Meckel Engineering & Surveying Inc., of Coeur dAlene, has bought property in the Coeur dAlene Commerce Park for a new building and plans to begin construction of that structure as soon as it sells its longtime headquarters near downtown.


The company has purchased about 1.5 acres in the park, which is just off of Kathleen Avenue, west of U.S. 95, says Scott Rasor, Meckels general manager.


The company plans to build a 6,000-square-foot building there, he says. Meckels current building, at 402 Idaho Ave., has about 2,500 square feet of space, he says.


That building is too small for the companys 22-person staff and doesnt have adequate parking, Rasor says.


He says he expects to hire more workers once the company is in its new building. Future expansion, however, will be depend on the status of the regional economy, he says.


Meckel is designing the new building in-house and hasnt chosen a building contractor yet, Rasor says.


He estimates the construction project will cost about $600,000 to $700,000.


Meckels president, Hans van der Meer, owns the companys current building and has listed it for sale with Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty, of Coeur dAlene, Rasor says. Van der Meer also will own Meckels new building and will lease it back to the company, Rasor says.


Meckel has been located in its current building since Frederick Meckel founded the firm in 1968, Rasor says. The company specializes in civil engineering and land surveying, and was one of the first such firms in Coeur dAlene, he says.