Here’s the Dirt: Liberty tenants get more space

A major remodel of the ground floor of the Liberty Building in downtown Spokane has given more retail space for Uncle’s Games and added a lounge in Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie.

Main floor tenant Auntie’s Bookstore gave up 800 square feet of space to Uncle’s. It will use the space for more gaming areas, said Shannon Ahern, owner of the building and a partner in the retail game company.

Sante owners Kate and Jeremy Hansen added about 1,000 square feet given up by Auntie’s. They are completing work on the Butcher Bar, expected to open the first week of December.

The Liberty Building, at 402 W. Main Ave., also completed remodeling of the second level and mezzanine, said Ahern.

General contractor for the work was Ben Davis Construction, of Spokane.

Athleta opens store in RPS

Women’s fitness apparel store Athleta has opened its first Spokane store in River Park Square.

It’s taking one half of the space formerly used on the second level by Abercrombie & Fitch.

The store is just the second Athleta location in Washington, said RPS spokeswoman Elizabeth Mills.

River Park Square is owned by Cowles Co., which also owns The Spokesman-Review.

Albertsons remodels

The Millwood Albertsons grocery store at 8851 E. Trent Ave. has finished remodeling, adding new sections and new display areas.

Improvements include expanded seafood and produce sections, a new bakery and an updated deli food service area. Also featured during a recent reopening is the store’s new Seattle Seahawks Team Shop.

Kids’ learning center opens

Owner Kerra Bower has opened Little Scholars Early Learning Center, a child care center, at 2015 N. Monroe St.

The activity-focused business is open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Bower has a staff of 15.

She accepts children from 1 month to age 12.