Ribbon cutting held for Swing Lounge in Downtown Spokane

 Open just in time for Hoopfest weekend, Swing Lounge is now open in Downtown Spokane and held their ribbon cutting ceremony this week. Located on the ground floor of the Bank of America tower at 601 W. Riverside, this is the second location for Swing Lounge. Their original location still in business nearby the Spokane Business & Industrial Park in Spokane Valley.

Courtesy photo provided the Downtown Spokane Partnership

Swing Lounge is a locally owned and operated virtual golf business. The new Downtown location features six state-of-the-art golf simulators using Trackman technology. The virtual golf is also complimented by a lobby bar and a full-service restaurant that goes by the name The Boardroom. The restaurant's menu is highlighted by sandwiches, salads, appetizers, desserts and more. A happy hour is also offered.

For more information on Swing Lounge, visit their website at https://www.swinglounge.golf

New Residence Inn by Marriott hotel planned in Coeur d' Alene

 Another new hotel project is in the works in Coeur d' Alene. Bozeman,MT based Providence Development is planning on developing a new Residence Inn by Marriott hotel along Northwest Blvd. in-between Emma and Davidson Ave. . This is the same property that was planned to be used by another developer a new hotel few years ago, however those plans never came to fruition and this hotel project is not related to that project.

Courtesy photo provided from Providence Development.

Providence Development is a recognizable name in Coeur d' Alene as this is the same company that is planning a six story AC Hotel on Sherman Ave. in Downtown Coeur d' Alene. That hotel is to open sometime during the Summer of 2026.

The new Coeur d' Alene Residence Inn will be geared towards extended stay guests like all other Residence Inn branded properties. It is planned to be a four-story hotel with 105 guest rooms, lobby bar, indoor pool and more. Construction is currently scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024 with and opening planned for Q2 of 2026. Richardson Design Group of Salt Lake City is in charge of the project's architectural design.

Boot Barn and a new Bath & Body Works store planned at Franklin Park Shopping Center

 New retailers are joining the roster of shops at the Franklin Park Shopping Center in the 5600 block on N. Division in North Spokane. The property, which is already home to Trader Joe's, Old Navy, Guitar Center, and a handful of other chain businesses is managed by Kimco Realty a Jericho,NY based real estate investment trust.

Bath & Body works will do a remodel and open a new 4,376 square foot store, possibly by the end of the year. Boot Barn will also remodel and occupy a 14,100 square foot space taking over some of the space that was vacated by the now defunct Bed, Bath and Beyond chain. A rep with Kimco Realty tells me that they are optimistic that this store will also open around the end of 2024. Although neither store have set opening dates just yet.

Kimco Realty is also continuing to actively market leasing of the remaining empty space there, which currently totals 22,855 square feet. For more information leasing at Franklin Park Shopping Center, check out the property's page on the Kimco website https://www.kimcorealty.com/properties/franklin-park-sc/101670/view

Cheaper by the Minute to open new store on Division

 Cheaper by the Minute is planning on opening a new second store in Spokane at 2915 N. Division. The local business has been operating their original location in 10614 E. Sprague Ave for about 5 years now but recently decided to start expanding. More locations after the new Spokane store are also likely but not yet in progress.

Cheaper by the Minute is an overstock, seasonal and returns discount store. Products are automatically discounted from their previous retail price, usually 25-50% off of the original retail price. The initial discount is for "like-new" merchandise, if an item has dings, dents or signs of use the item will be discounted even further. They tell me what sets Cheaper by the Minute apart is their excellent customer service and that they guarantee all their items they sell. Items can be returned for them to fix, replace or refund, something not common in these kinds of retailers.

They take their business name seriously also, with items getting cheaper the long they are on the sales floor. But don't wait too long as others can also grab that great deal. Additionally, the store hosts a blowout sale twice a year where everything that has been on the shelves for more than a year is 50% off.

Merchandise sold by Cheaper by the Minute is largely similar to what one might find in a membership warehouse store, while staying away from the clothing and food side. The new store on N. Division is planned to open in July, for more exact opening dates and times be sure to follow the store on social media, which will be linked below...

For more information on Cheaper by the Minute, visit https://www.cheaperbytheminute.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

Copow Foods opens in Coeur d' Alene

 A new local business called Copow Foods is now open at 3500 N. Government Way Suite 108, by Starbucks, in Coeur d' Alene. The name is merger of the words colorful and powerful, and the store is open seven days a week from Mon-Fri 9-7 and Sat-Sun 9-4.

Copow Foods offers "colorful" grab and go meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also offer a selection of other organic foods in stock including farm fresh flowers. All foods at Copow Foods are 100% organic and many items use house made ingredients and are from scratch with local, sustainable ingredients with no seed oils. Copow Foods are even produced locally, being made in a distribution kitchen space on Riverbend Ave. in Post Falls.

They pride themselves on affordability as well with nothing on their most recent menu over $14.95. They also are offering 25+ seasonal menu items based on recipes from around the world and offer meals for kids as well. For more information on Copow Foods, visit their website at https://copow.com

Numerica Credit Union planning new branch in Liberty Lake

 A new full service Numerica Credit Union branch is coming to Liberty Lake at 21951 E. Country Vista Blvd. . This will be Numerica's first branch in Liberty Lake and the 15th in the Spokane and Coeur d' Alene region. 

Courtesy photo provided by Numerica Credit Union

"Numerica is excited about the opportunity to serve new and existing members with this Liberty Lake branch" said Andy Sterling, senior vice president of retail experience with Numerica. The new branch will offer a 24-hour exterior ATM, night drop and a modern architectural style. The branch will be located next door to Palenque Mexican Restaurant.

An official opening date is not set yet for the new branch, though Numerica is excited to prioritize the construction process. The credit union currently operates 21 branches across Central and Eastern Washington and North Idaho. For more information about Numerica Credit Union, visit their website at https://www.numericacu.com

Spokane Sugar Candy planning new storefront in Spokane Valley

Spokane Sugar Candy, a locally owned and operated vendor of many delicious cotton candy creations is getting ready to open a new store front in Spokane Valley. This will be the first official store front for the business, although they did previously operate a temporary kiosk at Spokane Valley Mall.

The new Spokane Sugar Candy storefront will be within a space shared with The Blissful Whisk at 1612 N. Barker Rd in Spokane Valley. They will have their own space within the store and help The Blissful Whisk which is another great local small business that has struggled some in recent times. The agreement will likely also bring new customers into their store as well.

Currently Spokane Sugar Candy has agreed to operate through the summer at the Barker Rd. location with an opening likely in early July. They also hope to stay open longer than just the Summer if the community supports them. The business has been largely built on being a vendor at numerous local events and private catering setups, which they plan to continue to do as well.

At the new store, Spokane Sugar Candy plans to sell many cotton candy confections like cotton candy character art shapes, cotton candy cakes, cotton candy glitter drink mixers and cotton candy in over 50 flavors made fresh. After opening they also plan to add ice cream and other treats as well.

For more information on Spokane Sugar Candy, visit their website at https://www.spokanesugarcandy.com and give them a follow-on social media to keep an eye out for their store opening and new items via Instagram or Facebook

Hayden Lake Physical Therapy announces opening of state-of-the-art facility in Post Falls

 Hayden Lake Physical Therapy, a pioneer in innovative physical therapy solutions has announced the opening of its new facility located at Highway 41 and Early Dawn Dr. in Post Falls. The expansion marks the third location for Hayden Lake Physical Therapy and underscores the organization's commitment to providing exceptional care and rehabilitation services in a state-of-the-art environment.

Courtesy photos provided by Meridian Construction & Development.

Meridian Construction & Development constructed the 9,000 square foot facility. The new clinic boasts a 27,000-gallon therapy pool, multiple exam and training rooms and an expansive 100 space car park to accommodate patients and staff.

"From the groundbreaking in July to laying down the foundation and framing, every step in the creation of this facility has been taken with our patients needs at the forefront" said Mark D' Agostino, founder of Meridian Construction & Development. " We are proud to have played a role in bringing this vision to life". The clinic is designed to cater to a wide range of physical therapy needs, from sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain management and aquatic therapy. The addition of the therapy pool enhances the clinic's offerings, providing a unique and beneficial modality for patient treatment.

D' Zign Group provided the architectural design for the project. The new facility officially opened in May of 2024. For more information on Hayden Lake Physical Therapy visit their website at https://haydenlakept.com and for more information on Meridian Construction & Development visit their website at https://www.meridianco.com

Work underway for new residence hall at Gonzaga

 Construction work is under way for a new residence hall coming soon to the campus of Gonzaga University. And recently the university gave the new hall a name, the building will go by Mantua (MAN-chua) Hall, recognizing the family origins of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, the University's namesake. The storied city of Mantua in the Northern Italian region of Lombardy was once ruled by the illustrious Gonzaga family, who transformed the modest settlement into a magnificent court-city of palaces.

Courtesy rendering of the planned new Mantua Hall building.

Located at the corner of Sharp and Cincinnati, Mantua Hall will house 92 second-year students. The new facility will have a mix of one and two-room suites, each having it's own private bath. It's design provides independance while incorporating open spaces for community with fellow residents.

The construction of Mantua Hall follows recomendations from a 2020 housing study by national consulting firm Brailsford and Dunlavey, and opens up the potential for future development of a village of new residence halls for 900+ second-year students.

According to the building permit data for the Mantua Hall project, Walker Construction is the general contractor for the project with architecture done by Wolfe Architectural Group. The project is listed as valued at $12,750,000.

Paws & Brews opens in Post Falls

 An exciting new business is now open in Post Falls, called Paws & Brews. Located at 4565 E. Seltice Way the new place is a 5300 square foot facility that allows dog owners to bring their dogs and enjoy local beers or a glass of wine at the same time.

They plan to offer pet boarding, day care, dog park and even grooming services with indoor and outdoor areas. Inside the bar area offers a self pour system with a kiosk that makes it easy to pay for your adult beverages and not have to wait on getting the tab. The self pour system offers 8 taps of locally produced beers.

For more information, including pricing and online booking at Paws & Brews, check out their website at https://www.pawsnbrews.com/ or follow them on social media via Instagram or Facebook

New night market starts this week, east of Downtown Spokane

 After some time hosting a monthly night market & street fair in Coeur d' Alene's Midtown neighborhood an organization called The Wavy Bunch is moving their monthly events to Spokane. The group had to leave their former location due to the beginning of construction for a new Trader Joe's store on their site.

The event will now be held east of Downtown Spokane by the Catalyst Building and the U-District Gateway Bridge at 508 E. Riverside Ave. . The event supports over 33 local Spokane area artists, business, vendors, talents, food trucks, non-profits and musicians. 

The first event of the season will be held this Friday, June 14th from 5-9pm. For more information the event follow their page on Instagram

Construction underway for new Circle K on Hamilton

Something is defiantly afoot at the corner of N. Hamiliton and Foothills in Spokane. This is due to the gas station and convenience store chain Circle K continuing their expansion into the Spokane market with the recent groundbreaking of their latest new location at that intersection.

Locally based Meridian Construction & Development,Inc. will be the general contractor for the new store, they are also acting the general contractor for another new Circle K that is also currently under construction along Barker Rd, just north of I-90 in Spokane Valley.  The new Circle K on Hamiliton will be open 24 hours a day and will feature a 5,200 square foot convenience store, modern car wash, and a hybrid fuel canopy. 

For more information on Meridian Construction & Development, visit https://meridianco.com and for more info on Circle K, visit https://www.circlek.com
 

Brew Peddler to open new coffee shop on South Hill

 The Brew Peddler has been a local business for some time now, operating as mobile coffee kiosk that travels around to various events and farmers markets. But now they are taking the next step and planning a new brick and mortar coffee shop location at the Manito Shopping Center on Spokane's South Hill.

The new Brew Peddler shop will be at 802 E. 29th Ave. #3 in the space that was last used by the Lean Kitchen. The place will offer specialty coffee and tea beverages, including house made syrups and their own roasted beans. Additionally, they plan to have pastries and a lighter fare menu focusing on breakfast and lunch. Indoor and outdoor dining will be made available, as well delivery via the standard delivery apps like UberEats, GrubHub, etc.

The new Brew Peddler coffee shop is currently planning to open sometime around August with more exact dates coming soon on their social media pages. They also plan to keep operating the mobile espresso cart catering arm of the business as well with appearances at the S. Perry Thursday Market and on Saturday morning in the Browne's Addition Farmers Market.

For more information on Brew Peddler, visit their website at https://brewpeddlerpnw.com and give them a follow on social media via Instagram and Facebook

West Plains manufacturer Collins Aerospace to expand

 Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has initiated a $200 million investment to expand manufacturing at the carbon brake production site here in Spokane over a multi-year period. The Spokane Collins Aerospace facility is located on the West Plains at 11135 W. Westbow Rd. 

Collins has plans to grow the site by more then 50%, adding 70,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space, including up to three new buildings and additional furnaces. This expansion will support increased production capacity to meet the growing demand for carbon brakes from commercial and military customers.

"Collins Aerospace is a key contributor to the Pacific Northwest aerospace manufacturing industry and plays a significant role in Spokane's economy and technological innovation" said Matt Maurer, Vice president and general manager at Collins Aerospace. The site specializes in the production and manufacturing of braking systems with DURACARB carbon disc technology which provides a longer brake life and overall cost savings.

New commercial development moves forward near North Spokane Costco

 Work is well underway for a new commercial development coming soon on a parcel immediately south of the North Spokane Costco store. Located at the southeast side of the intersection of US 2 and Renshaw Dr. the site has gathered more than a few emails asking us what's happening at the site.

Red X marking the location of the new development area.

Spokane based JWMB Properties,LLC is the land owner and developer for the project which recently went in for a SEPA application to build out the planned buildings. In November of 2023, JWMB told our friends over at the Spokane Journal of Business the site is envisioned to have a mix of single tenant and multi-tenant commercial buildings for medical, restaurant and hospitality-related businesses. More recently the project has also been marketed by NAI Black and shows a number of sites for retailers as well. But what places are going there?

The only confirmed business opening at the site that's been mentioned under the name "Crossroads North" is a 6,531 square foot Mister Car Wash location. But some pre-development applications filed with Spokane County hint at two other places likely planning the build at the site.  Those include an approx. 3,500 square foot stand-alone building for a new STCU branch and an 18,000 square foot building for a new Fred's Appliance store.

According to the project's SEPA application records, new building permits will likely be filed for new businesses from now until 2026. The plans call for the 13.2 acre site to be developed into up to 172,000 square feet of space. It also notes the site could one day employ upwards of 350-450 people.

For more information on leasing/sales at the development, visit NAI Black at https://www.naiblack.com

Dean’s Paint & Sip opens new studio in Spokane Valley

 A new paint and sip art studio recently opened in Spokane Valley, but the business itself isn't new. Dean's Paint & Sip has been hosting painting parties in various locations throughout the Inland Northwest for some time now, but decided it was time for their own space as well. They will also continue to offer private events at other venues still, however.

The locally owned and operated, Dean's Paint & Sip studio is located across the street from Target at 13817 E. Sprague Ave. #7.  Classes at Dean's are 2 hours long and come with a picture that is taught while enjoying drinks and snacks. As of my writing this they are working on obtaining a liquor license, but they will soon offer beers from local breweries as well as non-alcoholic options.

Classes at Dean's Paint & Sip provide a fun, creative outlet for many occasions. One can follow along or take some creative liberty's and still end up leaving with their own masterpiece's. To find more information about Dean's, including a class schedule and online booking visit their website at https://deanspaintandsip.com

Also, follow them on social media via Instagram or Facebook

New Detroit style pizza shop opening in Spokane Valley

 Detroit style pizza is coming to Spokane Valley, by means of a new local business. The new place will be called Sauced! and will open soon within the kitchen at Yaya Brewing Company at 11712 E. Montgomery Dr Suite F1. Sauced comes from the same people as Heritage Bar & Kitchen in Downtown Spokane.

Sauced will offer pizza, wings, appetizers, salads and more with the option to dine inside the brewery or take orders to go. Pizzas at Sauced will be done in the Detroit style which is a slightly thicker crust then average, and the cheese and toppings go all the way to edge of the pizza. Final testing and planning is underway with a soft opening happening vary soon, for exact details on the opening follow them on social media via Instagram

Also, check out their website at https://www.getsaucedresponsibly.com