In response to rising sales here, Recreational Equipment Inc.s Spokane outlet is undergoing a major remodeling project that will increase its sales-floor space.


The REI building, at 1125 N. Monroe, has about 30,000 square feet of space on two levels. About half of its space is used as a warehouse, says Michael Baker, a manager here for REI, a Seattle-based outdoor gear cooperative.


The remodel will include reconfiguring the interior of the building by converting about 4,000 square feet of storage space into retail space, giving the sales floors a total of up to 19,000 square feet of space, Baker says.


James W. Elmer Construction LLC, of Spokane, is the contractor for the $600,000 project. Mulvanny G2 Architecture Corp., of Bellevue, Wash., is the architect.


The goal of the remodel is to increase the selling space, while reducing warehouse space, Baker says.


The project includes installing new lighting and display fixtures and improving the ventilation system, he says.


In keeping with the cooperatives philosophy of low-impact outdoor recreation, lots of stuff (used in the project) will be made of recycled and compressed wood, rather than raw lumber, he says.


Baker says the Spokane REI outlets revenues have climbed with the strong economy here.


Were projecting $10 million in sales this year, he says. That would be about 20 percent higher than in 2006, which was 25 percent higher than 2005, he adds.


Contact Mike McLean at (509) 344-1266 or via e-mail at [email protected].