University District receives community economic revitalization board grant to study U Incubation Village

 The University District Public Development Authority (UDPDA) recently announced they we're awarded a $75,000 Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) Grant to conduct a feasibility study to develop a U Incubation Village regional destination center. 

The proposed concept for the U Incubation Village calls for a dynamic, multi-use neighborhood hub that reconnects the district with adjacent neighborhoods, creates jobs, celebrates place-based agricultural businesses, and supports local BIPOC makers and entrepreneurs.  Much like Portland Mercado, a U Incubation Village folk market (to be operated by AHANA, Spokane's Muti-Ethnic Business Assocation) would consist of a community-driven outdoor market offering affordable retail space and business incubation services to diverse start-up businesses.

Additionally, the U District Incubation Village would launch programs such as a food processing plant, a relocated regional food hub and malting facility, a green jobs maker space village and reskilling center, a food waste upcycling plant, and a composting facility all in a historically distressed census tract.

"We are thrilled to be in a position to study the long-range feasibility of a multi-cultural market and agri-business center for the UD" said Juliet Sinisterra, CEO. "Building an urban destination that celebrates our regional farmers, incubates local businesses, and creates living wage jobs is a priority for the district"

The purpose of the grant is to develop a clear picture of the existing food ecosystem and needs around a regional food processing center; to determine market feasibility to support a folk market and business incubation center; to build relationships and trust with rural farmers, local BIPOC, and immigrant communities, and to outline a path forward to launch the project.

For more information on the Spokane University District, visit their website at https://www.spokaneudistrict.org , and for more information on AHANA, visit their website at https://ahana-meba.org

Nutex Health opens new Post Falls ER & Hospital

 Nutex Health ,Inc. (NASDAQ: NUTX) a physician-led, healthcare delivery system comprised of 22 state-of-the-art micro hospitals in 10 states and primary care centric, risk-bearing physician networks recently announced the opening of Post Falls ER & Hospital, located at 497 S. Beck Rd. in Post Falls.

Courtesy photo

The facility is bringing 24/7/365 days of concierge-level care. The roughly 25,000 square foot facility houses 12 ER beds, 5 inpatient beds, 1 procedure room, in-house laboratory services, an in-house pharmacy, and an imaging suite, including MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and Ultrasound. "We are excited to bring this innovative hospital and emergency care model to our community. We believe the concierge model with minimal wait times will resonate well with our future patients and families " said Robert Seeley, M.D., Co-Chief Medical Officer at Post Falls ER & Hospital. 

Following the opening of Green Bay ER & Hospital in Wisconsin, this is the company's second new hospital opening in 2024. For more information about Post Falls ER & Hospital, visit their website at https://postfallserhospital.com

Power Pickleball Club to celebrate ribbon cutting of new 11-court indoor pickleball facility in Spokane Valley

 Power Pickleball Club recently announced the official ribbon cutting ceremony for its new state-of-the-art dedicated pickleball facility. The event will be open to the public and will be held on Thursday September 26th, 2024 at 3pm. The ceremony will be held at the club's 40,000 square foot facility, located within the Spokane Valley Commons building at 2818 N. Sullivan Rd. 

Courtesy photo of Spokane Valley Commons, home of the new Power Pickleball Club

Power Pickleball Club, founded by Jeremy Rosenvall, is the region's first large-scale indoor pickleball center, offering 11 cushioned courts, professional grade equipment, and a variety of member services. "We are thrilled to unveil this incredible space dedicated to the growing sport of pickleball" said Rosenvall. "Our facility is designed to bring people together - whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned player, we want to create a vibrant community for everyone"

Attendees of the official ribbon cutting will enjoy guided tours of the new facility, learn about membership opportunities, and witness the cutting-edge amenities available at the club, including a Selkirk branded pro shop, a refreshment kitchen, and plans for additional recreational features such as racing and gold simulators.

For more information on Power Pickleball Club, visit their website at https://www.powerpbc.com

Brightstar Care is now open in Spokane

 Brightstar Care, the nation's leading home care and medical staffing franchise with over 390 corporate and independently owned and operated agencies, has opened its newest location in Spokane. Brightstar Care of Spokane, N. WA provides a higher standard of medical staffing and home care services, including companion care, personal care, short-term transitional care, Alzheimer's and Dementia care, and child care.

Joshua Porter, is the proud owner of the new BrightStar franchise in Spokane, bringing his expertise in operation to the role. Josh's passion for home healthcare stems from a personal experience with his family. When his grandmother, who was in her 90's and had suffered a stroke, expressed her desire to remain in her own home until the end of her life, Josh and his family we're determined to make that happen. They took turns to provide daily care for her, ensuring that she was comfortable and happy in her familiar surroundings. 

Josh witnessed firsthand how staying at home improved his grandmother's well-being both mentally and physically. This experience inspired Josh to pursue a career in home healthcare and help other families who face similar challenges. 

The local office of BrightStar Care is located at 7520 N. Market St. Suite 10, for more information about the service of Brightstar Care, visit their website at https://www.brightstarcare.com

Coffee Warehouse planning large new facility in Post Falls

 Coffee Warehouse, a locally based company that provides coffee supplies, products and Lotus Energy is growing and planning to relocate soon to a larger new facility in Post Falls. The company has been in the Spokane Business & Industrial Park for over 20 years but will now be within their own building.

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Plans call for the new Coffee Warehouse to be in a 50,000 square foot building that is under construction now at 4291 W. Poleline Ave., off of Pleasent View Rd in Post Falls. Plans call for the new facility to open sometime in the first quarter of 2025. Sales at Coffee Warehouse are open to coffee stands/shops with a business license and also the general public. The business also offers delivery options.

For more information on Coffee Warehouse, visit their website https://thecoffeewarehouseinc.com

Stanton Optical expands to open first store in Spokane

 Stanton Optical, a rapidly growing Florida based chain of optical clinics is growing into the Spokane area with the recent grand opening of a new location at 9501 N. Newport Hwy. in North Spokane. Using the tagline "convenient eye care for less" the new Spokane is just one of over 280 Stanton Optical locations nationwide.

Courtesy photo by Stanton Optical

"We're thrilled to introduce Stanton Optical to the Spokane community, providing accessible and budget-friendly eye care options for the whole family. For 18 years, Stanton Optical has been committed to making eye care easy and affordable for everyone, especially in these challenging economic times. By working directly with manufacturers, we ensure our customers receive the best prices on eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses without sacrificing quality. Recognizing that not all our customers have vision insurance, we strive to provide options that fit every budget" said David Stanton, founder and CEO of Stanton Optical.

Stanton Optical locations boast an on-site optical lab where customers can walk-in, get an eye exam, and get single-vision glasses made the same-day, in as fast as 30 minutes. The Spokane Stanton Optical location will be open Mon-Fri 9a-7p and Sat. 9a-6p.

For more information or to make an appointment at Stanton Optical, visit their website at https://www.stantonoptical.com

Famous Coffee opens in Airway Heights

 A new coffee shop is now open in Airway Heights. The ownership behind Patron Mexican Restaurant on the South Hill recently acquired the shop, which formerly operated as Boba Cafe at 12924 W. Sunset Hwy Suite 1 and have rebranded the business as Famous Coffee.

However, the boba tea drinks that the Boba Cafe was known for aren't going away as the new business, Famous Coffee will continue to offer boba made with products and powders imported from Thailand and all of Boba Cafe's original menu. The new owners have also retained the staff members from Boba Cafe.

Additionally, Famous Coffee offers energy drinks and syrups from Tiki Breeze, a Seattle based company that uses natural ingredients and coffee drinks with roasts from different countries like Ethiopian, Mexican, Peru, Columbia, etc., mostly from Indaba and other local coffee roasters.

Smoothies, a few sandwiches and treats are also available with a new breakfast menu also coming soon. The business is open daily from 6a-8p, for more information on Famous Coffee check them out on social media via Instagram

4AM to open at River Park Square this Saturday

 Trendsetting retailer, 4AM is bringing an upscale fashion experience to Downtown Spokane with their grand opening this weekend in River Park Square. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for the brand, expanding its reach and offering a broader audience access to its detective blend of style and sustainability.

Established in 2022, 4AM has rapidly gained a following online and in-store. Founded by local entrepreneur Christian Jones, the store specializes in buying, selling, and trading new and pre-loved clothing items as well as sought-after, hard-to-find footwear. The store's name, 4AM, was inspired by early morning jogs with Christian's father and brother during his childhood. The drive and motivation behind those runs helped shape his entrepreneurship today.

4AM had been located in a store front along N. Washington Ave. nearby the Spokane Arena prior to relocating to River Park Square. To launch this new chapter, 4AM will host a special grand opening on Saturday, September 14th, starting at 10am. The new store can be found at the top of the escalators on the second floor of the Downtown mall.

For more information on 4AM, follow them on social media via Instagram

Half Baked & A Lil Fruity bake shop & smoothies to open soon in Northtown Mall

 An exciting new business with a selection of goodies is coming soon to Northtown Mall. Work is starting on Half Baked & A Little Fruity in the former Wetzel's Pretzels space at the mall in North Spokane. The new place is a sister business to the popular local bakery Bake My Day but will be independently managed.

Some of the items at Half Baked will be similar to those at Bake My Day but likely with a twist or new flavor, in addition to things one can't find at the current bakery. The new place will also have some healthier options like real fruit smoothies and salads.

Bake My Day's breakfast menu won't be available at Half Baked & A Little Fruity, but the new business will have kolaches, cakes, pies, cake pops, cookies, salads and smoothies. They plan to open sometime later this month (Sept. 2024), but exact details on their opening date will be available on their social media pages.

For more information on Half Baked & A Little Fruity, visit their website at https://halfbakedspokane.com and follow them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Big City Art to open new gallery near Hotel Indigo in Downtown Spokane

 Recently local artist Dylan Lipsker celebrated the 1st anniversary of his business, Big City Art Studio & Gallery at 164 S. Washington Suite 500 in Downtown Spokane. But the business which he calls as "making the world a little more colorful" in its social media bio is growing with a new gallery space coming soon on the western edge of Downtown Spokane.

The new space will be known as Big City Art Gallery and will likely open sometime in October or November in the former Pink Fern space at 1107 W. 1st Ave. on the ground floor of the Hotel Indigo. The new location on first will act as an art gallery allowing Lipsker to repurpose the original location on Washington into a larger studio and creation space.

For more information on Big City Art, check out their website at https://dlipart.com or follow along via Instagram . Exact opening dates will be announced there in the near future and be sure to check out his interesting backstory on the website.

Marcus & Millichap arranges $10.175 million sale of duel-branded hotel near Spokane

 Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI) a leading commercial real estate brokage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services recently announced the sale of duel-branded hotels, Sleep Inn and Mainstay Suites in Spokane. The hotels sold for $10,175,000 and is located on 7.26 acres at 3809 S. Geiger Blvd., the property offers 87 rooms across both Sleep Inn and Mainstay Suites accommodations.

Courtesy photo- Marcus & Millichap

"This was a rare asset to come to market as an almost brand-new hotel in an excellent location near the airport with extended stay options" said Jared Plamann, senior associate. "There continues to be added inventory and upscale conversions in the area, and the new owner will benefit from more development to come"

Plamann, Jake Erickson, Jon Ruzicka and Joseph Ferguson, investment specialists in Marcus & Millichap's Minneapolis office, had the executive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, H&H Hospitality Spokane, LLC. Joel Deis, Broker of Record in Washington, assisted in closing the transaction.

Leaven Bakery & Patisserie now open in Deer Park

 An exciting new small-batch scratch bakery is now open for business in Downtown Deer Park, located 7 S. Main Unit B within The Olsen Building. The business is called Leaven Bakery & Patisserie and will focus on Viennoiserie style items with the goal of one day having the best croissants outside of France.

Courtesy photos provided by Leaven Bakery & Patisserie

They plan to carry many local bakery favorites as well as sourdough bread selections. In addition to delicious baked goods Leaven will also offer locally roasted coffee focusing on quality, taking the time to make each latte, cappuccino and affogato special.

For more information on Leaven Bakery & Patisserie follow them on social media via Instagram or Facebook

NWOS opens new orthopedic surgery center in Spokane Valley

 Northwest Orthopedic Specialists (NWOS) recently opened their second Orthopedic Surgery Center in Spokane Valley, located on the lower level of the NWOS Spokane Valley location at 12410 E. Sinto Ave. Suite LL101. The new state-of-the-art facility will expand the availability of specialized orthopedic and interventional pain services to the Spokane Valley community.

Courtesy photo- NWOS

The new ambulatory surgery center is AAAHC accredited and will offer a comprehensive range of interventional pain management procedures performed by Dr. Ryan Burklund, and WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet), hand and wrist procedures by Dr. Anthony Sestero.

NWOS is dedicated to serving the Greater Spokane area with exceptional orthopedic care. At their Spokane Valley location, NWOS also houses an orthopedic clinic, Express walk-in clinic, physical & hand therapy clinic, and an MRI, offering a full spectrum of services of under one roof. 

For more information on NWOS visit their website at https://www.nwos-spokane.com