Here’s the Dirt : Kohl’s plans Spokane Valley store

Kohl’s, a value-priced retailer with 834 stores nationwide, plans to build a two-level store with a mezzanine in Spokane Valley.

Plans submitted to the city shows the $4.7 million store is slated for the 16000 block of Broadway Avenue, east of Sullivan Road, and near Wal-Mart.

The 98,165-square foot Kohl’s is next door to a proposed Lowe’s store, which will be about 140,000-square feet in size. Plans show two or three smaller retail buildings possibly going in nearby.

This will be the third planned location for Kohl’s, which is just entering the region and sells a family-friendly mix of housewares, apparel and other merchandise. The company hasn’t opened any stores yet, but is in the process of building a store at NorthTown Mall and one on Aqua Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

Micki Harnois, associate planner for Spokane Valley, said the property owner, Dave Black of Black Enterprises LP, requested approval to subdivide the 23-acre L-shaped parcel into three lots. Until the site plan is approved, the developer is only allowed one building permit application for the entire parcel, she said.

PacLand, a development consulting company based in Woodinville, Wash., applied for a building permit for the Kohl’s store and Mulvanny G2 Architects is listed as doing the design work.

Harnois said review of the site plan should be completed in the next few weeks.

A representative of the Menominee Falls, Wis.-based Kohl’s didn’t comment on store opening dates when contacted on Thursday. The company times its media outreach closer to the grand openings.

Earlier this year, a spokeswoman for Kohl’s divulged that the retailer opens stores in the spring and fall.

City makes good on $1 million deposit

The City of Spokane has paid $1 million toward the $5.3 million purchase price of the YMCA property, which borders the northwest tip of Riverfront Park.

Mike Stone, director of the parks and recreation department, said that the city recently paid $850,000 to complete the down payment.

The money is non-refundable once the YMCA completes its fundraising and moves to a campus that it will jointly occupy with YWCA.

The remaining $4.3 million could come due in 18 months if everything plays out as planned for the two non-profits.

YMCA President Rig Riggins said the two agencies have raised $19 millionof the $40 million necessary for the new campus. He estimates that the YMCA will move into the complex by the end of 2008.

Sometime in the next year, voters will be asked to approve a bond funding the project, Stone said.

If the building purchase is approved, Stone said the city could initially use that building for parks and recreation programs and offices. With the closure of Shadle Park pool, the city lacks an indoor aquatics center and the department is currently conducting a survey to determine if aquatics are a priority for citizens, he said.

If voters don’t approve the offer, the city will borrow money from other accounts to complete the transaction, so as not to lose the $1 million deposit.

Stone said the parks department would then ask voters’ permission to re-sell the building and property.

Developer Mark Pinch, who initially made an offer on the land, said he still wants to purchase the property to build a 14-story condo tower.

“I’m still very interested in pursuing the project,” Pinch said.

PacWest Services Inc. has a home buying program for veterans

A company that provides a mix of real estate services is offering a home purchasing program for veterans, including personnel on active duty.

The Homes4Half program combines offerings from the Veteran’s Administration, with a PacWest rebate on the real estate commission.

Tim Swartout, founder and chairman of PacWest Services, Inc., said many national guardsmen and women now qualify because they’re serving active duty.

Veterans who’ve served at least 181 days of active duty can get into a home with zero down, Swartout said.

The V.A. guarantees a portion of the home loan, he said, meaning that veterans quality for a loan on up to 100 percent of the sale price.

Military clients who use PacWest for Realtor, lender and closing services, will be credited for half their real estate commission, or up to $1,500, to use for any home buying need, Swartout said.

Veterans can find out more by visiting www.pacwestservices.com.