The Union Gospel Mission Association of Spokane, a faith-based nonprofit that provides services to the poor and homeless, has bought the former First Choice Auto used-car dealership property at 7103 E. Sprague and plans to expand its UGM Motors sales and service program there.

The property has a total of 2 acres of land, which includes a 24,000-square-foot sales and service structure and a sales lot. The terms of the transaction weren't disclosed.

"We were overcrowded and starting to use some of that space," says Phil Altmeyer, executive director of Union Gospel Mission, in Spokane.

The recently acquired property is next to the facilities UGM Motors currently leases, at 7209 E. Sprague, which includes a 3,600-square-foot auto showroom and a 7,000-square-foot service garage on an acre of land.

UGM Motors will continue to use its current facilities, and the property acquisition will enable it to increase its retail space, expand its inventory, and provide better customer access, Altmeyer says.

Union Gospel Mission launched UGM Motors here in 2005. UGM Motors accepts donated vehicles and fixes them up for resale.

"It's another way people can help the homeless, because proceeds from sales of donated vehicles supports our services," Altmeyer says.

UGM Motors employs 10 people and trains 10 to 15 others annually in auto detailing, limited repair, and maintenance, he says.

James S. Black III and Brian Anderson, both agents with commercial real estate brokerage NAI Black, of Spokane, handled the purchase.

The Union Gospel Mission also operates two thrift shops here.

Retail

Nu Home Brew & Bottles, a new microbrew retailer and home-brewing supplier, has leased 2,100 square feet of space at 14109 E. Sprague. Tracy Lucas and Tracy Poff, both of Kiemle & Hagood Co., and Aaron Reugh, of NAI Black, handled the transaction.

Bhupinder Singh, of Spokane, has leased 1,400 square feet of retail space formerly occupied by Save-More Automotive, at 304 E. Wellesley, and plans to open a convenience store there. Earl Engle and John Powers, both of NAI Black, handled the transaction.

Encore Clothing Exchange Co., a new, upscale used-clothes merchant, has leased 1,400 square feet of floor space in the Grand Place retail center, at 2920 S. Grand. Colin Conway, of Kiemle & Hagood Co., handled the lease.

Samaya LLC, a new Coeur d'Alene hot yoga studio, has leased 4,500 square feet of space formerly occupied by the Headmaster Beauty School, at 317 E. Coeur d'Alene. Jim Coon, of Century 21 Beutler & Associates, handled the transaction.

Office

Lakeside Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine PLLC, a Coeur d'Alene medical practice, has leased 2,200 square feet of office space on the second floor of the Chinook Medical Center, at 980 Ironwood Drive, and plans to move there in November from leased space on the third floor of the building. Craig Hunter, Rob Kannapien, and Pat Eberlin, all of Coldwell Banker Commercial Schneidmiller Realty, handled the lease.

Ambitions Inc., a support service for people with disabilities, has leased 1,400 square feet of office space at 21651 E. Country Vista Drive, and has moved its corporate operations there from its Spokane Valley office at 511 N. Argonne. Jim Koon, of Century 21 Beutler & Associates handled the transaction. Ambitions has 11 offices in Washington, Idaho, and California.