Sisters’ store features antiques, local artwork
The corner of Fifth Street and Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d’Alene will return to life this weekend as two new businesses open where two closed a few months ago.
Angel Gallery of Fine Art & Antiques at 423 Sherman will open Friday evening as part of the Art Walk. The 2,500-square-foot store features the work of local artists and the more “exclusive” line of antiques, according to Deborah Rathbun. She and co-owner and sister, Patricia Kovatch, moved the items from their former 5,000-square-foot space on the third floor of the Wiggett Antique Mall.
“We downsized and became more selective,” she said. “We know antiques, but we want ‘to do’ art. We’re stepping out on our own.”
The women grew up in Coeur d’Alene and have been in the antique business for five years. They will buy and sell antiques; the art is sold by consignment. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Phone 665-7232.
Across the street, Doma Coffee Roastery plans a soft opening Saturday in the space formerly occupied by Tanglewood Restaurant. It will offer showcase coffees, beers, wines and desserts.
Owners Rebecca and Terry Patano will have about 10 employees and be open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The business will seat about 40 customers inside and on the sidewalk. The interior was extensively remodeled by Dodge Construction.
Fleet Feet opens in September
Two passions are resulting in a new fitness sports shop in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Owners Garth Merrill and Nancy Ullrich met on a running track in Garth’s hometown of Santa Cruz, Calif., and have been in the sports shoe and apparel business for seven years. She was raised in the Silver Valley, and they decided to start a business in the area where they really wanted to reside, he said.
The store sells footwear, apparel and accessories for runners, joggers, walkers, tri-athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Now with 59 stores and based in Sacramento, the store began in 1976. The Web site is fleetfeet.com.
The 2,500-square-foot Coeur d’Alene store is combined with neighboring Evergreen Floral just east of the new Doma Coffee business on Sherman Avenue. Dave Rucker purchased the building through Rich McKernan of Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty. Rucker also purchased the 7-Eleven mini-mall at Fourth and Best in Coeur d’Alene.
Meanwhile, the HipArt business next to Fleet Feet plans to close in late summer. Sales manager Don Bartell said business “really picked up” since the sale sign of “Quitting Business” was put on the window. The store will close, however, and owner Patrick O’Conner will continue wholesaling hip art from his home.
Unique art, antiques
Specialty art items, antiques and collectibles are among the inventory at Qwapharkey at 728 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene.
The store offers unique selections of tile art, woodwork, furniture, pottery sinks, concrete sculpture and bungalow-style antiques and décor. Owners are Vada Tate and Cassandra Henry, who also will buy antiques and sell artwork on consignment.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone 667-0333.
Mint Custom Detailing moves
Specialty work on vehicles and boats is available at Mark Mint Custom Detailing, which moved in May to 2307 N. Fourth St. (just north of IHOP), Coeur d’Alene.
Offering complete exterior and interior detailing work, owner Mark Mint and clear-coat paint specialist Jeremy Sepanski “handle one car at a time,” said Mint, who calls himself the Doctor of Wax. “It’s actually an art. It includes high-pressure wash, glazing with 30 different glazes and wax sealants and several types of buffing.”
The price depends on the size and condition of the vehicle, with discounts if both the interior and exterior are done. Phone 755-6303.