Owens Auction Gallery, which has operated for 13 years in Spokane Valley, will move in early May to a larger building on Spokane's South Hill.

Owner Jeff Owens says the business will occupy a leased 14,500-square-foot building on the southeast corner of 17th Avenue and Ray Street and vacate its former 10,000-square-foot location at 14208 E. Sprague. The South Hill building previously was occupied by a Dollar Store outlet, which closed last June.

The building is owned by 17th and Ray Properties LLC, which is doing some improvements to the interior this month to prepare for the new tenant, says Ryan Richey, manager of 17th and Ray Properties. He declines to disclose how much is being spent on that work, but says it includes minor interior, electrical, and utility upgrades.

Owens says the auction house needed to move because the Valley location was getting tight on space, and the extra square footage at its new site will allow expansion.

Other than Owens, the business has two full-time employees. However, on auction days, the number of workers increases to 12, Owens says. The business holds a two-day weekend auction once a month and also sees clients during the week who seek consignment contracts for merchandise.

The business handles estate personal property, private collections, antiques, quality new and used furniture and furnishings, fine art, jewelry, rugs, and firearms, among other items.