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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

The Dirt: Washington Trust Bank will build a new Manito branch

Washington Trust Bank will build a new Manito branch along Grand Boulevard on land scheduled this spring to be cleared of older structures. A restaurant also is planned on the South Hill property.

City permits were issued last week to demolish one commercial building and five homes on the nearly 1-acre site that Washington Trust bought as six parcels in 2015. It’s at 3103 S. Grand at the southeast corner of 31st Avenue.

The Washington Trust branch is designed with nearly 3,000 square feet of space to replace one at the nearby Manito Shopping Center. Wolfe Architectural Group is the designer.

A Washington Trust news release said relocation of the homes from the new site was considered but that each of the residential properties contains asbestos and other toxic materials that would need to be removed. Demolition is scheduled to be completed by early April, followed by construction soon after.

The standalone Grand Latte coffee shop was sold and relocated by new owners. Washington Trust also said the upcoming branch will serve as a hub for financial education and experiential banking services, using new technology to increase understanding of financial services for customers and small-business owners.

A site design calls for a 500-square-foot courtyard, landscaping, 40 parking spots and widening of nearby sidewalks. A size and design for a restaurant isn’t yet determined, and plans with the city don’t specify a name for the eventual eatery.

Headquartered in Spokane, Washington Trust operates 43 branches and offices in Washington, Idaho and Oregon.

Avista plans downtown building

Avista Corp. will construct a $3.5 million downtown network building to include a warehouse, storage and office space.

The now-vacant site at 1804 W. Fifth Ave. is owned by Avista. It also will have fleet parking and a future substation, according to planning documents. Garco Construction of Spokane is the contractor.

The one-story, nearly 30,000-square-foot building will occupy land immediately across Oak Street from the utility’s property at 1717 W. Fourth Ave., purchased by Avista in 2015 from AAA Washington, which formerly occupied the downtown site.

Avista said at the time of that purchase it planned to consolidate downtown service operations at multiple locations to the one property area to increase efficiencies.

U-Haul adds Valley dealer

U-Haul Co. of Washington said GTX Truck Stop has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer in Spokane Valley.

GTX Truck Stop, 18723 E. Cataldo Ave., will offer U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, support rental items and in-store pick-up for boxes.

Hours of operation for U-Haul rentals are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday.

Commercial leases

Ben Fackler Construction will occupy space in the Boone Avenue Business Court, 3929 E. Boone Ave. The company recently leased 3,700 square feet at the site. Drew Ulrick, of Black Commercial, and Doug Byrd, of Byrd Real Estate Group, were the brokers.

Attorney Scott Poorman has leased a nearly 1,000 square-foot office in the Global Credit Union financial center in Coeur d’Alene. The building is at 320 E. Neider Ave. Casey Brazil and Shawn McMahon, of Kiemle & Hagood, represented the landlord.

H & S Group Investments LLC has leased 2,600 square feet of space at 2407 N. Monroe St. Jim Orcutt, of Black Commercial, assisted with the transaction.

U Mobile LLC has leased nearly 2,000 square feet of space in Mullan Square at 3134 E. Mullan Ave., in Post Falls. Steve Ridenour and Chad Burd, both of Black Commercial, assisted with the transaction.

Let us know about new businesses, construction projects, expansions or relocations. Send items to The Dirt at TrevaL@spokesman.com, or call (509) 459-5439.