The Spokane Valley office of Seattle-based BNBuilders Inc. is the apparent low bidder, at $562,000, on a project to build permanent food-and-beverage stations in lobby areas of the INB Performing Arts Center.

Kevin Twohig, Spokane Public Facilities District's executive director, says the district expects to award a contract for construction this month to build four new food-and-beverage service areas, with work scheduled to begin in July.

Integrus Architects PS, of Spokane, designed the service areas, which are expected to be completed by this fall, Twohig says. The project is being funded from the district's reserves, he adds.

Johnna Boxley, general manager for the convention center and the INB Performing Arts Center, says sections of the main lobby's west wall will be opened up with windows and counters for selling refreshments and for food-service storage. In the past, the center has relied on use of carts set up in lobby areas for selling light snacks and beverages, she says.

The project will include converting unused offices and vacant areas that are behind the west wall.

"It's using unused space to provide better service for our guests," Boxley says. "Instead of lobby carts, that service will move into the areas to make it more efficient, more attractive, and more convenient."

Boxley says the project also will involve building permanent food service areas in the upstairs lobby.

The INB offers light snack foods and drinks that are sold during breaks around performances as audience members mingle in lobby areas. Boxley says the food items that are sold usually cater to the type of performance, differing whether it's for a children's show or a Broadway musical.

"It's sometimes light hors d'oeuvres, or it's cookies," Boxley says. "It won't be full-meal service, but sometimes what's offered is more substantial than other times."