name fast-food places have sneaked into Rathdrum, but you know Kootenai County’s original capital has become big-time when it gets its own McDonald’s. Yep, McD’s will be building a restaurant, near the high school, of course.

With a shift in name in addition to merchandise, Ranch & Home hardware store at 1604 E. Seltice Way, Post Falls, has changed from “Do-It” to “Ace.”

The new affiliation includes a better selection and lower prices, according to owners Sandy and Nancy Seright. Originally from Montana, they’ve owned the 15,000-square-foot store for 20 years and have 15 employees. The store also has a rental center and small-engine repair shop. Phone 773-1581.