A group of Spokane investors, operating as Bonner Mall LLC and led by Dave Black and Chris Bell, of NAI Black, has acquired Bonner Mall, a 195,800-square-foot enclosed shopping center in Ponderay, Idaho, just north of Sandpoint. 

The regional shopping center is located east of U.S. Highway 95, at 300 Bonner Mall Way, and sits on nearly 16 acres. Bell, managing broker at NAI Black, a commercial real estate firm, says the center’s reach extends well beyond Bonner County, serving residents of neighboring Boundary County, western Montana, and even parts of Southern British Columbia.

Current anchors include Yoke’s Fresh Market, Staples, Harbor Freight Tools, Petco, Dollar Tree, Walker’s Furniture, and a movie theater. The mall draws nearly a million visitors annually, Bell says.

“It’s really an Amazon-proof opportunity because out in a lot of these tertiary markets, people still need to get their daily needs,” he says.

The property, purchased off-market for an undisclosed sum, is currently about 78% occupied and will be managed by Black Realty Management Inc., an affiliate of NAI Black.

Bell says the company’s focus will be on working with existing tenants while recruiting new retailers to improve the tenant mix.

“We’ve got great feedback from new-to-market tenants that would like to be here,” Bell says, adding that some negotiations are already underway but remain under confidentiality agreements.

In a statement, Black, CEO of NAI Black, characterized the acquisition as a "highly strategic purchase."

“With strong in-pace income, a resilient anchor lineup, and very limited competition in the trade area, Bonner Mall is well positioned for long-term stability and growth," Black says.

NAI Black will handle leasing for the mall.