New housing development for homeless veterans to break ground in Spokane

 A new housing development for homeless veterans is set to break ground in Spokane, providing 12 one-bedroom units designed to offer permanent supportive housing for local veterans. The project is nicknamed Vets on Lacey will be located in North Spokane in the 6200 block of N. Lacey St.

Courtesy image of the project site plan

This important project was initially a Spokane Housing Ventures initiative but found its new home in the portfolio of Volunteers of America (VOA ) Eastern Washington & North Idaho after Spokane Housing Ventures merged with Catholic Charities to form Catholic Housing Ventures. This project combines HUD'S Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping veterans move from homelessness to stable housing. 

Designed with a cottage housing feel, the development will feature 12 one-bedroom units that focus inwards toward common areas, fostering a sense of community for its residents. Construction is expected to begin in February with Kilgore Construction acting as the general contractor, ZBA Architecture doing the architectural design work and Kiemle Hagood doing property management and acting as a development consultant / owner's representative. 

The project will share driveway access with Jayne Auld Manor, a 48-unit family housing complex managed by Kiemle Hagood and owned by Empire Health. The site plan for the development also identifies amenities such as gardens, BBQ with seating area, laundry, bike storage and a veteran's memorial.

Frontier Airlines to return to Spokane International Airport

 

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The Denver based ultra-low fare carrier, Frontier Airlines, has announced they plan to return to Spokane International Airport with a new flight connection to Denver coming later this year. Frontier Airlines will begin the service on May 20th 2025 with service three times a week. A special introductory fare of $29 for the flight is being offered with some restrictions, for exact prices and details on the flight contact the airline.

The new Spokane to Denver flight is one of 14 new flights announced today by the budget airline. They are also planning to relaunch air service to Boise in May as well, also with a flight to Denver. The company operates 159 A320 family aircraft and has the largest A320neo family fleet in the US. Frontier Airlines continues to expand with many more Airbus planes currently on order with flight offerings to cities in the US, Mexico and the Carribean. 

For more information on Frontier Airlines and to book the new flight from Spokane to Denver, visit their website at https://flyfrontier.com

Move Northwest is our newest sponsor of Inland Northwest Business Watch

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Move Northwest has kept Washington moving for over 120 years. Formerly known as Bekins Northwest, we continually strive to raise the standard to provide our customers with the best possible service in the moving industry. Our highly qualified staff of movers, packers, & drivers are some of the best in the business and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Specializing in full service moves, warehousing, office moving and installations, international crating, and corporate relocations. 

 

Move Northwest looks forward to continuing to serve the Spokane community and is happy to be the #1 local full service moving company in Washington. Yes! We move that. 

 

To get moving, visit their website at www.movenw.com and follow them on IG @movenw

Northeast PDA planning new mixed-use building with childcare center

 The actual project might still be a few months out but planning work is going full steam ahead for a new mixed-use development at the northeast corner of the Wellesley and N. Haven St intersection in Spokane's Hilyard neighborhood. The project is being led by Northeast Public Development Authority (PDA) and is planned to offer 30-40 units of new affordable housing atop a 6,500 square foot childcare facility, with approximately 100 slots and open until 11pm on weekdays and weekends.

Courtesy photo of the project's site plan

The Northeast PDA acquired the subject site in 2023 via the city's PDA asset-transfer process. The vacant site has been deemed a blight on the neighborhood since 2017 and sits predominantly at the gateway to the Hillyard district's commercial core. The total project cost is estimated to be $12.5 million with construction currently anticipated to begin by the end of the year, 2025 and a delivery during the last half of 2026. 

The building will be four stories tall, including the ground floor childcare space. The project will also include substantial site improvements such as sidewalks, landscaping, seating areas, public art,etc. and will be located near high frequency transit stops. Bouten Construction Company will be the general contractor for the project and architectural work will be done by Architects West.

For more information on the Northeast PDA, visit their website at https://northeastpda.com/

Bella's Cafe & Cocktails opens in the University District

 A new eatery and bar is now open in Spokane's University District, on the ground floor of the Catalyst Building at 601 E. Riverside, just off of E. Sprague. The new place is called Bella's Cafe & Cocktails and replaces the Cole's Cafe that had been operating in the space their prior.

Courtesy photo

Bella's Cafe & Cocktails serves a menu of espresso drinks, delicious food and craft cocktails. Similar to Cole's , Bella's does offer gluten free options with the food menu consisting of breakfast items, sandwiches, panini's, bowls, personal pizzas and more, including occasional specials. Beer, wine and cocktails are also on the menu with a "happiest hour" currently available from 4-6 on Mon-Thurs as of my writing this.

While the new restaurant is already open they plan to host an official grand opening soon. For details on this and more information on Bella's Cafe & Cocktails, give them a follow on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Downtown Spokane Partnership to host 2025 Best in BID Awards and Annual Meeting

 

Courtesy photo- Lydia Cowles , owner of 27th Heaven Bakery and winner of most inspirational business owner

All Downtown Spokane stakeholders and fans will want to take note of the upcoming presentation of the winners of the third annual "Best in BID Awards" by the Downtown Spokane Partnership on Thursday, February 20th. In January, the public was invited to vote for their favorite businesses within an 80-block area of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) in a number of categories. Thousands of voters, voted to determine this year's honorees, who include:

Best new business in 2024: Press Pickleball Club

Best local collaboration: Heritage Bar & Kitchen / Whistle Punk Brewing

Most inspirational business owner: Lydia Cowles of 27th Heaven Bakery

Best place for wellness and relaxation: Anam Cara Healing Center

Best social media presence: Rencorp Realty

Best place for a quick lunch break: Soulful Soups

Best locally owned fashion spot: Garland Resale Boutique

Best spot for a study session or work meeting: Indaba Coffee

Best place for a first date: Wooden City

Best place to take your out-of-town guests: Numerica Sky Ride

Courtesy photo of the Wharton Building in Downtown Spokane, a redevelopment project of Rencorp Reality. Who won the Best in BID award for best social media presence. Once complete the building will house Jupiter's Eye Book Cafe (now open!) a new restaurant called Gangnam Style and residential lofts on the upper floors

The Best in BID Awards are held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the DSP and the Downtown Spokane Business Improvement District. Leadership and representatives will present accomplishments from 2024 and goals and objectives for 2025 to continue building a dynamic, welcoming and vital Downtown.

Courtesy photo of Soulful Soups & Spirits, Best in BID award winner for best place for a quick lunch break.

DSP'S annual meeting is open to members and ratepayers to attend for $10 and $25 for the public. Networking will begin at 3:30pm with a program at 4:00pm, followed by a social hour with entertainment. The event will be held at nYne Bar & Bistro at 232 W. Sprague Ave, tickets are being sold online via https://downtownspokane.org

Inlander Restaurant Week menus to be released this week

Spokane foodies get ready, because it's almost Inlander Restaurant Week time again. Restaurant Week itself will be from Feb. 27th - March 8th, with more than 125 of the region's top restaurants will offer specially curated three-course menus at $25, $35 and $45 price points. The event is presented by STCU with the menus due to be released tomorrow, Thursday Feb 6th 2025.

Starting Thursday, diners can explore participating restaurants and menus at http://inlanderrestaurantweek.com. Site visitors can search for restaurants offering their three-course menus at lunch, in addition to dinner, as well as filter by neighborhood, cuisine and price point. The official event guide will also be available starting Thursday at STCU branches, participating restaurants and Inlander Community Centers inside more then 50 grocery stores including Rosauers, Yoke's, Safeway, Albertson's and Super One. The event guide will also be inserted in the Feb. 27th edition of The Inlander.

"Now in its thirteenth year, Inlander Restaurant Week is the perfect excuse to explore every corner of the Inland Northwest and finally check out that restaurant you've been eyeing - all while giving local eateries a boost during a slower time of the year" said Tamara McGregor, event director of Inlander Restaurant Week. This year, diners can once again support hospitality workers through partnerships with Big Table and CDAIDE. Every menu will feature a QR code for easy donations. Thanks to the generosity of STCU's Here For Good Foundation, donations will be matched up to $10,000 total during the event.

For more information on Inlander Restaurant Week, check out their website at http://inlanderrestaurantweek.com

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Chavelitas Pub Grill & Cantina coming to Liberty Lake

 After months of negotiations and deliberations by city council, the City of Liberty Lake has agreed upon on a new restaurant tenant lease for their Trailhead Golf Course clubhouse building at the corner of Country Vista Blvd. & Liberty Lake Rd. . The tenant of the space will be a new locally owned and operated restaurant called Chavelitas Pub Grill & Cantina.

Courtesy photo of the concept design for the new Chavelita's Pub Grill & Cantina, the end product might differ some from this image.

Chavelita's is a new concept from the same family that owns Las Chavelas in Coeur d' Alene and Casey's Place in Spokane Valley. They say the new restaurant concept is to combine both restaurants to create and American fusion with Mexican food. The menu will be heavily inspired by the menu at Casey's Place offering an array of salads, soups, and sandwiches but will also have a selection of Mexican dishes as well. Additionally, the new place will also have a full bar for beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails as well.

The new restaurant space will be renovated to suit the new tenant, with Chavelita's hoping to open there around June of this year. Catering will also be made available once the business is open.

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

 

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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/