Here’s the Dirt: Kohl’s gets permit for NorthTown site

Kohl’s Department Stores Inc. was recently issued a building permit to make improvements valued at $5.6 million for its NorthTown Mall site.

Mum’s the word on the opening date, though, because the Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based retailer times its media outreach closer to the grand opening, representatives have said.

Still, the permit issued on Jan. 24, might provide a hint as to how soon the value-priced store might open. The retailer, which sells a family-friendly mix of house wares, apparel and other merchandise, purchased the former Mervyn’s building last spring for $5 million.

Richard Leisy, project manager for Bateman Hall, Inc., the Idaho Falls-based general contractor doing the renovation work, confirmed that they will be working for Kohl’s but said the company hasn’t received word on when project will commence.

Earlier this year, a spokeswoman for Kohl’s declined to say if the company plans to open other stores in the area, or give any firm dates for the NorthTown site, but divulged that Kohl’s opens stores in the spring and fall.

More options for low-income seniors in Coeur d’Alene

A North Idaho non-profit is in the midst of building 25 apartments for low-income seniors.

Coeur d’Alene Homes Inc. received $3 million in federal, state and local grants to create additional units in a low-income housing project called Heritage Place Phase 3.

The community is located at U.S. Highway 95 and Lincoln Way and currently has 129 apartments. It is also the site of Coeur d’Alene Homes Phase 2, a complex offering assisted living and dementia and Alzheimer’s care.

Building the additional units will allow the non-profit, a consortium of local churches, to address the needs of a growing number of seniors who are on waiting lists for the affordable units, said Mike Grabenstein, executive director of Heritage Place.

“The need is here and it’s continuing,” Grabenstein said.

The two-story building will have 12 upstairs units and 13 units downstairs, he said, adding that construction will likely be complete by the end of the year.

Apartments are roughly 540-square-feet and have a market value of about $800 a month, but will be subsidized based on income. Individuals age 62 and older earning less than $28,000 can qualify (call 208-664-2680). Contractors Northwest is building the project.

G.I. Joe’s coming to Spokane Valley

G.I. Joe’s, which operates a chain of Northwest sporting goods stores, was recently issued a $1.1 million permit to do foundation work for a new store on property near Spokane Valley Mall.

The spokeswoman for the Wilsonville, Ore.-based retailer didn’t return calls inquiring about the store’s opening date.

G.I. Joe’s Inc. operates 26 stores in Washington and Oregon, according to the company’s Web site. A news release posted Monday said that G.I. Joe’s had been acquired by Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm.

Carolbelle Branch, spokeswoman for the city of Spokane Valley, said that local agencies are reviewing a G.I. Joe’s application to build a 52,000-square foot store on the property, owned by Hanson Industries.

The developer for the G.I. Joe’s site is Meridian Construction, which is based in Spokane Valley.

Branch said there is another application to build a 10,000-square-foot retail shell next door; however, she was unsure what business might occupy that space.

Spokane takes applications for HUD funds

The Human Services Department is now accepting pre-applications for new homeless housing projects that may qualify for funding under the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) McKinney Vento Continuum of Care Homelessness Assistance program.

In 2006, the city received nearly $2 million for housing programs that offered support for homeless people, including permanent supportive housing, transitional housing and related support services. Preference will be given for those projects that provide permanent supportive housing for disabled singles.

Pre-applications are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 28. For more information, call (509) 625-6130.