Here’s the Dirt: AAA office plans move to South Hill

AAA of Spokane is relocating its downtown Spokane office to the South Hill, taking the space of the former restaurant Savory, at 1314 S. Grand Blvd.

The move will allow the automobile insurance and travel provider to reach out and provide more convenience to AAA members, said spokeswoman Cassie Devaney. Its current main office, at 1717 W. Fourth Ave., is for sale.

The goal is to complete improvements and move in by the end of the year, Devaney said.

AAA will continue to operate its two other offices in Spokane and one in Coeur d’Alene.

CarMax store planned in Valley

Virginia-based CarMax Inc., the nation’s largest used-car retailer, plans to open its first location in the area in Spokane Valley next spring.

It will build its new retail store on a nine-acre site at 7814 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley permits say the 44,000-square foot facility will cost roughly $4.8 million.

This will be the initial store operated by CarMax in Washington state. Company spokeswoman Trina Lee said the goal is open locations in the Seattle market eventually.

Its locations typically hire between 50 and 100 employees, said Lee.

Publicly traded CarMax is a Fortune 500 company. It opened its first store 20 years ago and now has 122 in 61 markets.

Construction is expected to begin within three months.

Hospice expected to open in April

Hospice of Spokane’s new care facility, at 102 W. Rhoades Ave., is expected to open in April, said Executive Director Gina Drummond.

The 13,000- square-foot residence will have 12 private bedrooms and other living spaces including a kitchen.

ALSC Architects of Spokane provided the design, and Lydig Construction is the general contractor for the $3.3 million project.

Drummond said Hospice’s other care facility, at 367 E. Seventh Ave., often has a waiting list. The new center will allow for expansion to 20 bedrooms.