Spokane Art School announces move to larger home in the University District

 The Spokane Art School has announced they plan to close their Garland District home to move to the a new space in the University District. They plan to celebrate a grand reopening during First Friday on March 3rd. The opening show in the school's new gallery space will be a Women's History Month invitational.

Located two blocks from the Catalyst Building the school's new home will be at 503 E. 2nd Ave, at the corner of Second and Sherman. The new space is three times larger than the old facility, has a dedicated parking lot and will allow for expanded class, gallery and event offerings with room to grow.

The new Spokane Art School at 503 E. 2nd.

"We searched for our new home for more than six months and couldn't be happier with the new space" said Tad Wisenor Spokane Art School board president.  Founded in 1968 the school has been located in the Garland District for the past 11 years but was located Downtown before. The new space will allow for up to four classes to be held concurrently in larger more comfortable spaces, and long-term plans include a ceramics classroom and private studio rentals for local artists.  

Juliet Sinisterra, University District CEO is also excited to welcome the Art School to the neighborhood. "We are thrilled that the Spokane Art School will be located within the district. Developing an innovative, culturally-rich district around education is central to our mission. The Art School will serve as a fantastic public destination for all ages"

The school's current home in the Garland District likely will be replaced also as the building sold a few months ago to a new owner. The Spokesman Review recently reported that the new owner is considering the demolishing the buildings at 809 & 811 E. Garland for a new building with retail & restaurant space. However, this is not set, and is getting to be older info so stay tuned for more on what might be in store for the Art School's former home.

For more information on Spokane Art School, visit their website at http://www.spokaneartschool.net

New Beard Papa's in Spokane Valley to hold grand opening Saturday, January 28th

 Beard Papa's, a world-famous cream puff chain, with a cult following is coming to the Spokane Valley. The "dessert destination" is set to officially open on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at 10am.

Originally founded in Osaka, Japan in 1999, Beard Papa's started as a small bakery and quickly grew to more than 400 locations, in 15 countries and territories while gaining global recognition for their light and airy cream puffs. Guests are able to create their custom flaky confections by choosing between eight cream puff shells. Guests are then presented with a selection of airy cream custard filling flavors, with seasonal flavors often included.

"We are thrilled to bring Beard Papa's unforgettable cream puffs to Spokane" says Marc and Sawoko of Beard Papa's Spokane. The menu extends beyond just puff pastries with offering such as cheesecake, chocolate fondant, savory pastries, and an exclusive blended drink menu.

" The cream puffs are baked fresh on-site daily and are some of the largest cream puffs you will ever experience. The all-natural recipe is simply addicting. I've never met anyone that has tried Beard Papa's that doesn't crave it again in the days following" says Mark Nathan, marketing director for the franchise. The new Spokane Beard Papa's will be opening on Saturday, January 28th at 10am and is located at 4808 E. Sprague Ave. #204. Noteworthy, on the grand opening day the store will be having giveaways to the first 100 customers.

For more information on Beard Papa's, check out their website http://www.beardpapas.com

Spokane's Lunar New Year Celebration returns this Saturday.

 Spokane's United We Stand, a multi-cultural community organization is hosting Spokane's 2023 Lunar New Year Celebration this Saturday, January 28th at the Spokane Convention Center. Coeur d'Alene Casino is the presenting sponsor for the event.

This year's event will be in a bigger venue, the Spokane Convention Center starting at 1pm on Saturday. Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural organizations will host artists, food samples and live cultural Proformance's throughout the day. The event will kick off with the Dragon Dance and culminating in the ever-popular Lion Dance and the night will be topped off with a fireworks display at 7:00pm to ring in the year of the Rabbit.

This year's celebration will feature over $20,000 in giveaways and door prizes throughout the day with more giveaways enclosed within the traditional red envelopes, including chances to win lift tickets, Spokane Indians Baseball tickets, Spokane Chiefs hockey tickets and gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. 

The first 500 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with goodies for the new year. The event is free for all ages.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.spokaneunitedwestand.org 

Construction underway for The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls

 Sometimes I get asked what to be watching for, and this is one of the more exciting projects in our area that I recommend keeping an eye on. Construction started late last year on a new 42,000 square foot commercial building, rising now at the Prairie Falls Golf Club on N. Spokane St in Post Falls.

The project nicknamed The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club is to be completed around May 2023 and is being led by course owners Rob & Emily Clark who purchased the property during the Summer of 2021 with this as a goal for the 18-hole 6,500+ yard golf course. The improvements will replace the former clubhouse but, that's not all that it will do as the new building will also include-

-A 17 suite hotel

-5200 Sq Foot event center

-New restaurant called Iron, Wood and Ice Urban Kitchen & Bar (also owned by the Clark's)

-Golf club and new pro shop

-Six golf simulators, two which will be multi-sport.

- Four commercial spaces that will house a River City Pizza location, new market called Prairie Falls Market and 2 more spaces that they are currently working to fill.

According to building permits filed with the City of Post Falls this new project is estimated to cost $4.5 million. J Rob Construction is the general contractor and Bernardo Wills listed as the architect on the project. We plan to keep an eye on this project, but more info is also available the Prarie Falls Golf Club website at https://www.prairiefallsgolfclub.com/

New Love Coffee planning to open two new locations soon

 New Love Coffee is a bit of a hidden gem in the Spokane area coffee scene. The Liberty Lake based specialty coffee roaster opened their first coffee shop on Valentine's Day 2022 at 21802 E. Indiana Ave. within the new NoLL development.

Since then, business has been good for New Love, with almost entirely positive online reviews. In fact, off the record I recommend check them out if your given the chance. But, with not even a year under their belt they are now planning two more coffee shops in the Spokane area. 

The first will be opening as early as next month in North Spokane with a location to in the same building as Canopy Credit Union at 1212 W. Francis. This New Love will feature their current coffee / espresso menu but will also have pastries from Bean & Pie, which is a local company that New Love Coffee owners Ike & Tiffany Bubna also recently acquired.

Sometime after the New Love Coffee opens on Francis, they will open a new location at Kendall Yards in the newer buildings on W. Summit Pkwy, steps away from N. Monroe. That location will also likely have the same menu and Bean & Pie items.

We will keep an eye on both for more precise opening dates but for now check them out in Liberty Lake or online at https://newlovecoffee.com

Bangkok Thai planning location in Liberty Lake

 Bangkok Thai is currently in the planning phase of new location coming soon to Liberty Lake. This will be the local restaurant's 4th location adding to existing locations in Spokane Valley, South Hill and the University District neighborhood.

Bangkok Thai would occupy a new construction building that is to be built at 1312 N. Whitman Ln. on the back half of a new commercial development at the corner of Country Vista Dr and Whitman. The front half of the project is already open and home two new buildings housing Children's Choice Dental, Reese Boutique and the newly relocated Palenque Mexican Restaurant.

The currently vacant lot where the new Bangkok Thai restaurant will be built.

According to the permit filings on the City of Liberty Lake's website the new restaurant building would be 3900 Sq Feet with Silvey Construction acting as the general contractor and architectural design being done by Bernardo Wills. We asked Bangkok Thai about the location, and they said they are currently finalizing design work and they hope to open at the site this Summer, although no date is set. The new Liberty Lake Bangkok Thai would feature a full bar and the same menu as their other stores. 

Showing the vacant lot next to where the project's other new building will be located with the F5 Networks building in the background.

Also, another new building is also in the works at the same site directly to the east of where the new restaurant will be built. That building is shown on permit records to be a 4700 Sq Foot multi-tenant commercial building at 1310 N. Whitman. Marketing flyers for the development show a portion of that building is also already leased to a business but it isn't known yet who will open there and there is still 2200 Sq Feet of space there still open to be leased. Leasing is being done by Steven Daines of Daines Capital Commerical Real Estate, with more info online at http://dainescapital.com

For more info on Bangkok Thai, visit them at http://www.spokanebangkokthai.com

Big update to our new restaurants page!

 I just did a big update to our "New restaurants in Spokane" page at http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/p/restaurants-coming-soon.html. 

If you're looking for new places coming soon it's an awesome resource with new places like- 

Loren

New Love Coffee (new locations)

Mac Daddy's (new location)

The Mango Tree (new locations)

Hungree Bee

Chipotle Airway Heights

Popeyes Airway Heights

Popeyes North Spokane

Tamale Box

Sorrella's

Shelby's

Habit Burger Grill

Porter's Real BBQ

Off the Wall

Locos

Jones Smokehouse and Cantina

Original Pancake House

Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill

Dos Gordos

Zozo's Sandwich House

Ottimo Sandwich Shop

The Wobbly Goblin Tavern

Beard Papa's

Sandos

House of Brunch

And,more...

There's more about each of these on our new restaurants page (http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/p/restaurants-coming-soon.html) . Many even have their own posts on our main website. If I missed any or have questions, feel free to reach out anytime to matt.behringer@inlandnwbusiness.com

The Mango Tree Indian Kitchen to open locations in Spokane Valley and the South Hill

 The Mango Tree continues to grow and is planning to bring their delicious menu of Indian foods to even more of the Inland Northwest with two more locations being planned to open soon. 

Currently the small locally owned chain has locations in Coeur d' Alene, Downtown Spokane and another in North Spokane at 9225 N. Nevada the just opened in the middle of 2022 following the successful rebranding of a pizza restaurant that was being operated by the same owner. The same company, SA Group of Restaurants, also operates The New 63 Social House & Eatery on W. Main in Downtown Spokane.

The new Spokane Valley Mango Tree location is currently set to open sometime in February at 14208 E. Sprague Ave. , which was last a sports bar called The Ref. They plan to do some renovations to the space before opening but say they will keep all of the screens from the sports bar allowing patrons to watch live sports including cricket.

The new South Hill Mango Tree locations is also currently scheduled to open in February at 2912 E. Palouse Hwy in the former Fire & Ice bar location nearby the South Hill Target store. This location will be a bit smaller than their others but like the other restaurants who have called this space home, they plan to utilize the on-site patio with fire feature for additional dining space. 

Like all locations of The Mango Tree these new restaurants will feature a full bar. Those not wanting to dine in can still pick up take away orders and delivery services like UberEATS, Door Dash & Grub Hub will be available. 

For more information on The Mango Tree check out http://www.themangotreerestaurants.com/ . Also follow the Spokane Valley location on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themangotreeSV or the South Hill location on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themangotreeSH/

Prime IV Hydration & Wellness opens in Spokane, location in Coeur d' Alene coming soon

 A new clinic has opened in Spokane that is offering a unique type of therapy for its patients. A locally owned franchise of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness launched early last month at 2630 E. 29th Ave in the Rosauers Plaza on the South Hill. 

Courtesy photo- the spa uses massage chairs and oxygen while the IV is infusing.

The business says they are a health spa that provides vitamin IV infusions and injections. Their services are available to those seeking greater health and wellness and can benefit people with vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and many other pre-existing conditions. They claim the IV treatment allows the body to absorb 100% of the vitamins compared to just 20% absorption rate when taken orally.

Courtesy photo- lead medical nurse, Brian, preparing an IV bag.

Prime IV offers memberships and there are different IV treatments available for a variety of conditions. The staff is fully trained and qualified to provide patient consultations and a Doctor oversees the daily operations of the clinic. 

Prime IV is a national franchise with over 50 locations throughout the US. The new Spokane locations is their first in Washington and the owners plan to open two more in the Spokane area in the future. Another franchise owner is also planning to open a location soon in Coeur d'Alene at 204 W. Ironwood Dr. Suite C. For more information on Prime IV Hydrations & Wellness check out their website at http://primeivhydration.com

Mixed use development in the works in Airway Heights

 A new mixed-use development is being planned on the east side of Airway Heights. Spokane based Cedar and Sage,LLC will be the general contractor for the project which is to include 93 apartment units and 15,000 SF of commercial space, with a fitness center planned for tenants leaving about 14,000 SF open to lease out to businesses, with none mentioned just yet as those spaces will be redelivered as a warm shell with built to suit opportunities coming available once the project advances. 

The project, currently called Airfield Apartments would be built on a presently vacant parcel in-between 10th and 12th Ave., just east of S. Garfield Rd. , or about one block north of US 2. Building permits have not yet been applied for but the project did go through its SEPA application / comment period in December, and we reached out and have been told that construction is planned to start in May 2023 with an estimated completion in the first quarter of 2024.

The Airfield Apartments project site plan shows it will consist of 4 buildings with 2 three story residential only buildings in the middle of the lot and smaller two-story buildings facing both 10th and 12th Ave. with ground floor commercial spaces and apartments above. Surface parking will also be built on the 4.67 acre site with 178 stalls and 17 bike racks included.

In addition to Cedar and Sage,LLC acting as the contractor, Wolfe Architectural Group is providing the architectural design work.

Charcuterie concept Graze Craze opens in Spokane Valley

 Graze Craze, which describes themselves as the leading franchise within the "graze-style food category" has opened their first location in our area with a new store now open in Spokane Valley. 

The new location is at 12709 E. Mirabeau Pkwy. Suite 50 in the Pinecroft Business Park. Alan and Cindy Rice, along with the support of their daughter, Victoria Ellis bring the Graze Craze to Spokane Valley. A recent release also indicates that the Rice family plans to open at least two more locations and is looking forward to being active in their community by volunteering and fundraising for local schools, events and organizations.

“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to share this new and exciting concept with our community,” said Cindy Rice. “My husband and I are passionate about providing an incredible customer experience and are looking forward to putting smiles on our clients’ faces by giving them beautiful charcuterie boards that wow.” 

Graze Craze specializes in artfully designed, hand crafted charcuterie boards and boxes featuring high-quality foods arranged perfectly for nibbling or hearty graze-style meals. The unique menu features several grazing options for any occasion or lifestyle.

“Graze Craze’s expansion into Eastern Washington state is an exciting step for the brand,” said Brady Lee, President of Graze Craze. “Spokane Valley is a large family-friendly suburban area, making it a great place for Graze Craze to further establish its footprint in the Pacific Northwest.” 

The new Spokane Valley Graze Craze location is open Mon-Sat 8-6 and Sun. 10-3, with the option for local delivery. For more information, visit their website at https://www.grazecraze.com/spokane-valley-wa