Utah-based Wadsworth Development Group & Property Management, which owns the Taco Time fast-food restaurant at 1310 N. Ruby, says the building soon will be converted into a Starbucks outlet. 

Parker Robertson, Utah-based project manager for Wadsworth, says the Seattle-based coffee chain previously expressed interest in the site and has been working with the developer on remodeling plans.  

“We’re hopeful the remodel will begin by the end of this month and likely finish in early January,” says Robertson. 

He says Wadsworth owns three Taco Time restaurants in the Spokane area, and Starbucks’ lease of the building on Ruby will leave the company with two. He says following the remodel, Wadsworth will be leasing the building to Starbucks. 

“It’s a great location, on a busy corner, near a university, so we think it will work out well for Starbucks,” he says.

In an email response to a Journal of Business inquiry, a Starbucks spokesperson confirmed the chain will be opening the new North Ruby outlet in spring of 2017. This past July, Starbucks opened a new store in the Petro Travel Center’s Food Court at 10506 W. Aero Road.

The $400,000 remodel at the Northside building will mostly involve updates to the outside of the 2,200 -square-foot building, including removing a white pergola, repairing the building’s roof, and replacing the asphalt drive-thru with new pavement. The building’s heating and air conditioning systems also will be updated. 

Associated Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the contractor for the remodel, and FFKR Architects, of Salt Lake City, designed the project.