Here’s the dirt: 17 condos slated for downtown
An alleyway that borders the railroad viaduct is on track for 17 new condominiums in downtown Spokane.
Mauer Construction plans to transform three buildings at Jefferson Street and Railroad Avenue into two complexes joined by a parking area with a rooftop garden.
“We’re just in the planning stages right now,” said Jerry Mauer, president of Mauer Construction.
The proposed project is a block west of the 14-unit Rail Side Center condos and the former Music City building, which abuts the north side of the railroad viaduct and is being transformed into 14 to 18 condos.
Mauer Construction’s project borders the south side of the viaduct and has second-story views that look out over the railroad tracks and adjacent historic buildings.
The two-story buildings, at 1117 W. Railroad Ave. and 153 S. Jefferson St., will be converted into condominiums, while a center building will be demolished to create the parking structure and rooftop garden, Mauer said.
“All of our spaces are going to have access to outside,” Mauer explained, adding that the building that’s coming down is in poor condition.
Both structures slated for rehabilitation were built in the early 1900s. The 6,000-square-foot building on Railroad Avenue has an aging sign painted on the red brickwork that bears the name Bissinger & Co. tannery, a longtime occupant that tanned hides on the premise.
The 5,000-square-foot building on Jefferson Street, which has brickwork that is painted tan, served as a warehouse for Hughes & Co. Plumbing Supplies.
Condos will run from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet in size, with 14-foot-tall ceilings. Designs will incorporate the rustic, red brickwork and heavy timber frames in the two old buildings.
“Our goal is to keep these in the affordable range,” Mauer said.
This is the first condo project for the 10-year-old commercial contractor, which does renovation work for Macy’s and built the Downriver Grill.
Mauer hopes to have the preliminary design work completed and apply for a building permit within the next two months.
New restaurants set for Crescent Court
The northeast corner of the Crescent Court building will soon boast two new restaurants.
Madeleine’s Café and Patisserie and Pita Pit are expected to open within the next two months in the former location of Cucina Cucina Italian Cafe.
Madeleine’s, a European bistro, will occupy the northeast corner of the building and offer outdoor seating.
Deb Green, who owns the business with her daughter Megan Poffenroth, said the restaurant will offer butter pastries and artisan breads that are baked there daily and an assortment of Mediterranean dishes.
“We’ll have 30 feet of cases filled with pastries and savory food items,” said Green, who hopes to open in May.
The bistro will have indoor seating for 48 with at least that many outdoor seats, she said.
“We’re very much looking forward to the urban development that’s going on downtown,” Green said.
Justin Paine, of Walker Construction, which is renovating the space for Pita Pit, said the suite is 1,500 square feet.
Pita Pit serves a mix of pitas with meat and vegetarian fillings along with soups and salads. Pita Pit USA has headquarters in Coeur d’Alene and has more than 50 franchises nationwide, according to the company’s Web site.
Paine said the downtown Pita Pit will have a movable glass wall that opens to sidewalk café seating.
“We’re trying to bring the exterior inside a little bit,” Paine said.
Tax Increment Financing simplified?
A series of open houses is planned to discuss a proposed Tax Increment Financing district that would pay for public projects in and around the planned Kendall Yards development in West Central.
TIF uses general obligation bonds to pay for front-loading infrastructure improvements, such as extending sewer lines and building roads, to hasten development. The bonds are then repaid by a portion of the increased property taxes generated by the project.
The meetings will provide information about the TIF district and get feedback from citizens on neighborhood projects that could be financed with tax dollars.
“Tuesday 6:30 to 8 p.m., West Central Community Center lounge, 1603 N. Belt St.
“Wednesday, 6:30 to 8 p.m., West Central Community Center auditorium, 1603 N. Belt St.
“April 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m., county commissioner’s hearing room, Spokane County Public Works Building, 1026 W. Broadway Ave.
“April 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., City Hall Chase Gallery, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.
Fuel station up and fueling
A fuel station that is part of a chain being developed by Spokane Tribal Enterprises has opened.
Spoko Fuel station, on U.S. Highway 395, next to the Chewelah Casino, has five gas bays, Internet access, free overnight truck parking and food services.
Another of the tribe’s Spoko Fuel stations recently opened in the West Plains.