It's been a rumor for years, but in fact it is actually true that North 40 Outfitters ( formerly known as Big R Stores ) is planning on opening a store in Airway Heights. The plans have been on hold and the location has been moved around but there is a plan.
And, now finally it looks like 2017 will be the year North 40 finally builds their store. Actually there is a chance we'll see dirt being turned within the next 3 or 4 months.
This is because the land owners have filed to do a pre-development conference with the City of Spokane ( site technically falls in Spokane city limits, but near Airway ) . The conference is for a new big box store at the northeast corner of US 2 and Deer Heights Rd. near where the new Dairy Queen just opened. In the application it mentions actual construction starting in the Spring.
The only thing about this is that the included site plan never actually mentions what business this plan is for. However everything about the plan matches North 40 Outfitters store plans, in fact the contractor ( Young Construction Group ) and architect ( h2a Architects, PA ) are the exact same two who we're involved with the recent expansion of the North 40's major remodel / expansion of their store in Coeur d' Alene.
The plan, as it stands today calls for a store of 85,000 square feet " ag and outdoor retailer " with a garden center and areas designated in the new surface parking lot for outdoor stock / display , much like North 40 Outfitters stores usually have. The store would face US 2 but be set back a bit with lots of parking in the front.
Along the front of the property, right along US 2's right of way it shows 3 pad sites likely to be sold / leased to other businesses. Although example buildings are shown, no business names or exact plans are included.
We'll keep an eye on this project as it's clearly not a done deal, but it's looks extremely positive that this is North 40 and that they will be building this new Airway Heights store soon. Orginaly North 40 Outfitters had mentioned using some land nearby this site for a new distribution center also to serve their other stores in our region, this seems to not be part of the plan just yet.
Stay tuned...
