Jeff Johnson, president of Black Commercial Inc., and Jeff McCloskey, owner of McCloskey Construction Inc., have applied for a building permit to develop a $6 million apartment complex in Cheney.

The application calls for construction of a three- building, 72-unit complex at 1030 W. First, which doubles there as part of state Route 904, south of Salnave Park and Salnave Elementary School. 

The developers are seeking to take advantage of growth occurring on the West Plains, Johnson says. 

The complex would consist of 18 studio apartments with 500 square feet of space, 18 one-bedroom units with 672 square feet of space, and 36 two-bedroom apartments of 928 square feet and 1,044 square feet. 

The proposed complex also calls for 27 garages and 22 carports, Johnson says.

The project architect is Bernardo Wills Architects PC, of Spokane. McCloskey Construction will build the units, and Black Management Inc., of Spokane, will serve as the leasing agent, he says.

“While we know there will be college students living there, our research indicates there is a family market that is underserved,” Johnson says. “There is a demand in this niche and size.”

Depending on weather conditions this winter, the units could be completed in a year. 

“Cheney is a good, long-term stable market that is growing,” Johnson says.