Here’s the Dirt : Big projects under way in Spokane Valley

Spokane Valley has some big projects under way that should bring in millions of dollars in future tax revenue.

Whether it’s a retail boom or having the right space available at the time, the city is in various stages of ushering in six big stores.

Spokane Valley sales tax revenue increased 8.9 percent last year over the year before. And for the first few months of this year, revenues are up 9 percent over the same time period last year, according to the city’s finance department.

In just over a year, a stretch of land just west of Spokane Valley Mall has seen the addition — or planned construction — of several big stores. Great Floors opened more than a year ago and Furniture Row opened in the past few months.

“It seems specific areas are being built out. I think it’s a pattern really,” said Micki Harnois, associate planner for the city.

Furniture Row is part of a privately held chain with more than 330 stores in 31 states. The company, headquartered in Denver, Colo., operates an outlet store on North Division Street. The new store, however, features a design with multiple storefronts that highlight the company’s separate brands, which includes Sofa Mart, Oak Express, Bedroom Expressions and Denver Mattress Co.

In that same area, Joe’s Sports, Outdoor & More (formerly G.I. Joe’s) is currently under construction and Fred’s Appliance store is in the pre-application process.

On Broadway Avenue, just east of Sullivan Road, Lowe’s has a permit to pour a foundation and Kohl’s, a value-priced department store chain, has applied for a building permit.

Spokane Valley Mayor Diana Wilhite said the city has been fortunate to have steady sales revenue since incorporating and developable property in convenient locations.

“I think the Valley is very easy to get in and out of,” Wilhite said.

Black Rock Development hires public relations company

Marshall Chesrown has hired a Santa Monica, Calif.-based public relations firm to promote The Club at Black Rock and Kendall Yards to potential buyers and investors nationwide.

Murphy O’Brien represents about 20 high-end developments nationwide and will target potential investors and buyers for the upscale communities in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, said Emily Peterson, public relations representative for the firm.

Peterson said the company is in contact with national publications, including golf magazines, and is also targeting residents of Palm Springs and Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. who may want a second home.

“Palm Springs is so hot that people need to escape to the Northwest market.”

Numerica focuses on convenience

Numerica Credit Union plans to offer banking services through 7-Eleven stores locally and across the country, a company news release said.

The Vcom units will be stationed at more than 1,700 of the stores, including four locations in Spokane. Members will be able to perform numerous credit union transactions at the stores, via a 24/7 self-service kiosk machine.

The expanded services are made possible by a partnership with Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc., which licenses convenience store platforms. Though the Vcom system, customers can deposit checks and get cash withdrawals, cash loan advances, make loan payments by check, transfer within members’ credit union accounts and balance and access recent transaction histories.

Numerica Credit Union currently has more than 70,000 members throughout central and Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho and over $650 million in assets.

Partnership buys more rentals

The owners of two Sun Rental Centers have purchased four more stores within the chain.

TJH Enterprises, Inc., which includes Terry and Jan Hornick and Mitch and Stefanie Watkins, now owns all six stores in the greater Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area.

Centers that were purchased include the center on South Palouse Highway, the store on South Dishman-Mica Road in Spokane Valley, the East Sprague Avenue location and the store on North Government Way in Coeur d’Alene.

Terry Hornick said all the centers will be renovated and will get new rental equipment. The Dishman-Mica Road store will exclusively feature special event rentals.

City holds revitalization workshop

Spokane is hosting a workshop to look at downtown growth and revitalization, on June 15.

The $15 workshop will provide information about development issues, incentives and adaptive reuse and runs from 7:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the lower level of City Hall, 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Topics covered will include green building incentives, tips for opening a downtown restaurant and making a project more financially feasible. Presenters include Jim Wavada, lead instructor for Spokane Community Colleges Sustainable Local Investments Partnership program, Paul Fish, owner of Mountain Gear, Chris Venne of Community Frameworks, Chris Batten of RenCorp, Chris Bell of Tomlinson Black Commercial and others.

For more information, or to register, call Karen Marshall at (509) 625-6393.