Spokane Regional Emergency Communications, the Spokane Valley-based public development authority that handles emergency communications for 21 agencies in Spokane County, is investing $8.4 million in tenant improvements to support the centralization of the entire organization for the first time since it was formed in 2019, says SREC Executive Director Lori Markham.

The organization is moving from multiple locations into one central building that's expected to bring operational improvements by creating a significant shift in agency culture and improving interactions and communication between dispatchers, first responders, and community members.

"Prior to this, we were split up into a couple different places, but this is actually bringing us all together under one roof," says Markham. "I think one of the biggest improvements and things that we're going to get is more space for our employees who work a really hard job and have long days."

Tenant improvements began in November at SREC's two-story, 44,000-square-foot building at 12809 E. Mirabeau Parkway, in Spokane Valley, Markham says, noting that work is expected to wrap up by November 2026 and occupancy is anticipated by the first quarter of 2027.

Bouten Construction Co., of Spokane, is the general contractor for the tenant improvement project and ALSC Architects PS, also of Spokane, is providing design services, Markham says.

Building improvements include the installation of modern fiber and electrical work to support SREC's critical software and hardware systems. A radio tower will be installed at the site along with a 5,000-square-foot equipment and maintenance workshop that will be constructed behind the office building. Other improvements include high-level security access systems and dedicated office spaces, she adds.

"The building that we purchased has a pretty open floor plan and there's going to be a lot of people in and out of there and different areas will have different levels of security," she explains. "The work that we do is highly technical and there's a lot of necessary things that go into keeping these million-dollar systems in place."

Located at the Pinecroft Business Park, in Spokane Valley, Markham notes that SREC's new centralized facility was purchased for $9.11 million in December 2024. 

Next IT Corp., the Spokane-based natural language software company that was acquired by New York-based technology company Verint in 2017, previously occupied the building.

"It was a great get for us. We're just excited to be going through this process. We've had a great relationship with our contractors and our design group, so it's been a good experience and we're looking forward to the changes that are coming for us," says Markham.

The Mirabeau Parkway property was purchased for SREC's new headquarters for its proximity to parks and shopping, which are expected to support employee job satisfaction, she adds.

The building also has the capacity to handle the growing demand for services as the community expands, she says. Currently, SREC has 147 employees and handles between 500,000 and 600,000 calls annually through both 911 and Crime Check.

"We don't see it going away," she says. "As our community grows, the needs and the services that we provide are getting greater."

SREC also is planning to leave some space available for lease at the property.

"We will have one small area that we would look to our public safety partners, if anyone's looking to maybe lease some space from us, they would have access to that. But for the most part, the majority of the building will be occupied by us," she says.

Project update:

*Spokane-based Fellowship Financial Planning LLC is preparing to move to a new $2 million, 6,500-square-foot building currently under construction at 9225 E. Mission in Spokane Valley by the end of the year, says Ryan Heacock, certified kingdom advisor at Fellowship Financial Planning.

As planned, administrative offices, two conference rooms, and a children's play area will occupy the first floor, while upstairs, another conference room, an event space, and offices for the company's research and trading team are envisioned, he says. 

Veradale-based Arise Building Group LLC is the general contractor and Trek Architecture, of Spokane, is the architect.

The two-story office building is underway at a 1-acre vacant lot purchased by Spokane-based real property investment company Flundies LLC, which is governed by Ryan Heacock, according to tax information on file with Spokane County.

Fellowship Financial currently operates an office at 502 W. Riverside, in downtown Spokane, and another office at 610 W. Hubbard, in Coeur d'Alene. The downtown Spokane office lease expires in October, and Heacock says the current environment is not ideal for client access, so he's looking forward to an expanded space and dedicated free parking for visitors at the Spokane Valley property.

Fellowship Financial's new building will be located east of and adjacent to STCU's Argonne branch, at 9209 E. Mission. The location is expected to help boost the company's brand recognition in the community, he says, adding that the majority of Fellowship Financial's clients work in education and are public and state employees who will have easier access to meet in person to discuss their retirement plans and goals.

Seven advisers and five administrative staff work for the company. Looking ahead, Heacock says the building will have the capacity for expanded services and employees as needs arise.

"We want to be a staple of wisdom, guidance, and service to the community," says Heacock.