Bethany Presbyterian Church to rebuild with affordable housing and community center

 Spokane's Bethany Presbyterian Church is no stranger to change, after relocating some time ago due to the future North Spokane Corridor freeway construction, then a fire ravaged their new home at 2607 S. Ray causing the congregation to temporally relocate again. Today they are currently renting space from another Presbyterian Church on Knox Ave. But the church is now planning another change with the redevelopment of their S. Ray campus and collaborating with some local nonprofits to provide for the community as well.

Courtesy photo of the site plan - architectural work of the project is being done by ZBA Architecture.

The newly redeveloped site is to include two, three-story buildings that will include 22 total affordable housing units and community building designed as a hub for both Bethany Church congregation and the greater Spokane community. This after demolishing the existing fire damaged building that is currently on the site. The community building will include a variety of spaces, including a gathering area for church members, a community kitchen, meeting rooms and classrooms. These will be used for educational programs, including 12-step programs and second language classes fostering a sense of community, support and learning.

The church has partnered with Proclaim Liberty, a housing non-profit created by the Presbytery of the Inland Northwest in 1971, to serve as the project sponsor. "We are so grateful for the guidance and support of Kiemle Hagood as well as Proclaim Liberty. We hope to help support Spokane residents that trying to get affordable housing" said Sharon Smith, Director of Choir and Worship for Bethany Presbyterian Church. Kiemle Hagood has been engaged as the owner's representative throughout the process of development and construction.

In all the redevelopment project is set to cost $12.4 million. One of the apartment buildings will have 10 units and the other will have 12. Three one bedroom, fourteen two bedroom and five three-bedroom floorplans will be offered in the development. Some units will be set aside for clients of Family Promise of Spokane, some for Thrive International to assist in housing their refugee and immigrant clients and the others will be offered to the general Spokane community.

To keep track of the progress with the redevelopment, visit Bethany Presbyterian Church's redevelopment website at https://bethanyspokane.org/re-building.html

SREC announces new facility in Spokane Valley

 SREC (Spokane Regional Emergency Communications) recently announced the purchase of a new building that will be converted into a new facility for the organization. The new facility will be at 12809 E. Mirabeau Pkwy. within Spokane Valley's Pinecroft Business Park, SREC paid $9.11 million for the building and closed on the sale at the end of 2024.

The building features 44,125 square feet of space as well as ample space outside for parking, SREC's radio tower, and room for emergency vehicles to be serviced by the radio shop. Located close to amenities and offering an easy commute for employees, the site was chosen its overall cost effectiveness and long-term potential. 

Planning for the new facility is to begin this month, with construction set to start in the summer of 2025. Move-in is currently planned for Spring of 2026. "We're excited to begin our next chapter in Spokane Valley" said SREC executive director Lori Markham. "This new location positions us to serve the community for the next 30+ years and supports our employees with a convenient, efficient, and future-ready workplace. Achieving this major milestone has been part of the strategic plan we developed when SREC was formed, and it's great to see this vision become a reality"

SREC is a regionalized emergency response communications organization formed in 2018 as a Public Development Authority. For more information about Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, check their website at https://srec911.org

Wonderground Golf Lounge & Liquor Bar now open in Downtown Spokane

All photos are used courtesy of Wonderground Golf Lounge & Liquor Bar

A new locally owned and operated golf lounge and bar is now open for business in the basement of the Wonder Building at 835 N. Post St, nearby the Spokane Arena. The new place has three indoor golf simulators made by aboutGOLF which are available for booking during business hours.

In the same space is a full liquor bar with cocktails, beer and wine, in addition to a menu of burgers, sandwiches, salads and appetizers.  Event bookings are also available at Wonderground, in addition to a daily happy hour from 4-6pm. They also have future plans for outdoor pickleball courts coming in later this year.

For more information on the new Wonderground Golf Lounge & Liquor Bar, including online booking for the golf simulators, check out their website at - https://wondergroundspokane.com/ or follow them on social media via Instagram or Facebook

Kraken Coral & Coffee opens in Post Falls

 A bit hidden but still great is the new locally owned and operated Kraken Coral & Coffee, now open in Post Falls. Located next to an RV & Marine storage facility at 868 S. Spokane St, Kraken is a unique new business with sales of saltwater fish, corals and aquarium accessories. The store even has a resident baby octopus named Atta (Swedish for 8).

Courtesy photos

But, as the name would imply there is still more to Kraken as the business also has a coffee menu, with energy drinks, quick serve/prepared food items and a local artist from Spokane will also be using the business as a gallery space. First Responders, Military and Veterans will be able to get free 12oz drip coffee's and 25% off menu items.

For more information on Kraken Coral & Coffee, pay them a visit, check out their website at http://Krakencoralcoffee.company.site/ or give them a follow on Facebook

Cultivated Chameleon opens new storefront on N. Monroe

 

After some time selling clothing and accessories from various events and flea markets around the Northwest, the locally owned and operated business Cultivated Chameleon recently opened their first ever brick and mortar location in Spokane. 

The business can be found at 709 N. Monroe St, just north of Downtown Spokane and Kendall Yards and is open Tues-Sat 10-6 as of my writing this. However, the new store isn't just a boutique clothing retail shop, as the business also offers coffee, tea, sandwiches and other small bites. Cultivated Chameleon is run by two best friends who say they are trying to run the business as sustainable as possible. They also plan to partner with non-profits like Just One to bring their clothing donations to the community as well. 

For more information on Cultivated Chameleon, check them out via their Linktree at http://linktr.ee/cultivatedchameleon

Raze Early Learning and Development Center to Host Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Facility

 

Raze Early Learning and Development Center is a local non-profit organization committed to breaking down barriers through culturally immersive curriculums, mental and behavioral health supports and family focused care. And tomorrow Friday January 17 at 9:00am they will host a groundbreaking ceremony for their new facility at 6519 N. Lidgerwood in North Spokane.

This pivotal event represents a commitment to addressing Spokane County's need for high-quality childcare and extended hours for working families. The ceremony will feature remarks from City Council President, Betsy Wilkerson and other prominent community leaders, celebrating Raze's mission to dismantle systemic barriers in education and provide culturally responsive programming.

The new facility will offer 170 childcare slots for children aged 4 weeks to 12 years and will provide before and after school care with transportation. To meet the diverse needs of families, Raze will operate Mon-Fri. from 5:30am to 11:30pm. As a non-profit organization, Raze is dedicated to supporting families through a range of wrap around services, including: 

-Onsite mental and behavioral health supports teachers, students, and families.

-Culturally responsive, individualized curriculum that affirms Black culture and fosters inclusion for all students.

-Family engagement and partnerships to ensure every child reaches their full potential.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held Jan. 17th 2025 at 9am at 6519 N. Lidgerwood Spokane,WA. And, for more information on Raze Early Learning and Development Center visit their website at https://razethenarrative.com/

New assisted living complex planned on Raymond in Spokane Valley

 

Courtesy photo

Locally based Sunshine Health Services is planning to construct a new assisted living facility in Spokane Valley. The facility which will be called Sunshine on Raymond is planned to be constructed along Raymond Road, in-between 10th and 11th Ave.

After months of planning, construction is planned to begin this month on the new Sunshine on Raymond development. Plans call for the new assisted living center to offer 63 living units in a new construction three story building. The building is said to offer studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans along with some common spaces including dining, library / activity spaces and other office and support areas.

Currently if all goes as planned Sunshine on Raymond is planned to open around June of 2026. For more information on Sunshine Health Services, visit their website at https://shfi.com

Sauvage Zsa opens new sip & shop storefront in Downtown Spokane

Sauvage Zsa has opened their new sip & shop style brick and mortar store in Downtown Spokane. Opening in Mid-December, the new store is open for business at 122 S. Monroe St, just south of the Montvale Hotel. The locally owned and operated shop offers sustainable apparel, accessories, art and gifts. Merchandise is made by small businesses with over 80 different businesses represented in the store.

In addition to the retail side of the business the new Sauvage Zsa store offers wines and a menu of bistro bites like sandwiches, with a dine in area within the store. For more information on Sauvage Zsa visit their website at https://www.sauvagezsa.com/ or give them a follow on social media via Instagram

House of Colour Spokane North announces grand opening of new color analysis studio

 The House of Colour Spokane North recently announced the grand opening of their new color analysis and styling studio in North Spokane. The Grand Opening will be held Jan. 11th from 11-2 and will include bites, beverages, live demonstrations and more. House of Colour Spokane North is located at 4407 N. Division Suite 107.

Courtsey photo

House of Colour Spokane North offers color analysis and personal styling services. Using a series of drapes based on the different shades and tones of the color wheel, Sammie Schaefer, Style Consultant at House of Colour Spokane North, helps clients find their color season. " When people sit in my chair and find the colors that bring out their eyes and the rich colors of their skin, that's where the magic happens" says Sammie Schaefer, House of Colour Spokane North's owner and style consultant. "Some have described it as an instant face lift. A good majority of the women and men I work with say it's life changing"

Color analysis has garnered significant online attention recently. While the science of color analysis has existed for about 100 years. The color analysis techniques that utilizing draping scarves started in the 1980's . House of Colour Spokane North is part of an international franchise that was started in London in 1985. There are two other House of Colour locations already in the area with one on the South Hill and another in Coeur d' Alene.

For more information give House of Colour Spokane North a follow on Instagram

Madd Chicken Teriyaki opening in Coeur d' Alene

 After several months of renovations to its building, a new quick service Teriyaki restaurant is expected to open very soon in Coeur d' Alene. The new business is locally owned and operated and goes by the name Madd Chicken.

Courtesy photo from Madd Chicken

Madd Chicken is currently planned to open on Jan. 16th at 1520 N. Government Way. at the corner of Hazel Ave. The menu consists of teriyaki bowls, entrees, and salads. With chicken, steak, pork and shrimp available as proteins. They will also offer teriyaki fries, gyoza, sides and a few different burger options. Additionally Mad Chicken makes their own gluten free teriyaki sauce.

Indoor dining and carry out is available. For more information about Madd Chicken give them a follow on social media via Instagram 

Symons Block Hotel now open in Downtown Spokane

 The highly anticipated Symons Block Hotel, a luxurious boutique micro-hotel is now open in Downtown Spokane.  Located at 7 S. Howard the Symons Block Hotel is the latest addition to the Symons Block building originally constructed in 1917 by Thomas W. Symons Jr. The iconic building has long been a cornerstone of Downtown Spokane once housing the city's first radio station, the YMCA and other beloved local institutions.

Courtesy photo

The hotel conversion project was led by Mark and Sue Agee, Jon Spilker and Two Pines,LLC with interior design done by Bang Design Studios.  Construction managed by Jon Spilker and creative direction by Alyssa Agee. "The Symons Block Hotel is unlike any other place you can stay in the Spokane region. The style is luxurious without pretension and very playful. You can find something similar in larger cities and across Europe but truly, the Symons Block Hotel was designed in response to the unique spaces the building offered us,” speaks Alyssa Agee of the design and feel.  

The hotel’s nine rooms have been meticulously designed to evoke a sense of magic and vitality. Guests can expect bespoke furnishings, personalized touches, and experiential art installations that change with the seasons. The hotel’s lounge will also host public events, fostering community connections. The hotel's unique offerings even include playful add-ons like watercolor kits and "rent-a-pet" options and longboard rentals to explore the city. 

In addition to the new Symons Block Hotel the renovations to the same area of the hotel also created a number of new urban living apartments with one- and two-bedroom floorplans. This joins the existing retail and office spaces that are on the lower floors of the historic building. For more information on the Symons Block Building visit https://www.symonsblock.com/ and for more information on the Symons Block Hotel, including online room booking visit https://www.symonsblockhotel.com/