Area construction projects going strong despite heat

We’ve hit the dog days of summer, those long, hot days between July 3 and Aug. 11 … and it is hot. But that hasn’t put a stop to the construction going on in our area. Despite sweltering conditions, Cabela’s is going up fast and will change the face of the old Stateline area. Developers continue to dot the prairie landscape with huge residential projects, a few community projects are nearing completion and Rathdrum’s Main Street is undergoing a revitalization.

Rathdrum pavilion rises

The impressive pavilion being built at Rathdrum’s City Park is nearly done, according to Rathdrum Lion’s Club President Larry Quimby. The foundation and metal roof are in place, and brick work should be completed this week, readying the site for plumbing and electrical work. Most of the materials and labor have been donated for the 1,600-square-foot pavilion that will include two handicapped-accessible restrooms with stainless steel fixtures, a kitchen area and a storage and maintenance room.

Quimby hopes to meet a mid-August deadline for the building, which his club is building and will turn over to the city.

Spirit Lake restroom ahead of schedule

The Spirit Lake restroom being built by volunteers with proceeds from The Big Back-In, one of Spirit Lake’s biggest events, is also “close” to being done – and it is a doozy. The handsome, rock-faced facility will have hands-free flushing and hand washing equipment; a separate maintenance entrance, increased number of stalls, and stamped animal prints and tracks in the concrete walkway.

Originally planned to be completed by June of 2008, volunteer Curt Greene reports it will most likely be done in time for the town’s Labor Day festivities.

Lakeland school construction on track

According to Lakeland School District Assistant Superintendent Ron Schmidt, the summer’s heavy construction schedule is right on target and construction of the new elementary school on Rice Road is complete.

“Twin Lakes Elementary School is scheduled to open its doors for the first time this fall to approximately 300 kindergarten through sixth-grade students. The furniture is moved in and it is ready to go,” he said. “Wireless computer science labs will also be up and running at each of the district’s elementary schools by the time school starts.”

Upgrades to Lakeland High School, including 10 additional classrooms, gymnasium and locker expansion, science classroom improvements, library and office remodels, and upgraded mechanical facilities, are also on schedule, according to Schmidt, with all but the gymnasium expected to be completed by the time school opens. The gymnasium is scheduled for completion before the end of the year.

Delays hamper library renovations

Renovations on the Athol, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake libraries have been delayed a little. “Although delays in getting roof trusses held up construction for a time, all the buildings are back on track, and we should be seeing some really good progress at all our branches,” said Library Director John Hartung. He estimates the Athol Library renovation will be completed by September, with Spirit Lake in October and hopefully, Rathdrum in November.

Red tags for Post Falls entryway monuments

The Post Falls entrance project is looking a little more like misplaced concrete barriers than part of an entryway beautification project. Red-tagged by Idaho Transportation Department officials for a couple of engineering concerns, two pieces of the 16-by-18-foot waterfall projects had already been put in place on Spokane Street near the I-90 on- and off-ramps.

According to ITD traffic engineer Mike Porcelli, “We are waiting for engineering studies from those working on the project.”

Project organizers believe the problems will be worked out, but it may be too late to see the water flow this year.

Rathdrum downtown revitalization

Downtown revitalization in Rathdrum has taken an upward swing as Paul Matthews’ two-story brick building nears completion, Anthony Papetti lays the foundation for a new building and two other historic buildings on Main Street undergo renovation.

Matthews’ 7,800-square-foot building, designed to fit the character and scale of nearby historic buildings, has already added a grand presence on Main Street and will enhance revitalization as tenants fill the space. Matthews’ company, Pasold Matthews Architects, will occupy top floor and Pleasantland Books and Coffee Shop will open on the main floor. Other spaces remain available.