A new $8 million development at the southwest corner of Country Vista Drive and Whitman Lane is expected to bring a pediatric dental office, a Mexican cuisine restaurant, and retail space to Liberty Lake.

Those involved in overseeing projects and creating designs for school buildings say adaptability and a focus on infrastructure such as ventilation are essential as more students return to in-person classes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The five highest-value projects currently under construction in the Spokane area are all on track for their projected completion dates. Valued at a total of nearly $150 million, the top five projects include Shaw Middle School

Counter to national trends, nonresidential new construction in Spokane has remained strong through the pandemic, say local industry observers. Permit data provided by Spokane County, the city of Spokane, and the city of Spokane Valley show

The construction industry has long struggled to attract new workers to the field, an issue that has only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Spokane-based interior design company Design Source Inc. plans next year to move to a new, larger location at 502 E. Fifth, east of downtown Spokane, after a renovation of the 4,500-square-foot structure.

There was a time when one couldn't walk downtown without bumping into someone else, but now you can stand in the middle of the sidewalk with arms stretched wide and not touch another soul.

Updates to the massive facility being constructed in Spokane Valley show more markers of an Amazon project, which if true puts the e-commerce giant in the running to become one of Spokane County's largest employers.