New playing field for Emtman
Former football star building his first development in Cheney
Former University of Washington and NFL football player Steve Emtman is relying on perseverance, a trait that made him a dominant lineman, to complete his first residential development project, taking shape south of downtown Cheney.
Emtman, owner of Defender Developments Inc. LLC, said the first phase of the Terra Vista development will be finished this spring.
Concerns by Cheney city planners over density and wetland protection required Emtman to tweak the project in order to move it along. He learned the development cycle can take years, not months, to move toward completion.
“It has not been an easy road,” said Emtman, an All-America lineman and the first draft pick, by the Indianapolis Colts, in the 1992 NFL draft.
Phase one sits on six acres southwest of the city center. It has 15 single-family units; 12 are in a three-level townhouse, the other units are in a triplex nearby.
The six-acre parcel, part of a larger segment of land owned by the Emtman family for years, abuts Alki Street.
A key goal, he added, was to keep the development’s wetlands, open space, basalt outcroppings and natural features largely intact.
The vision for Terra Vista, he said, is “harmony with nature, to use the open spaces and not have the typical plans of a grid with a box.”
The 15 units are for lease or sale. Prices start at $139,000 and range to $179,000, depending on features.
The first phase also added synthetic grass in place of natural turf to minimize water use.
“People can take off for a few months and not have to worry about the lawn,” he said.
The second phase will add about 16 more single-family units within the six-acre segment. Later plans look to add 22 more units on an adjoining 27 acres.
Child learning center will move
Laura Bowman, owner of Care-A-Lot Learning Center, is moving her north Spokane business to a larger building in May.
Bowman’s childhood learning center has been in business at 4417 W. Wellesley Ave. for nine years.
By May 1 she intends to move into a larger commercial building at 5122 N. Division St., she said.
Major improvements by building owner Dave Black will give her six classrooms and an infant center. Construction Associates will do the remodeling.
Bowman said each classroom will have a bathroom and outside access, two requirements for her to earn certification through the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Her hours now are 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Bowman said she plans to add Saturday care and will extend weekday hours through midnight.
Care-A-Lot employs 15, Bowman said.
Jimmy John’s opens in Spokane
Jimmy John’s, a nationwide sandwich shop company, opened its first Spokane store in downtown Spokane, at 601 W. Main Ave.
Franchise General Manager Nick Alsen said the Spokane franchise plans to stay open seven days a week, serving until 9 p.m.
It offers deliveries as far east as Hamilton Street, north to Mission Avenue, west to Maple Street and south generally to Ninth Avenue.