Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty is expanding with a third office in downtown Coeur d'Alene following the completion of a $2 million remodel at a historic property at 202 E. Sherman.

Robert Brickett, vice president and chief operating officer of the Coeur d'Alene-based real estate brokerage, says the company's newly revamped three-story, 3,500-square-foot space capitalizes on growing attention and investment in the area, such as the Coeur d'Alene Resort's Sherman Tower development and the Thomas George condo tower project.

"There's a lot of focus on the downtown core right now," he says. "Which makes our investment into that location so important."

The agency worked with Coeur d’Alene-based Young Construction Group of Idaho Inc. as the contractor for the remodel, which started in March and wrapped up in late September. Miller Stauffer Architects PA, also of Coeur d'Alene, designed the new space, which emphasizes views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the mountains beyond through an abundant use of clear glass windows, says Brickett.

The brokerage's new office also features a main entrance on Sherman Avenue with a reception area and meeting rooms; access from Second Avenue, which connects to the resort; and a mezzanine level.

"Not only is the interior space well lit and has a very open feel, but you also have unobstructed views," says Brickett.

Located on the west end of the Coeur d'Alene Plaza, the Sherman Avenue office has the capacity for 28 agents, primarily for those who do business in the downtown area, on the waterfront, and with visitors to the community.  

"That location is just getting a huge amount of of traffic, especially traffic that is stopping and staying," says Brickett of the new office. "Traffic on I-90 or Northwest Boulevard is great, but not all of that traffic is stopping."

The agency will maintain two existing offices at 1924 Northwest Blvd., dedicated to residential operations, and at 2000 Northwest Blvd., where the commercial franchise and "top-performing" residential agents operate, Brickett says. Additionally, the company will keep an existing satellite office in Liberty Lake.

The remodel was prompted by the demolition of the company's previous downtown office, which was located at the site of the resort's new Sherman Tower development.

"We are fortunate to have this relationship with the Hagadone family. They were incredibly helpful to work with to brainstorm on where our new office is going to be," Brickett says.  

The brokerage's presence in the 118-year-old building has brought the property back to its roots, he notes. 

"History has come full circle," says Brickett. "This building was built by a real estate agent. At one time it was a real estate brokerage that our founder and broker was a part of, and now it's Gary Schneidmiller's brokerage that's occupying the space today."

Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty has 157 real estate agents and 12 administrative employees. The brokerage is licensed in Idaho, Washington state, and Montana.